Should I start — like all my other write-ups — by thanking my dad for being my biggest cheerleader? Probably. Because honestly, without him, none of this would have been possible.
This chapter in my “series called life” is about how I began my Ironman journey. And trust me, it really did feel as exciting and cool as it sounds — especially in the moments before standing at the start line of Ironman 70.3 Goa.
But it all began with one wild, random question:
“Mahi, Ironman karni hai?”
Wait… Ironman?
For the record, in my case it was the half Ironman — better known as the 70.3.
What’s an Ironman?
IRONMAN is one of the most legendary endurance races in the world. It was born when U.S. Navy Commander John Collins and his wife wanted to settle an argument: Which athletes are the fittest — swimmers, cyclists, or runners? Their solution was simple: combine all three into a single race.
The result?
- 3.86 km swim
- 180 km bike ride
- 42.2 km run
That’s the full Ironman. The 70.3 is exactly half that distance — but still brutal enough to be called one of the toughest endurance events in the world.
You don’t just race for a medal — you race for the title. The magic moment is crossing the finish line and hearing those four words:
“YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!”
Where It All Began
For me, it started one evening in 2023, right after my cycling season wrapped up. My dad and I were on the rooftop, casually discussing next year’s plans, when the word triathlon popped up — a sport that combines swimming, cycling, and running.
It sounded exciting… until I remembered one small problem: swimming.
I was that person who used to say, “Swimming kyu seekhni? Jab doobenge, tab dekhenge.” (“Why learn swimming? If I drown, I’ll deal with it then.”)
Like many Indian kids, I had been sent to summer swimming lessons… but I had dropped out in just two days. So yes — I couldn’t swim at all.
Learning to Swim from Zero
After a few chats and some research, I met my first coach, Mr. Deepak Khandodiya — the man who would guide me from complete beginner to Ironman 70.3 finisher. He already knew my background in skating and cycling and believed I could do it. His first advice: start swimming in an indoor pool since outdoor pools were shut for the winter.
We didn’t fix a race date at the start. Whether it was going to be seven months away or the next year, the focus was on building skills first.
In April, I had my first-ever proper swim session. The first two months were all about swimming — just me, the water, and the occasional panic attack. Slowly, the pool stopped feeling like my enemy and started feeling like an old friend.
Adding Running to the Mix
While swimming was my biggest learning curve, I also started running. First 5 km, then 10 km, and just a month and a half before race day — my first half marathon (21.1 km).
On the gear side, I invested in a tri watch, waterproof HR belt, running shoes, and a tri suit. My cycling gear was mostly ready, but I upgraded to carbon wheels and tubeless tyres for better performance.
Training Intensifies
Coach made sure I never got too comfortable. I joined a competitive swim group, which pushed me harder. Cycling training changed too — from long zone-2 rides to interval and brick sessions. Running felt great… except when my heart rate decided to touch the sky.
By June, after seeing my progress, my coach suggested registering for Ironman 70.3 Goa. I was in.
The Knee Problem
A month before the race, my left knee started hurting — first during treks and long runs, then even during cycling. Physiotherapy sessions became a thrice-a-week routine, but the pain stayed. Muscle soreness and nutrition gaps didn’t help either.
Still, there was no turning back.
The Start Line
And so, on race morning, there I was — standing at Miramar Beach in Goa, surrounded by a sea of fellow triathletes, my heart pounding from excitement (and maybe a little fear).
Ready to dive into the adventure.
As for how the race actually went?
Well… that’s a story for the next blog. Stay tuned.
