“I set my sights on the Ironman distance, just to see if I was up to it …” — triathlete Shawn Leong

Interview by Les Tan/Red Sports

The Kona Ironman is the pinnacle event for triathletes. Unlike most triathlon events, just because you can pay doesn’t mean you can take part.

There are only a few ways to get to Kona — qualify outright or win a lottery.

Shawn Ann Leong is one such talented Singaporean woman who qualified outright for a spot in the women’s 50-54 years category in the 2009 Kona Ironman at the age of 50.

While triathletes in their tens of thousands try, only 1,800 get to the starting line in Hawaii to go on an epic 3.86km swim, 180.2km bike ride and a 42km marathon run.

Red Sports caught up with the remarkable Shawn for an interview.

Red Sports: What made you start triathlons?
Shawn: I’ve always been interested in athletics since school days, and a few years ago I took up jogging and cycling with some friends for the health benefits. My boss at the time was keen on triathlons and he encouraged me to do my first race in 2004.

Red Sports: What was your first triathlon?
Shawn: The New Balance Corporate in year 2004.

Red Sports: How did you decide to get into the Ironman Triathlon? Was it a gradual decision? Was there a trigger event?
Shawn: I completed my first Corporate Triathlon in year 2004 and it seemed natural to me that the next move was to graduate to an Olympic Distance. After it was the more challenging Half Ironman Distance.

Then in 2006, after three years of racing in many Olympic Distance and Half Ironman Distance events, I set my sights on the Ironman distance, just to see if I was up to it. But I was advised — and even warned — try it out and I was told that it was achievable so long as the preparation was steady and consistent.

It’s the training that counts.

Red Sports: How did you juggle training and work commitments?
Shawn: This was always difficult, of course, and I had to divide my time not only between work and training but also with my children. During the weekdays, I’d train mornings and evenings after work.

Weekends were spent biking or running long distances. Most of the weekends are burned if there is a race coming up and if there are no races to worry about that gives me time with the family.

Red Sports: What was your training like at its peak?
Shawn: All of the above and a bit more! It would also involve swimming and fortunately I live fairly near a sports centre which has a pool and good exercise equipment.

Red Sports: What is it about triathlons that you appreciate?
Shawn: For me it’s the satisfaction of rising to the challenge and completing the course. It’s also exhilarating experience testing my physical endurance and determination to the limit. Crossing the finish line is the best part, of course!

Red Sports: What kind of sports were you involved in when you were in school?
Shawn: Track & field.

Red Sports: For the record, could you tell us your timing at the Ironman this year at Kona?
Shawn: 16 hrs 13 mins (3.8km swim/180km bike/42km run)

Red Sports: What do your friends and/or family think of your hobby?
Shawn: Yes, my children are always very proud of their mother. My boss, colleagues and friends all are very proud of me and very amazed that how one can juggle between work, family life and prepare for such long races.

Red Sports: Anything else you would like to share with our readers on Red Sports?
Shawn: Have faith in yourself and do the proper training. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and if you can get a coach to give you guidance that will give you an advantage. Do not be overly aggressive with your short-term objectives; because training the body is like building blocks, it takes time to build a good base, so have patience.

Another important thing is to have regular medical check-ups, especially one before you start your sporting lifestyle. If you take up such an active life to reduce weight or have any medical problems at all you must consult your family doctor.

Shawn’s Endurance Resume

Ironman Distance – Swim-3.8km/Bike –180km/ Run–42km
Ironman Langkawi – 2007
Ironman China – 2009
Ironman Kona Hawaii – 2009

Half Ironman Distance – Swim 1.8km Bike – 90km Run – 21km
Desaru Half Long Distance – 2004
Desaru Half Long Distance – 2005
Desaru Half Long Distance – 2009
Aviva 70.3 Distance – 2009

Triathlon –Olympic Distance
Swim– 1.5km Bike– 40km Run – 10km

Singapore Triathlon – 2004 / 2005 / 2006 / 2007
Osim Triathlon – 2004 / 2005 / 2006 / 2007

Port Dickson – 2005
A Famosa – 2005
Tribob Bintan – 2005
Laguna Phuket – 2004

Full Marathon – 42km
Standard Chartered Marathon – 2004
Standard Chartered Marathon – 2005
Standard Chartered Marathon – 2006
Standard Chartered Marathon – 2007
Standard Chartered Marathon – 2008
Sundown Marathon – 2008
Sundown Marathon – 2009

Half Marathon – 21km
Safra Sheares Bridge Run – 2005
Safra Sheares Bridge Run – 2006
Safra Sheares Bridge Run – 2007
Safra Sheares Bridge Run – 2008
Safra Sheares Bridge Run – 2009

New Balance Real Run – Run – 15km – 2005
Singapore Johore Bridge – Run – 21km – 2005 / 2006
Great Eastern Run – 10km – 2006

Charity Swim – 5km – 2005
Charity Swim – 5km – 2008
Fuji Zerox Open Water Swim – 3km – 2006

Army Biathlon – Swim 1.5km Run – 10km – 2005
SACA Road Bike Race – 50km – 2004

Duathlon – Run – 10km Bike – 60km Run – 10km

Powerman Malakoff – 2005 (3 times)
Singapore Dualthon – 2006