Countdown to the Lanzarote triathlon: almost there!

I hope to cross the finish line in one piece, a fast time would be a bonus

Jelle is a Digital Media Expert at the ING Centre of Expertise Communications & Brand Experience in Brussels. Last weekend he took part in the group running training in Ghent. It was very hot, so not the ideal running weather, but who knows – perhaps the temperatures in Lanzarote will be just as high during the event. Jelle: “Despite the heat, we had a good training session on the athletics track. Our blood levels were measured after every one-mile lap and compared against our baseline values from a few months ago. The coaches were pretty happy with my progress, so I was too. And I definitely feel fitter.”

‘Papa did a triathlon’

Jelle sometimes still struggles to fit the necessary training into his daily routine. “I became a dad for the first time in February, which has changed a lot of things. We don’t often get a good night’s sleep, plus we have less time on our hands of course. I used to be pretty sporty, but sport has become less of a priority since the baby was born. I decided to sign up for this triathlon challenge to force myself to make time for sport again. I like the idea of being able to say to my son one day: ‘Look, papa did a triathlon when you were still in nappies’.”

Surprisingly enjoyable

“Running and cycling are no problem for me, although I’ve never done them both in combination before. The swimming is probably going to be the hardest, because I’ve not really swum seriously since my school days. But now that I’m regularly back in the water again, I’ve noticed that it’s surprisingly enjoyable. It’s relaxing and not strenuous, even though you’re using all your muscles – so it’s a nice change from cycling and running! Open-water swimming will be a whole different ball game, of course. You can’t push yourself off after every 50 metres, and then there’s the current – plus probably some kicking and shoving from the other competitors – to contend with.”

Accomplishing it together

“I’m really looking forward to the cycling. That’s my favourite part, and Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape will make it even more special of course. To be honest I’m secretly hoping to achieve a fast time, but above all I want to cross the finish line in one piece – and I hope all my colleagues do too. It would be terrific to accomplish this together. We’ve built up such a strong bond with one another, even though we all come from different sporting backgrounds and have only seen each other four times. Our WhatsApp group is both fun and motivating.”

Unique opportunity

“I definitely want to continue with all three sports after the triathlon. Above all, I’ve noticed how fantastic it feels to be fit and healthy and I hope to sustain that from now on. If you take good care of your body, you perform better all round. I can think more clearly, focus better and I have more energy – despite my lack of sleep, ha ha. Besides that, ING has invested in us and it would be a shame to let that go to waste. After all, it’s pretty unique for your employer to give you an opportunity like this!”