Lok Sabha MP Tejasvi Surya becomes the first member of parliament to complete an Ironman triathlon 70.3. Surya, who was previously part of a relay team in 2022 where he completed the 90 km cycling segment, finished the entire distance this year, within 8 hours, 27 minutes, and 32 seconds. The triathlon challenge was held in Goa which comprised 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling, and 21.1 km of running with the participants travelling up to 113 kilometres (or 70.3 miles) during the whole event.
The 33-year-old MP gave credits to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Fit India' movement as the inspiration that led him to take up the challenge. He took to X to share how he achieved this challenge.
The Ironman 70.3 Goa, known for attracting athletes from over 50 countries, has become a premier event for athletes and fitness enthusiasts in India and across the World. The challenge involves a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycling segment, and a 21.1km run, covering a total distance of… pic.twitter.com/jUDpjKccwU
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) October 27, 2024
“The Ironman 70.3 Goa, known for attracting athletes from over 50 countries, has become a premier event for athletes and fitness enthusiasts in India and across the World. The challenge involves a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycling segment, and a 21.1km run, covering a total distance of 113km. This is the ultimate test of one’s endurance and physical and mental fitness.
Over the last 4 months, I have trained rigorously to improve my fitness and as a result, am happy to share that I have completed this challenge!
The inspiration itself goes back to the #FitIndia initiative kickstarted by PM @narendramodi ji, which helped me reflect on my fitness goals. As a young nation chasing big ambitions, we must nurture our physical fitness and become a healthier nation. An endeavour to become fit also makes you more disciplined and confident, which improves the chances of your success in any venture that you undertake.
#FitIndia movement goes a long way in increasing this awareness and bringing more people on to fitness routines, that are so essentially needed for our nation!
As a finisher in this daunting challenge, I can attest to the young folks that fitness goals really push your boundaries, and make you a better individual. I appeal to all fence sitters and perpetual planners to hop onto this journey and make progress!” Surya’s post read on X.
What Is Ironman 70.3 Challenge And How To Prepare For It?
The Ironman 70.3 triathlon is a challenging sequence of a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km run, totaling 113 km.
Here are some expert tips to help you prepare for this demanding race:
– Develop a Structured Training Plan
The Ironman 70.3 is a test of endurance, strength, and stamina. To succeed, it’s crucial to follow a well-structured training plan. You need to train for three disciplines—swimming, cycling, and running—each of which demands a different set of skills and conditioning. Start by building a strong base for all three, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts. Seek guidance from experienced triathletes or coaches to help you customize a plan suited to your fitness level.
– Balance Between Strength and Endurance
While endurance is key, building strength is equally important. Incorporating strength training exercises into your routine will help improve muscle stability, reduce the risk of injury, and boost your performance in all three disciplines. Focus on functional movements and compound exercises such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts, which help strengthen your core and legs.
– Fuel Your Body Right
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in preparing for an Ironman triathlon. Your body requires a balanced diet that provides the energy needed to sustain long workouts and recover effectively. Include a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Hydration is also critical—make sure you stay well-hydrated before, during, and after training sessions. Learn how to fuel your body during the race by practising with energy gels, drinks, or snacks while training.
– Build Mental Toughness
The Ironman 70.3 is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. There will be moments of doubt and exhaustion during the race, and mental toughness is what will keep you going. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as visualization and positive self-talk, to prepare for the mental hurdles. Break down the race into smaller segments to make the challenge feel more manageable, and stay focused on your goal throughout the race.
– Rest and Recovery
Rest is often underestimated, but it’s a crucial part of your preparation. Overtraining can lead to burnout and injury, so it’s essential to schedule rest days and allow your body to recover. Proper sleep, stretching, and activities like yoga can aid in recovery, helping your body recharge for the next round of training.
– Test Your Gear
Whether it’s your bike, shoes, or wetsuit, make sure to test all of your gear well before race day. Comfort and efficiency are essential during such a long race, and you don’t want any surprises on the day of the event. Familiarize yourself with transition setups and ensure your equipment is in optimal condition.