IMira - A Chat With An Iron(wo)Man

Every year on March 8th, the world celebrates International Women’s Day to support, raise, inspire and women across all fields. To celebrate the upcoming International Women’s Day in March, I asked a few questions to a few female triathletes who manage to juggle work, family and training life; in keeping of this year’s theme of #BalanceforBetter and celebrate women’s achievements and tenaciously challenge bias.

These strong women show us that with determination and focus, women can achieve so much more. They are women who embrace the multi-sports discipline of swim-bike-run with such determination and doing it in style.

What and who is an Ironman?
An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.20 km) run, raced in that order and without a break.
(Source: Wikipedia)
For this installment, we will be featuring this strong lady who had completed her Ironman Langkawi last year and did it in style.

Thank you for spending time to answer a few of our questions. I really do appreciate it.
For the readers, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Mira Ezwany. I am a Civil Engineer by profession and I am originally from Kuala Lumpur.

First of all, why triathlon?
I have been actively running since 2009.  One day, I felt like running has become monotonous and I wanted to challenge myself and see what else I can do.  At some point in 2016, I registered for a triathlon race, started training for it and it has been fun since!
Photo credit: ET Tey
Which is the hardest discipline for you – swimming, cycling or running?
This is subjective from person to person.  From my opinion, (despite starting as a runner) running is the hardest, because is the final leg in triathlon.  When you have completed the swim and the bike, the run could make or break your race.

How do you get through that hard part to complete your race?
Every time during a race, I always hear the silent whisper from my Coach – PACE YOURSELF!

This is how I get through every triathlon race.  Don’t rush, keep your pace and ignore whoever fly past you.  My Coach said I am the “conventional steady approach type”.
Apart from the physical aspect of training, do you face any challenges or resistance from people around you in your quest to be a triathlete?
I must say, so far so good.  I’m blessed with a lot of support from family, friends and even from colleagues.  They understand my passion for the sport.

What is your typical day like?
I work in an office so it’s a typical 9 – 6 desk job.  Training usually starts after work, for about 1-2 hours.  I do my long runs on Saturday and my long rides on Sundays.

How do you fit in your training schedule between work, family and other commitments?
THIS IS HARD!

I am single and I sometimes find myself absolutely knackered to even manage myself. However I try my best to follow the training schedule.  I make sure work is all done by 6pm and let my siblings know about my weekend schedule.  Other errands and commitments will be done in the weekend, after my training.  But if something’s really permitting, I get priorities done first.

I’m sure training hasn’t been a walk in the park, what motivates and inspires you to keep going?
Oh no it hasn’t.  Sometimes I feel totally worn out, and I just want to sleep.  But I always remember, ‘do what you love, love what you do’.  I always talk to friends and share our ups and downs during trainings or races.  Not everything fits into everyone’s schedule.

How do you get through tough days?
If I'm really tired, I keep my training short and I rest a lot more.  There’s no point of forcing yourself to train with a tired body.  We have to listen to our body too.  We are trying to be strong, but we are not machines.  And I also love getting massages.  One of the best way to relax the body, mind and soul.  We have to stay sane though the insanity. 
What’s your most memorable experience in doing triathlons?
Every race comes with a different experience.  One could have a terrible swim, but excellent bike and run.  Having done all triathlon distances from Sprint to Iron, I am mostly proud of conquering my fear in open water swimming.
What’s your proudest achievement to-date?
When I crossed the finish line for Ironman Malaysia 2018.  My first attempt at Iron Distance and I am proud to have done it in Malaysia.  The best experience ever, no doubt.  From committing to months long of training, preparation for the race and the race itself.

Any funny or silly moments you want to share too?
When I first started using cleat shoes for cycling.  I forgot to un-cleat my shoes, so I fell off from my bicycle, at a traffic light junction, and the light was ON RED.  Of course my friends helped me get back up, and laughed at the same time.  And usually, if someone fell of their bicycle, the first thing to check is the bicycle, then only the person. Silly heheh

Do you have a favourite gear or outfit that you have to have during your race?
Sports hijab, visor, sunglasses.

Do you have any favourite brands?
Raqtive - 2XU - Goodr
(Editor: take note, brands...)

What’s next for you?
2019, I'm going to take it easy this year.  More selective on races, and hopefully to be consistently training as well.  Probably going to repeat the same races as last year.  However, I will limit myself to maximum of half iron distance only.

Will you be competing in Ironman in other parts of the world too?
One day hopefully, when the fund is sufficient. I am still deciding on races in Asia region.
Any advice or tips for those who are starting out or plan to enter this wonderful, exciting world of triathlons?
Rome is not build in a day.  So does triathlon.  I would advise to start with shorter distances before going for the big ones.  Put in effort in your training and never give up.  Refer to other experienced triathletes for tips and tricks on training, racing and nutrition.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions and we wish you the best for your future races!
The pleasure is mine.  Thank you very much.

Comments

  1. She is a very strong and passionate woman, I salute her.

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  2. I have a good number of male Ironman friends today. Honestly I salute Ironwoman like Mira more because it is so tough to achieve that. Well done Mira.




    Now Letchumy wanna try too.... (Ssshh!)

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    Replies
    1. Wahhhh! All the best Letchumy!
      Anay will get a nice holiday in Langkawi! Haha

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  3. Another superwoman! Bravo!

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  4. Another courageous and diligent woman with determination! Good advice to listen to our bodies and rest when required.

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  5. She is like 1 million times better than me. bahaha :D I wish I could be an ironman one day before I die. :D

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    Replies
    1. She really invested time and effort to be an Ironman. It's definitely not for those who only can commit to weekend workouts. Hehe

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