Top 10 Lessons from My Journey: From Beginner to IRONMAN Finisher

As a super beginner triathlete who eventually became an Ironman, my journey to the iron distance has been filled with learning, growth, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in this demanding yet rewarding sport. The journey wasn’t easy, as there are no athletes in our family. Our definition of exercise was going to the mall or the grocery store, either to eat or buy snacks.

Looking back, there are certainly a few things that helped transform me from a couch potato into a triathlete who overachieved in this sport (by my definition of success).

Here’s what I learned from my experiences, which I hope will inspire and guide others embarking on a similar path.

My Journey from Beginner Triathlete to Ironman: Lessons and Tips

Embarking on the triathlon journey, I started as a novice, who, like most, got peer pressured into this sport. I began as an Underwater Hockey player before joining the AMCI Mountaineering Club. From there, I started my foray into runs, joining 3k’s, 5k’s, 10k’s, 15k’s, 21k’s, 42k’s, before joining my first multisport event, which was an aquathlon. Then, I joined duathlons and participated in my first sprint triathlon. (I did relay in triathlon first before embarking solo!)

Through years of training, racing, and immersing myself in the multisport world, I’ve gathered invaluable insights. Here are the key lessons from my journey:

1. Passion Fuels Progress: The first step in this journey was fueled by a burning passion for the sport. Triathlon is more than a physical challenge; it’s a commitment that tests your mental and emotional strength. Embracing each discipline with passion is essential. Social media wasn’t big back then, but most of the motivation (like most beginners) remains the same. It’s about proving to yourself that you are more than who you thought you were and that anything is possible.
2. The Importance of Structured Training: I quickly learned that random workouts wouldn’t cut it. Structured training, balancing the three disciplines, and progressively increasing intensity were key to improving without burning out. Also, you need to enjoy it and have fun. Triathlon, while considered a solo sport, is best enjoyed when done with a group of friends, especially during training! The race is basically just the end result of the journey, which is the training!
3. Investing in Quality Gear: The right gear can significantly enhance performance. From a reliable bike to a comfortable tri suit, investing in quality equipment made a noticeable difference in my training and racing. Notice that I mentioned quality and not expensive?There’s a saying that you should train as you race. So investing in gear that will last from training to actual race day is a must. My first 3 IRONMAN races and all the training was done in an Argon 18 bike which costs Php 38,000.
4. Nutrition and Hydration are Critical: As they say, nutrition is the fourth discipline in triathlon. Proper nutrition and staying hydrated became as important as the physical training. A balanced diet and adequate hydration are crucial for endurance and recovery.I’ve had so many races where I nailed the training yet screwed up the hydration part. In my beginner years, I only took in my nutrition during race day and never bothered practicing it during training. It’s literally like playing Russian roulette on race day, hoping everything would pan out.
5. Learning is Continuous: I sought knowledge from every possible source – coaches, fellow athletes, books, and online resources. Each piece of advice, no matter how small, contributed to my growth.Don’t be too prideful, thinking you already know everything there is to know about this sport. If the top triathletes in the world still follow their coaches, who most of the time are weaker than them, why shouldn’t you? The best way to learn is to ask!
6. Efficient Transitions Save Time: Transitioning smoothly between swim, bike, and run is a skill that can save precious minutes. I practiced transitions to ensure they were quick and seamless. I started doing this after my first IRONMAN triathlon, wherein I took my time in T1 and may have overdone it. All those months in the pool trying to shave minutes off my swim time, I negated simply because I decided to chill in T1 and chat with other athletes. Hehe.
7. Listening to My Body: Recognizing the difference between pushing limits and risking injury was crucial. I learned to listen to my body, understanding when to intensify training and when to rest. In our training programs, we trained based on feel and not heart rate. That enabled us to have a gut feel of our training intensity and know when we’re overdoing it. While heart rate-based training is okay, the downside of it is that it’s very erratic. A simple lack of sleep will screw up your heart rate the next day.
8. Mental Strength is Key: Developing mental toughness was as important as physical training. Strategies to maintain focus and positivity, especially during challenging phases, were vital. I can’t remember for certain if it was IRONMAN legend Craig Alexander who mentioned that he rode for six hours on the trainer staring at a dot on the wall. But after reading it, I figured it made so much sense as IRONMAN is all about mental toughness.And so I did just that. I faced my trainer with my bike on the wall and rode for 6 1/2 hours looking at a dot on the wall. And though it made me a lot tougher, I also never did it again. Hehe.
9. Starting with Smaller Races: Before tackling an Ironman, participating in shorter races was invaluable. Each race was a learning experience, helping me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. That is literally the mantra of the SBR.ph Tri Series and why it’s set that way. You join an aquathlon first, a duathlon, before competing in your first triathlon.
10. Enjoying the Journey: Perhaps the most important lesson was to enjoy every moment. Celebrating small victories and learning from setbacks made the journey towards becoming an Ironman as rewarding as the race itself. Make all the mistakes you can and have as much fun as possible. It’s all about longevity in this sport. What’s important is that this sport becomes your lifestyle and not just your hobby.

Transitioning from a beginner to an Ironman is a journey of dedication, discipline, and continuous learning. It’s about finding what works for you, staying consistent, and most importantly, enjoying every step of the journey. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for that Ironman finish line, remember, it’s the passion for the sport and the joy of the journey that truly counts.

I want to clarify that my intention is not to boast. My journey from a beginner to an Ironman finisher is shared with the sole purpose of providing insights and inspiration. It is my hope that by revealing both the triumphs and the challenges I encountered, others can learn valuable lessons and find motivation in their own triathlon journeys. This sport has been a transformative experience for me, and if my story can encourage even one person to take that first step or push a little harder towards their goals, then sharing these experiences will have been worthwhile. Remember, every Ironman’s journey begins with a single stroke, pedal, or step. Your journey is waiting for you.

Comments

comments