Learn From The Man Who Did 105 Back-to-Back Iron-Distance Triathlons

by | Aug 22, 2023 | Adventure, Adventurer Profile, MULTISPORT, TRIATHLON

In mid-2023, Sean Conway set a world record for the most consecutive Iron-distance triathlons. Here are some outtakes:

An iron-distance triathlon has a total combined length of 226.3 kilometres, which is made up of a 3.9-kilometre swim, a 180.2-kilometre bike and a full 42.2-kilometre run. Most average, amateur athletes who take up the challenge train for six months to complete the full distance in around 15 hours.

In mid-2023, Sean Conway did it 105 times, back-to-back. That is three-odd months of endurance racing. A world record…But then, the Zimbabwean-born, multiple-world record holder is anything but average or amateur.

He didn’t just dream up the idea. “So there are four ‘types’ of world records – well, there may be more but I haven’t found those yet,” says the 42-year-old professional adventurer, explaining how there’s the concept of achieving a ‘world’s first,’ where you can be the first to achieve something, and then there are also records for going the ‘furthest’ or the ‘fastest’ in something. “Then there are records for ‘the most.’ I’d managed to secure a world record in three out of the four categories and was looking for something of a challenge to get the ‘most’,” he says.

Ahead of his 105 iron-distances triathlons, Conway was the first person to swim the length of Britain, held the record for the world’s longest triathlon and, at the time was still the fastest person to cycle across Europe, unsupported.

In his quest for yet another accomplishment, he came across the story of James Lawrence and his remarkable feat of completing 50 triathlons back to back. Another athlete subsequently bettered that and then Lawrence took it even further by doing 100. Conway’s plan was always to do a 100, but when Lawrence completed the century he know he’d have to up the game.

Sean Conway
Sean Conway

THE FIRST ROLL

His first attempt at this monumental record, in 2022, was cut short after an unfortunate bike crash during the first week. “I hit this tiny little pothole, and it would’ve been fine but my one hand was in my jersey pocket so it threw me off balance and I swerved straight into a bush and went over the handlebars. My left leg stayed clipped in and I sustained an injury of the tendon connecting the shin to the top of the foot, affecting the ability to lift the foot. Despite the setback, cycling was manageable, but the run on the fifth day posed challenges and I knew it was all over.”

THE MOTIVATION TO TRY AGAIN

“It was an immediate response,” he says. “What I mean by immediate is that in my mind, I was already thinking, ‘All right, I fcked up this time. I’ll just have to do it again.’ The timing wasn’t favourable last year. I needed about eight weeks to recover, but by that point, it was already winter. So, attempting it again wasn’t practical. This is why I decided to start in April this year. I wanted to allow for a window where, if I encountered issues like severe tendonitis or a stress fracture early on, I’d still have time to recover and make another attempt within the same year.”

What characterised Conway’s build-up to his second attempt after the setback, was a combination of his innate self-motivation and his desire to overcome mistakes and improve.

“I possess a strong internal drive. I thrive on challenging myself and learning from failures. But I have to admit, there was a tinge of disappointment. My initial plan was to secure the record last year. That failure kind of a put a lot of family and other personal plans and goals on the back-burner, which wasn’t ideal.”

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

While this is very much a personal achievement that took untold mental fortitude and physical determination, Sean had a great team behind him. In the background, a cadre of around eight professionals played a pivotal role – four were instrumental during the build-up and preparation and working remotely and another four were on the ground during the 105 days. “Over my twelve-year journey, I’ve cultivated relationships with experts who aided in honing various aspects, such as nutritional strategies. A proficient nutritionist provided insights and guidance in the buildup to my initial attempt.”

A physiotherapist was also instrumental. “Initially, I was going to mirror James Lawrence’s regimen of three hours daily during the attempt. After all, if he subscribed to it, there must be merit. But compromising three hours of sleep for physio just didn’t add up, so in the first two weeks or so I, dedicated half an hour each evening. As time progressed, we additional twenty minutes between the bike and run legs.”
Around day 30, Conway’s micro-analysation of all aspects of endurance kicked in, so he changed his programme to have only one weekly physio session. This meant he could sleep a minimum of eight hours a night. “A crazy thing happened – my times got faster!”

HOW SEAN CONWAY DEALT WITH CURVE BALLS

“There were niggles of course,” the 42-year-old muses. Being super body-aware after more than a decade as a professional endurance adventurer many were familiar, but others weren’t. “These presented unique challenges due to my lack of prior experience in handling them. My approach was— if I felt even the tiniest grain of sand between my toes, I would immediately take off my shoes and clean them. I assessed what’s going on and determined the necessary steps to alleviate it.”

According to Sean Conway, aside from managing the immense physical aspect, his decision-making was frequently influenced by his mood, which invariably depended on his overall progress. “Interestingly, there were moments when my ambition got the better of me. Initially, I had envisioned maintaining a pace of around 15 hours per day as the optimal approach. The goal was to strike a balance between pushing myself adequately and ensuring ample recovery time…”

Ultimately what has driven Sean’s success through all his projects is his attention to detail. He has learned to micro-analyse everything and plan accordingly. Then during the attempt: “I don’t have to think, and my team doesn’t have to think.”

You might not be planning any kind of crazy adventure like this, but below is what you can learn from the Welshman.

Sean Conway
Sean Conway

WHY SEAN CONWAY IS SO SUCCESSFUL

Sean Conway’s 10 Pillars of Endurance:

  • Planning: A well-thought-out strategy is the cornerstone of any successful endeavour. Athletes must meticulously plan their training regimens, race schedules, and recovery periods to optimize their performance.
  • Fitness: Building and maintaining peak physical fitness is essential for enduring the gruelling demands of endurance sports. Cardiovascular health, strength, and stamina play pivotal roles in propelling athletes towards their goals.
  • Experience: The wisdom gained from previous endeavours shapes an athlete’s approach to challenges. Learning from both successes and setbacks fosters adaptability and a deeper understanding of one’s own capabilities.
  • Health: Prioritizing overall health is crucial for sustained performance. Regular check-ups, injury prevention, and proper medical guidance are vital components to ensure an athlete’s well-being.
  • Nutrition: Proper fueling is the engine that drives endurance athletes. A balanced diet rich in nutrients provides the energy required for extended periods of physical exertion, aiding in recovery and sustaining performance levels.
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated is a fundamental aspect of endurance endeavours. Dehydration can lead to reduced performance, impaired recovery, and even health risks. Maintaining optimal fluid balance is paramount.
  • Sleep: Adequate rest and quality sleep are essential for recovery and rejuvenation. Proper sleep enhances cognitive function, muscle repair, and overall mental resilience, enabling athletes to tackle challenges head-on.
  • Muscle Management: Understanding muscle mechanics, recovery techniques, and injury prevention is crucial for endurance athletes. Efficient muscle management minimizes the risk of overuse injuries and enhances performance longevity.
  • Mindset: Mental strength often separates extraordinary athletes from the rest. Developing a resilient mindset, cultivating focus, managing stress, and embracing challenges as opportunities all contribute to success in endurance sports.
  • Community: Endurance sports thrive on camaraderie and support. Being part of a community of like-minded individuals fosters motivation, encouragement, and a shared passion that fuels the pursuit of excellence.

The extent of possibilities that unfold when an individual like Sean directs both their physical and mental faculties toward a singular purpose is truly awe-inspiring. The fusion of body and mind in his endurance adventures inspires us, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

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