OH, THE SWEET TASTE…OF PERSONAL VICTORIES!

Name – Igmar Miller (Big G)
Age: 28
Favourite Shoe – Hoka Mach X
Favourite session – Tuesday track sessions with Coach M
Favourite race distance –IRONMAN 70.3
Favourite training companion – Music, cap, Oakley glasses and my own thoughts.

When did you start running / cycling or doing triathlon and was there a specific reason?

I used to live a life that wasn’t sustainable in any way. In an attempt to turn things (or rather myself) around, I started Mountain Biking in 2021 as a casual outdoor get away. Slowly but surely I fell in love with the active lifestyle…. So, in March 2024 I decided I want to train for my first Triathlon.

What is it about the sport that you like so much that you like it so much?

I ABSOLUTELY love the community and companionship at the club – feels like family. How everyone is supportive in your own goals and motivates you to show up. The sport is not for the faint hearted and you need grit. The sport changed my life for the better and how it helped me dealing with stress, confidence and finding direction again in life. It’s an escape from the old me and the start of the new me.

How was your preparation for the 70.3 Mossel Bbay 2024 & what were the focus points?

Never been a swimmer and with the start of my IRONMAN journey, I had to learn how to swim and over come my fear of open water swimming. I knew my swimming is not my strong suite and would just need to finish the swim and I will be okay for the rest of the race. Focused on staying calm in the water and at my own pace, I knew I will make up time on the bike and run and just need to get through the 1^st hurdle. 

I had a race plan with specific times where I want to finish and based on my training over the past year. But sometimes some things just don’t go as per plan.

Were you injury free and if not, how did you deal with it?

With all the training you put so much load on your legs that something is bound to happen, I started developing a tendon issue due to run load on my left knee 2 months out from IRONMAN MB. Luckily my coach being experienced referred me to a Physio and changed my training with reduced loading (especially on running) and increased rehab/weight sessions to strengthen my tendons. This paid off come race day where I competed pain free.

How was the race?

Highs – The thrill and excitement of the race start where emotions is high and the realization of the event you been training for is finally here. The feeling of overcoming my fear of swimming and open water which led to a strong and confident bike set.

Lows – There will always be lows in a race and the feeling I experienced on the last run lap was a feeling of disappointment and pain. I pushed on the bike and the first lap of running and started feeling it. I quickly realized that my target time will not be achieved and the disappointment started creeping in. I thought about all the hard sessions, early mornings, swimming in the winter, all the effort I have put in over the past year and my journey in loosing 20kg. 

Reality – This sport is amazing, I felt the disappointment and my emotions got the better off me on my way to finish  line but yet afterwards you look back and realize that you just got humbled by this sport. In saying this, I felt disappointed in the moment is true but afterwards you feel proud of what you achieved and sometimes you just too hard on yourself and need to embrace the wins in life no matter how big or small.

What would you say was the biggest contributor for your success on the day and why?

Consistency and discipline, I always go by the motto of “GO ONE MORE” and that is so fitting training for a IRONMAN.

What would your advice be to someone keen to start this sport?

1) Get a coach – This helps take out the stress of planning and you can focus on your training while doing your day to day tasks.

2) Get going – Start as early as possible and don’t look for excuses. There will always be – its up to you to take action OR back off to your comfort zone…

3) Trust the process – Listen to your coach.

4) Talk to your coach on a weekly basis – Better feedback you give the better he/she can plan your workouts.

5) Celebrate the wins – No matter the size.

6) Embrace the pain – You will get rewarded 

7) Be disciplined – Hit your training sets to the best of your ability.

8) Be Patient – But don’t break your head or yourself if you have missed one set, there will be time.

9) Don’t say never – Believe in yourself. Every Single Day!

10) Have Fun.

Any final thoughts on your journey?

Its been a roller coaster of emotions but one I can be proud of. I started this by thinking it will be a once-off thing, which (luckily) has turned into a lifestyle. But its only getting started and we going all in with the ultimate goal still to come (Full Ironman in Port Elizabeth). Like I said GO ONE MORE!