Training for triathlon
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TALES IN TRIATHLON - GEORGE PAPADAKOS
No doubt by the end of 70.3 miles this Saturday, Heather Cassidy and Kathy Sinden will have earned themselves some much deserved down time.
They are both taking on the Rose City Half Iron distance triathlon in Welland, Ontario, where they will swim two kilometres, bike 90 kilometres and then run a half marathon. Sound like fun, it is, with some preparation.
What I've learned from sitting down with these two competitive individuals, is that the journey to the start line has taught them a lot about themselves, and that hard work pays off.
Heather and Kathy have both been racing triathlons for more than a decade, and after a banner year for Heather in 2013, she coaxed Kathy into racing the Half iron distance. A distance you definitely need to do some adequate preparation to not only compete, but finish.
They have been training for several months now, and average about 12-16 hours a week. Balanced with full time jobs, and busy households makes for a very time crunched schedule to get necessary training done.
They both love the training and being able to do what others can't. But one thing remains constant, making sure that they're supporting their biggest fans, their kids, who have them running 5-6 days a week. They find the majority of their training time on the weekends, but still fit good quality training sessions on lunch breaks, before kids get home from school or after they've gone to bed.
Heather and Kathy both stressed that having, and setting goals is necessary not only in athletic endeavours but also in everyday life as well. They were both adamant that living a healthy lifestyle is the key to their longevity, and sets a good example for their kids to follow.
Are you excited about racing this weekend?
Heather's pre-race goals are to finish(hopefully under 6 hours), and with a smile on her face. Kathy has acquired an upper hamstring injury that may prevent her from doing what she does best, competing.
"I can swim and bike, but the run is killing me," Kathy said while trying to stretch out an obviously tight limb. Kathy was hoping that a week of massage from sister-in-law Shelagh, and a few acupuncture treatments might get her to the finish line. "If not I will just do the swim-bike portion".
Although the distance is tough, both racers have a great swim background that will allow them to be somewhere near the front in their age groups after the swim. "I'm hoping to have a great bike", Heather explained, "and free of any flat tires or crashes".
"Once I get to the run, I can relax knowing that those disciplines are behind me", she added. Heather is a multiple Around the Bay 30km finisher, so 21km is right in her wheelhouse.
Kathy's attention to her injury gave her little cause to worry. But is hoping that with a little more rest this week and some massage, she'll be ready for race day. "If it was a 10km run I would just muscle through it, but 21km is a bit more involved," Kathy explained, now doubt hinting that if you want something bad enough it's worth the pain. "It's frustrating to invest all the training, and not be able to compete at the level I'm capable of".
Heather and Kathy are a prime examples of busy people that can accomplish extraordinary feats when you put forth a concerted effort. They both urge people that are thinking about triathlon to try one. "There are try-a-tri races that are smaller and allow newbies to experience the triathlon world", Kathy explained "and without having to commit to countless hours of training and expensive race entry fees", Heather added.
From my experience races can go either way. You can have a great race when you're not ready, and thusly have a bad race when you are. Enjoy the experience and please smile when you cross that finish line.
Heather and Kathy, I wish you both nothing but the best of luck, and may the wind be at your back.
Until I meet you at the start line, train smart and have fun.
For more information please contact George at triathlongeorge@hotmail.com.