Lok Sabha MP Tejasvi Surya has become the first Member of Parliament to accomplish this Ironman Triathlon 70.3. Surya, who was earlier part of the relay team in 2022 where he completed the 90 km cycling segment, completed the entire distance this year in under 8 hours, 27 minutes and 32 seconds. The triathlon challenge was held in Goa consisting of 1.9 km float90 km cycling, and 21.1 km run During the entire event, participants traveled up to 113 kilometers (or 70.3 miles).

The 33-year-old MP credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India’ movement as the inspiration that prompted him to take up the challenge. He shared with X how he achieved this challenge.

“Ironman 70.3 Goa, which is known to attract athletes from over 50 countries, has become a premier event for athletes and fitness enthusiasts in India and across the world. The challenge consists of a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km cycling segment and a 21.1 km run, covering a total distance of 113 km. It is the ultimate test of one’s stamina and physical and mental fitness.

Over the past 4 months, I have trained hard to improve my fitness and as a result, am happy to say that I have completed this challenge!

The inspiration comes from the #FitIndia initiative launched by Prime Minister @NarendraModi ji himself, which helped me reflect on my fitness goals. As a young nation pursuing big ambitions, we must nurture our physical fitness and become a healthy nation. Making an effort to become fit also makes you more disciplined and confident, increasing your chances of success in any endeavor you undertake.

The #FitIndia movement goes a long way in raising this awareness and getting more people into fitness routines, which is so essential for our country!

As a finisher in this tough challenge, I can attest to youth that fitness goals truly transcend your limits, and make you a better person. I appeal to all fence sitters and sustainability planners to step forward on this journey and make progress! Surya’s post was 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 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride and 21.1 km run, totaling 113 km.

Here are some expert tips to help you prepare for this difficult situation race,

– Develop a structured training plan

Ironman 70.3 is a test of endurance, strength and stamina. To be successful, it is important to follow a well-structured training plan. You need to train for three disciplines – swimming, cycling and running – each of which requires a different set of skills and conditioning. Start by building a strong foundation for these three, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts. Seek guidance from experienced triathletes or coaches to help customize the plan to suit your fitness level.

– Balance between strength and endurance

While endurance is important, building strength is equally important. Incorporating strength training exercises into your routine will help improve muscle stability, reduce injury risk, and boost your performance in all three disciplines. Focus on functional movements and compound exercises like squats, lunges and deadlifts, which help strengthen your core and legs.

– Fuel your body right

Proper nutrition plays an important role in preparing for an Ironman triathlon. Your body needs a balanced diet that provides the energy needed to perform long workouts and recover effectively. Include a variety of nutrient-rich foods such as lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Hydration is also important—make sure you’re well-hydrated before, during, and after a training session. Learn how to fuel your body during a race by supplementing with energy gels, drinks or snacks during training.

– Build mental toughness

Ironman 70.3 is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical challenge. There will be moments of doubt and exhaustion during the race, and mental toughness is what will keep you going. Practice mindfulness techniques like visualization and positive self-talk to prepare for mental obstacles. To make the challenge more manageable, break the run into smaller segments and stay focused on your goal throughout the race.

– Rest and Recovery

Rest is often underestimated, but it is an important part of your preparation. Excessive training 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 recovery, helping to recharge your body for the next round of training.

– test your gear

Whether it’s your bike, shoes, or wetsuit, be sure to test all your gear before race day. Comfort and efficiency are essential during such a long race, and you don’t want any surprises on event day. Familiarize yourself with the transition setup and make sure your equipment is in optimal condition.

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