After training with RCT Athletics for nine months, Ethan Snyder completed his first IRONMAN in Nice, France on June 25th! This historic race site has been the venue for some of the most storied events in triathlon history – and will also be hosting the men’s 2023 IRONMAN World Championship!
When we started working together, Ethan was able to swim but had difficulty swimming continuously. Technique and efficiency were our main focus over the winter.
Moving into spring, the workouts got longer. An Iron-distance swim is over 4000 yards!
The long-distance triathlon course in Nice has changed over the years, but one thing has stayed the same: big climbs! That means a lot work getting up the mountains, but also some very technical descents. Check out the bike course map here!
There was one snag: as they came back into town where the course had athletes going both directions, some confusion led to Ethan taking a fall off the bike. Almost every triathlon course will have areas like this. They can be confusing, and doubly so as athletes get mentally and physically fatigued during the race. Getting back on the (carbon fiber) horse after falling and finishing the leg took serious mental toughness.
After all that, there was still a marathon to run!
Congratulations to Ethan on completing one of the hardest races in triathlon!
Interested in training for your next race with RCT Athletics? Get in touch with me, and let’s get started!