I have been asked and often asked questions related to endurance sports, and my appearance (yes I look like a star 😉 ). So let me take a stab in no particular order at the various questions..

But before that a quickie about the sport of Triathlon – Triathlon as the name says, is some sort of a marathon in three different disciplines. Yes, the one that I do, and in general involves, swimming, cycling, and running, in the same order.

Q 1 What is the length of each discipline ?

Full distance Or Iron-distance race is 140.6 miles total. Comprising of 2.4 miles of swim, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of run. Half distance or Half-Iron distance is 70.3 miles total, and each discipline is exactly half the distance in full.

Q 2 How many days do you have to complete all three (swim, bike and run) ?

1 day

Q 3  How much rest do you get in between swimming ? 

There is no rest, the transition between the two disciplines does not stop the clock from ticking. So you need to switch fast :).

Q 4 What time do you start and how long does it take you ?

Start times are generally 6 or 7 am in the morning. It takes me under 6 hours to complete the Half-iron distance, and my only full distance till now took me over 14 hours. Again, this is dependent on various factors.

 Q 5 How long does it take for others to complete the race ?

It all depends on the athletic ability, experience, and race day weather conditions, and body conditions.  Pro’s take close to 4 hrs, and 8hrs respectively for half and full distances.

 Q 6 What do you eat when you are swimming, cycling or running ?

Well, I don’t eat when I am swimming. I eat a PBJ or a sweet-potato patty before swim, eat the same stuff on the bike, and eat a little during the run. I also see what suits me for the food at the aid stations. And I take in a 2-3 salt tablets during the entire course.

 Q 7 What do you do, if you get tired ?

You keep moving. You have trained yourself, not to get tired :).

 

 

Q 8 How can you live with just PBJ and patties for 6-7 hours ?

I can :). I have trained myself.

Q 9 What do you eat a day before ?

Usual stuff, minus fibre, and minus simple carb. To simplify, I keep my digestive system easy.

Q 10 How much do you train ?

I train 14-16 hours in a week in all three disciplines. Twice a day generally. Sometimes I also need to bump it to 20 hours in a week.

Q 11 How long do you bike and run in your training ?

I generally do indoor bike training, based on time, and a 3-5 mile run after the bike training. On weekends, I do the bike ride outside, and a post bike run. Run distance is dependent on what I want to achieve from the training, distance or pace or strength.

Q 12 When do you swim then ?

Early morning, pre work.

Q 13 Do you lift weights ?

Yes I do weight training in the gym. I love doing squats and olympic lifts, following a core workout.

Q 14 How do you get time from a full time job ?

I get time :). My wife is awesomely supportive, and I just make time for my workouts. Bike to work is a good way to get your legs spinning.

On my Appearance 

 Q 15 How do you wear the bike helmet over your turban ?

 I don’t. I remove my turban, and wear a helmet.

 Q 16 Don’t you feel hot inside your turban ?

 I am as much used to it, as you are used to wearing clothes :). During my workouts, I wear a bandana, and that isn’t a  thick piece of cloth. My hairs just help me keep my discipline. Google about ‘Sikh faith’

 Q 17 That beard must keep you warm during the swim ?

 Yes it does give me a little advantage in the swim, but not much if the water is really cold.

 Q 18 Do you feel hot with that beard ?

 No I surprisingly don’t. Trick is to pour water on the beard, and let it air-dry.

 Q 19 Don’t you get air drag/resistance from beard ?

 No I don’t. I prefer keeping my faith closer, as that keeps me stronger and motivated.

Q 20 I love your beard !! That is one hell of a cool beard !! (not a question, but a compliment)

I love you too !!

Q 21 If you shave, you will be super fast, why don’t you shave ?

Then you won’t find me that cool !! And you won’t be able to identify me easily at the next event. 🙂

Q 22 Are you gonna match that (pointing to my turban) with your tri-suit ?

I wish they allowed turbans in cycling. I will wear a bandana instead of a turban.

 

Do you have more questions ? go ahead and ask..