By Benjamin Yadav
Ironmen were among mere mortals at the Bhojpur Club yesterday to recount their triathlon experiences to inspire other athletically-inclined members to the same pursuit.
Learner’s Corner was organized for Ironman competitors Zamran and Sameer to share all they have learned from their endless hours spent cycling, running, and swimming, while training and in competition.
During an Ironman contest there is plenty of time to reflect: precisely the time it takes to swim 3.9km, cycle 180.2km and run a Marathon, i.e. 42.2km. The name Ironman is not unjustified as it is widely considered one of the most intense one-day sporting events in the world.
Audience members were engaged and were no foreigners to cardiovascular examination. ‘Frankfurt Triathlon’ was blazoned across the jersey of one audience member. ‘Run Bhopal Run’ commanded another man’s t-shirt. Suffice to say some of the city’s leanest had joined for the talk.
The iron pair provided a presentation detailing the preparation and execution of their recent competition in northern Italy.
A video clip from one video offered a rare sight – some eager swimmers in the Upper Lake with Hamidia Hospital standing tall in the background. All part of the preparation.
Another video showed one of the pair in full lycras cycling along an empty Airport Road. Further photos showed the pair dressed in brightly colored garb for a run in Van Vihar.
The way to Italy, they said, was fraught with challenges, including a bicycle lost by an airline, costly taxis and heavy rain and wind to welcome them there.
On the day, the weather was fair and the pair made their way through the grueling course with smiles, one achieving an impressive time.
At the finish line there was elation, accompanied of course by proudly waved Indian flags.
Their welcome home was befitting, with family, flower garlands and dhol drummers waiting for them at arrivals.
Sameer’s advice for any future Ironman contenders was to get the psychology right: Tell yourself it is easy, even though you know it isn’t.
Zamran’s approach was a little more balanced: “You have to be confident, but not overconfident.”
The pair received mementos from the Bhojpur Club for their talk and were given an impressive cake with an image of their medalled selves on the icing.
Slices of cake have scarcely been so richly deserved.
