Starting point for a new, healthy lifestyle

Khalid’s participation in the triathlon has a unique reason. Khalid: “A few years ago I donated a kidney to my 18-year-old cousin. I went through the medical wringer and turned out to be in perfect health, which didn’t square at all with the way I felt at that time: I was overweight which caused me all kinds of ailments. So I flipped the switch and decided to get really fit. A year after the kidney operation I got down to some serious work.”

Thirteen kilos lighter

“Taking part in the triathlon is a perfect opportunity. Now I can train under professional supervision and get dietary advice from an expert. I started doing more sport and eating more healthily at the end of 2019. I’ve already lost thirteen kilos. Just a few to go to reach my ideal weight.”

Intermediate goals

“I didn’t start doing sport from scratch. I was already playing football three times a week; we recently were able to resume the training. To train for the triathlon, I cycle on my superb road bike and go running. I also started swimming on 1 June. I found running the least pleasant part; but I’ve been able to find nice tracks. It helps if I divide the route into sections and set intermediate goals.”

Ease off the gas

“My Forerunners sports coach suggested I ease off the gas a little. I was doing way too much in the beginning. Now that I’m being supervised I’m following the experts’ schedule closely.”

Fattening foods

“Thanks to the nutritionist I now know what makes me put on weight and so I’ve adapted my diet. That’s pretty difficult, as my wife’s a fantastic cook. But she and my children are giving me full support. The other way around I carry on doing things with my family, even if it means I miss the occasional training session.”

Objective

“My objective in Lanzarote is to finish, and to run an enjoyable race. But in particular I want the triathlon to be my starting point for a new, healthy lifestyle.”

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