Swim 3.8km/2.4miles
Being an Ironman triathlete is a way of life. It requires a 5 month (at least) build up to a major race, often training between 10 and 15 hours a week all year around. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted and demands a tremendous amount of discipline.
Having reached the age where running around on a football or rugby pitch is not recommended and not quite ready to gracefully stay on the golf course, I decided to take up triathlons. I love swimming, did a lot of biking when I was in school and am still getting used to running!
I enjoy the consistent approach that safe endurance racing demands and having a target race keeps me more motivated through the cold winter months.
Bike 180kms/112miles
You meet some great people at triathlons from all around the world, and it’s inspiring to see some of the 60 year old guys still zipping around the course (and going past me on the run!). I have learned a lot about nutrition, safe exercising and of course about executing a plan.
Some triathlon links:
Official Association in China In Mandarin. Calendar of official ITU sanctioned races in China.
Clubs:
Shanghai Tri Club Expat focused. Join their Yahoo Groups - shanghaitriclub@yahoogroups.com - for updates about training, equipment, races and training camps.
Shanghai Triathlon Club Local Expat mix. Join their Google Groups - ironmanchina@googlegroups.com - for local races updates, logistics on local races. Triathlons, Duathlons, running, bike and swim races. They post in English and Chinese.
Run a marathon!
Races:
Ironman China WTC sanctioned race with 50 Kona slots.
Other links:
11 lessons from a Triathlon Race by Warwick John Fahy
IM Talk - Two New Zealanders talk shop on the world of Ironman
Warwick was featured on Episode 182. Listen to my question on how to prepare for point-to-point swim races and how to race in hot conditions. Bevan and John also managed to plug my book. Thanks guys!
Brag for the rest of your life!
