28/10/2024
Yes, it is true - I'm going to the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawai'i.
First, a little bit of context:
Last week marked one year since I finished my first Ironman 70.3, in Cascais.
The journey was rocky at times but, even thought I was limping, I finished the deal and crossed the finish line. It was a massive win and one that sparked the need for more.
I was quite open about the goal of finishing the full Ironman distance - that was the ultimate goal and still is. But the recovery (which is still underway) is taking way more than I expected.
Not being able to train set the tone. Work load is consistently increasing, great opportunities rising and worth pursuing, baby girl demanding more attention - heck, she will never be 1 year old again!
The outcome was that I slipped on my own health focus, losing most of the fitness I had gained. I'm not as healthy, strong and happy as I know I can be - as I was one year ago.
This is the reason to jump again on the Ironman wagon, to live the "triathlete" lifestyle again while balancing it out with being a father and my professional projects.
Aiming at Kona started as a crazy idea. My wife and I had the absolute privilege and luck to be able to spend our honeymoon in Hawai'i. We loved it.
As I was boarding the plane to return home, I found myself thinking about how insanely awesome it would be to return for the Ironman world championship in Kona, Hawai'i... The idea lingered, so I'm tackling it!
Today, I have absolutely excited to share that I am starting the "Project ", the project of qualifying and taking the starting line in Kona during my lifetime - hopefully in the next 5 to 10 years.
Different from most races in which you just need to register, for Kona you need to qualify by finishing in a top position in other Ironman races. Each one gives different number of slots for the world championships but, either way, it will tough: in normal circumstances, you'll need a finish time around 9h to hope to get your slot.
Is it possible? Of course!
Is it hard? Definitely!
Will I make it? Absolutely!
The reason I'm making it public and want to share the ride are these three reasons:
1. I want to make a public record of the journey, the ups and downs, the wins and losses, documenting the path forward;
2. You will be my accountability partner and help me stick with it along the way;
3. I hope I can influence you and motivate you to take on a big challenge for your health.
This is the ultimate reason to be sharing with you.
The first time I was called an influencer was a few years back, after a talk in Chennai, India. Some of the attendees told me "you are a real-life influencer". I shrug it off thinking "how could I possibly influence people...?".
But the fact is that I'm seeing more and more people around me taking charge of themselves, starting to work on their fitness and challenging themselves towards bigger goals. In fact, last week one of my best men showed up at my door during the middle of the afternoon asking for water as he was running from home - a scene I never expected to see in a million years, specially because the weekend before he was just laughing when I shared with him this project... When I asked him why he decided to run, his answer was "our chat in the weekend poked me to start".
If I can poke you to take on a challenge and get stronger, healthier and happier along the way, this project has served a bigger purpose than just my personal goal. It will be worthy.
So, how can you stay updated about this journey?
There are 3 ways:
1. Sign up for a newsletter ( https://www.primehumanperformance.com/road2kona ) - I'll send updates on broad topics, such as training options, strategies, doubts, material, etc)
2. Follow me on IG https://www.instagram.com/stories/biohackingmd/ - I'll be sharing information and updates about the "triathlete lifestyle" and how I will be balancing my professional projects
3. Follow me on Strava https://www.strava.com/athletes/37250637 - all my training sessions will be logged there.
Whether or not this will speak to you and you want to tag along, look around you and give a pad on the back to those trying to overcome their physical (and mental!!!) limits by tackling endurance efforts. They will definitely appreciate - as I will.
Thanks!
