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Tuesday, 25 January 2011 04:20

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From Beginner to Kona - 12 Tips I Learned From Training Solo in 2010

By jMatt Keil (Photos - L - It's a candy cigarette. The beer is real. Below L - jMatt & his BFF.)

With no experience or training, I began this sport at the Buffalo Sprint Triathlon in 2007. It seemed quite simple at the time. These were all sports I had "learned" as a kid. I often rode my Huffy Pro to school and swam out to the raft at the Crystal Creek Beach. Granted, I had never really tried these sports as an adult but I was the former captain of the 1997 St. Olaf College golf team. How hard could it really be?

Aside from the port-a-potty experience and brisk air, I felt good to go. I had no expectations other than my inner competitor telling me I got this. As the horn blasted out and my wave hit the water, I suddenly realized I was in way over my head. I used every last bit of energy to..

sprint out to the turn buoy, my heart recklessly out of control, I pulled up in sheer disbelief as I was only half way. My entire swim wave proceeded to swim over me as I began treading water. By the time I exited the lake, my legs were petrified wood. Yep, soggy logs. I lumbered onto my bike only to get passed by every male, female and kid with an Aero bike. And it wasn't for lack of effort, I pushed as hard as my muscles could bear. In fact, I cried on the bike I was so humbled. By the time I furiously ran across the line, I was a wonderful mess. I awkwardly collapsed behind some shaded trees, I knew nothing could take away my sense of accomplishment.

Since Buffalo in 2007, I have raced every distance: Sprint, Olympic, Half and Ironman across 7 states, Canada and Hawaii. I trained one season with a team (Matt Haugen, P2) and two seasons on my own with a coach (Christian Klempp). The following 12 tips are the best I can offer to go from a beginner to a Kona qualifier.