MULTISPORT
Solo 70.3 for
Education
I recently took up triathlons , focusing on the Ironman 70.3 races , and completed my first two races , although unofficially , but I would like my training and racing to have more purpose and meaning than only the pure satisfaction of completing a race . I have , therefore married my two passions , triathlon and education . – BY CARLA ANNAS
Carla Annas during the bike leg of her second solo Ironman 70.3
Towards the end of last year , a vague thought , or perhaps more of a dream , slowly started forming , and soon it was at the forefront of my mind . I wanted to do an Ironman 70.3 race . For those that might not know , that is a triathlon where the total distance , in miles , measures up to 70.3 . Broken down , it is a 1.9km swim , a 90.1km cycle , and then a 21.1km run . I have
Carla is often in the Caribbean , working on luxury yachts
always been a sporty , active person , and at some point in my life I had done all three disciplines , but never together .
I then decided that now was a good as time as any to start training and do a race . The best way to start is to just pick a race , sign up for it , and you are set , with a goal that you can work towards . So , I signed up for the Gqeberha Ironman 70.3 race on 4 April 2022 , and then signed up for the Durban Ironman 70.3 on 5 June as well , as I thought I could do both .
Training at Sea
I work as a Chief Stewardess on a yacht , and with my current contract , I work three months on , and then have three months off . So , even though I was at sea at the beginning of December 2021 , my training nevertheless started , while the boat crossed from Europe to the Caribbean . I had bought a book online that contained a four-month training programme and all I had to do was follow it . The book also told me everything I needed to know about the race , how to prepare for it , what equipment I needed , what training to do , how to correct my technique , and more . It really was a complete guide .
However , what made training complicated is the fact that on a boat , I am limited with time and equipment , so I just need to ensure that I train when I can , and improvise with my training . For example , I have my trusty bike on board , and have a trainer I can attach it to , and strength training I can do in my cabin , as I don ’ t need much space or equipment , but for running and swimming … well , it just depends on where the boat is , and whether we can get ashore or not .
When we were at anchor for a few days , I was able to swim around the boat as practice . Some of the crew were super supportive and would take turns to swim with me . Once when we were in port , I swam in the bay and one of the crew came with on a paddle board , because I do not like swimming in the ocean on my own . It just freaks me out a bit too much . When we were in port in early January , I also had a deal with a local hotel that I was allowed to use their swimming pool twice a week in the early morning hours . It was
Images : Courtesy Carla Annas
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