NASSER AL MOHANNADI WAS ONE OF THE FIRST QATARIS TO EVER COMPLETE THE IRONMAN RACE IN SOUTH AFRICA BACK IN 2016. NOW ATHLETE TURNED AUTHOR, IS BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH HIS LATEST BOOK, HOW TO BE AN IRONMAN. THE AUTHOR CHATS WITH QH FOR AN INSIGHT ON HIS NEW ACHIEVEMENT.
As with any big project, difficult undertaking or challenge, the key to success is strategic planning. I tried to anticipate every aspect of the race beforehand so that I would be as prepared as possible for the actual race when it happened. I know that there are obviously some unexpected challenges that you cannot prepare for, but if you plan well enough you can keep the unexpected to a minimum. There were a lot of times that the challenge seemed daunting; it took patience and commitment to get to a point when I felt ready to participate in the race. There is a widely-belief notion that once you simply start exercising or training you will see results and improvements immediately. This is definitely not true. The process is long and arduous but it can be done. It was extremely difficult at times to persevere, but without strategic planning, patience and commitment, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.
What was the best advice you were given before entering the race?
I was told to always think positive when facing challenges. This great advice really helped me focus on things that I could control during the race without being discouraged by things out of my control. I also really believe this is great advice for life in general. Our actions and mindset are inextricably linked, so if you focus positively on things you can control in your life, it will help you balance those things that are out of your control.
You subsequently wrote: How to Be an Ironman, where you take the reader through your journey. How did that book come about?
This is my first foray into publishing and I really enjoyed it. It’s important to me that I leave a legacy of sorts to next generations in Qatar. I overcame a lot of cultural and societal challenges on my path towards completing the race and I think it’s important for others to be able to have an example that with hard work and determination, dreams can come true.
Can you give us the scoop on the process of the book? So many people were interested in my story once they learned of my goals prior to the race and the idea of writing it into a book. I started by recording my
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You were one of the first Qataris to complete the Ironman Race in South Africa back in 2016. How did you prepare for such a grueling competition?
memories of the actual race right after I finished it and then worked backwards through my memories to recapture the training process and reflect on that. Publishing a book is something new to me and I had to really immerse myself into the world of publishing. Like anything I do, I did it with full commitment and passion so I actually traveled overseas to visit book fairs and met with different publishing houses and experts to learn more. When I met with Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, it was an instant compatibility because they provide a great platform for emerging Qatari authors. They supported me throughout the editorial process and are just as passionate about my book and its content as I am.
Three things you’ve learned after writing your book? 1. Pick a publishing house that aligns with your goals and that has a team that not only cares about the commercial success of the book, but one that cares for the actual content of your book and for your development as a writer. 2. I have a lot to learn about writing narratives! I learned that the best tool was my voice recordings as I made them right after the events happened and there was so much passion in my experiences, as I was speaking from the heart. In the future, I plan to write from the heart as well. 3. I learned that it is imperative to be open and welcome constructive comments about writing from experts.
Can you gives us an insight on what readers can expect when reading, How to Be an Ironman?
This book serves two types of audiences:
Those who like to read stories and as well for those who care for human development and management. I think that is what has made it a huge success. It combines remarkable human experiences and achievements with actual advice on how to apply the lessons I learned to your own life.
What would you advise anyone who is going through difficult moments in their lives and are planning to quit?
I really believe that life without setting goals is like running through a maze without a plan: you’ll get nowhere, fast. The Ironman race, and training for endurance sports in general, has taught me how to set a goal and how to achieve it. I would definitely advise anyone going through difficult moments in their life to stop for a second, and plan out the path to their ‘finish line’ or ultimate goal. And sometimes that may mean that quitting is the right solution, until you can strategize differently or once again to find a different path that works for you. The finish line is always there: you just need to plan how to reach it, focus on your goal, be patient with your progress, and believe you can do it.
Have you set a new challenge, if so, can you share it with us?
Yes, I have! It’s confidential and will be announced soon. It is definitely something to do with physical endurance sports. I believe that sports teach us mental skills, build our confidence, and encourage us to get up even after falling down.
And last but not least, who was your biggest inspiration for the race and writing this book?
My Mother: For teaching me the value of planning; my father: For showing me that nothing is impossible.
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