A few moments – this is how long it took me to decide to compete in an IronMan race. It was a spontaneous choice, one not preceded by thorough analysis. Sometimes one simply has to take a leap of faith. But now, as I look back and think of what motivated me in the first place, I understand my decision better.
Three years ago, I had a near-death experience. I got badly sick and stayed in a hospital for more than two months. It was hard, both physically and mentally, but somehow, by natural surviving instinct, I kept fighting. And when I finally left the hospital bed, I was physically deeply weakened. That’s when I decided to join Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort to recover.
After few months of physical exercises, a plant-based diet and meditation sessions I was back in shape, amazed by the potential of the body to recover in such a short time. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and changed my mindset forever, and when few months ago a friend suggested I should compete in IronMan Danang, something just clicked. This was exactly what I needed to go again out of my comfort zone and re-strengthen my body and mind.
So I began training, not on my own though and not just anywhere. The name itself – IronMan – has a certain weight to it, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s not enough to simply do a little running, swimming and cycling to complete, let alone seriously compete in an IronMan race. Luckily I knew exactly who could help me achieve my goal – the same center that helped me during my post hospital recovery. Thanyapura not only provides world-class training facilities, professional coaches, optimal nutrition meals, mental training, alternative medicine services and wellness treatments but is also a worldwide renowned Triathlon Training Center – a perfect place to start on my road to IronMan.
The three days of pre-training were filled with mind training, specialist consultations and yoga. It started by a session with Ekkarat “Ricky” Phantip, Thanyapura’s Triathlon Head Coach, who asked about my goals, current endurance and training habits. Based on this information, he calculated the number of weeks left to the race and designed a personalized training program. Two 1.5 hours long of training sessions per day, with a single day off every three days – seemed like a lot compared to what I was used to do, but I believed I could do it.
After checking my general health conditions, the Medical Center team sent me off to Marcela Prats, Thanyapura’s nutritionist. Nutrition plays a very important role in managing one’s energy levels which reflects on performance. Good diet increases physical and mental potential. Following my training plan and my food preferences, Marcela designed a personalized dietary plan – many small meals throughout the day, lots of vegetables, good quality carbs from fruits and whole grains, healthy natural proteins and good fats.
Later on, I was assessed by a physiotherapist, who checked my body structure, symmetry and recommended me to join yoga classes to improve my body balance. I discovered a new kind of yoga which helped me a lot: Yin Yoga. It forces one to stay in uncomfortable position for up to 20 minutes. The long duration of the poses targets the connective tissues, bones and joints, improving flexibility and strengthening the mind – something very useful for those eight hours of pain that IronMan is.
As for the pain, a trained mind can overcome it. My mind training sessions were conducted by Pierre Gagnon. Together we worked on concentration, emotional balance and inner peace – those guided meditations made my morning routines. What’s a better way to start your day than with a positive mindset and serenity?
Am I ready for the big race day? Physically – I’m working on it. The training sessions are becoming harder and harder, but I feel my body becoming stronger with each passing day. However, it’s not just my muscles that I feel growing. It’s also my mind that is getting stronger. Excuses are a thing of the past, new found discipline fits me like a well-worn shoe and I’m as confident as I’ve ever been. I haven’t even reached the start line yet, but I feel I already won. In my head, I already am an IronWoman.
Adelaide Castano
