Recently, as an example for everyone who is not a professional athlete, a group of brave Kyrgyzstani individuals proved that victory is possible at any age without professional training. The president of the triathlon federation and a well-known businessman Chyngyz Alkanov, along with Baikal Maldybaev and Daniyar Omorov, completed the challenges known among the people as the "half." In the recent competition, they had to overcome the following distances: 1.9 km of swimming, 90.1 km of cycling, and 21.1 km of running. During this time, the vice president of the federation, Kanat Kelsinbekov, became the first "Ironman" in the history of the modern state. Kanat earned the right to wear the title "Ironman" at international competitions in France. In 12 hours and 49 minutes, the vice president of the triathlon federation had to swim 3,800 meters, cycle 180 km, and run a marathon distance of 42 km 195 meters! For many of us, this is simply an impossible mission, but our "Ironman" does not think so.
Today, our guests are the athlete who has made history in domestic triathlon, Kanat Kelsinbekov, and Baikal Maldybaev, who has proven to everyone that even an ordinary person can achieve success in sports in a short time.
- To earn the title of "Ironman," it is enough to train consistently. Experts believe that any average person can be prepared to participate in these competitions. But for this, one needs to train 12 hours a week. After a year and a half, one can definitely complete this classic distance. When a participant first learns what lies ahead, it seems impossible. But in reality, with systematic training, anything is possible; everything is surmountable. Now the guys are already getting ready, and in 2016 we will have several more "Ironmen," says Kanat Kelsinbekov.
- How can one perform non-stop for almost thirteen hours?
- Anything is possible! The only stage where you don’t eat is swimming, but it only takes about an hour of the entire performance. You can eat while cycling, but the hardest part is running! The marathon distance is very challenging. However, the organizers set up aid stations every 2 km and provided athletes with energy gels, water, bananas, and oranges. In such conditions, you can compare the body to a stove; when you fuel it, it generates heat. You nourish your body, and it works. All senses shut down, and you turn into almost a zombie, running and running.
- Probably not all participants can overcome such a barrier?
- I think that about ten percent of all starters will not be able to reach the finish line, as there are no random people there, and everyone undergoes systematic training. Participation costs a significant amount of money, so it's hard to accept that it was spent in vain. If we don’t consider serious health issues or falls that may arise during the distance, almost everyone finishes. The limit for completing the distances is 17 hours. Professionals complete it in 9 hours, while well-prepared amateurs finish in 12 hours, and then older athletes cross the finish line. I witnessed a grandmother from the UK complete this distance; she was 72 years old. Before the start, participants sign documents stating that they have no claims against the organizers, as they made the decision to compete themselves.
- In the world of sports, there is a famous phrase "Ironman from the couch," and in Kyrgyzstan, there are many examples of this... So, is it really possible to achieve success in sports without years of training?
- In this sport, there are both professionals and amateurs; out of about 2500 athletes, only 100 are professionals, while the rest are ordinary people. Such starts are a challenge for those who have not engaged in anything. Of course, many think that such distances are simply insurmountable, but one can prepare for these starts and achieve their goals; however, it is necessary to be ready to spend a lot of time and money. In Kyrgyzstan, successes in this sport have mainly been achieved by 30-year-old Kyrgyzstani individuals, while in Russia, there are examples of people starting to train at forty without any athletic background. The main thing is to approach training wisely, as there are risks involved. After our successful performance and the official recognition of the federation, a large number of people have started to join us to become triathletes; the number of people engaged in triathlon has increased significantly. Currently, our team consists of about forty people. In 2016, we plan to surpass the mark of 100 athletes. It is worth noting that among all those who joined us, there has not yet been a single athlete who has stopped training. Our team also includes girls, two active triathletes, Aizada Tynalieva and Evgenia Bulgakova.
- And if someone else wishes to become a triathlete, where should they start?
- First of all, it is necessary to choose a realistic goal, specifically what the training will be aimed at. There are over a hundred starts held worldwide each year. Then, one should think about a coach and a training program. It is also advisable to purchase a heart rate monitor, as everyone has different levels of preparation, and it is necessary to monitor the heart rate. After that, a bicycle and equipment should be acquired. And most importantly, one should have a strong desire. If there is no opportunity to compete abroad, one can participate in local events. Next year, we plan to hold many events: two full triathlons, two duathlons, competitions among children, and winter competitions in enclosed spaces. There are many different training programs available online. However, it is still advisable to reach out to us on social media, and we are always ready to welcome them into our community. Some people follow our discussions about starts and training and gradually come into the sport.
- You organize tournaments at an incredibly high level; how did you manage to elevate triathlon in our country to such a high level in just a couple of years?
- We have conducted many races and witnessed similar competitions abroad; we purchased equipment and tried to implement our ideas. Over time, we will continue to raise the level of the events. For now, I am the only "Ironman," but that won't last long; others are already catching up, and many want to complete it. Next year, I will work on improving my results. I thought that after achieving my goal and earning the title, I would lose interest. But a great excitement has emerged, and it will last a lifetime. Many ask if interest in sports fades after completing the most challenging distance. There are people who have completed 10 or 15 "Ironmans" in their careers. There are also those who completed 50 Ironmans in 50 days. You can swim and cross the Bosphorus, participate in amateur cycling races, and run marathons. You improve your health and enhance your life, as this has become a routine for us, almost like work. In short, the interest will not fade! But the main thing is to start!
Baikal Maldybaev also answered our questions, having achieved incredible success in a short time.
- Baikal, how much time did you need to prepare to complete the half-distance of the "Ironman"?
- About a year, and now my Russian coach Dmitry Ilyin has set the goal of successful performance and earning the title of "Ironman." I had never engaged in sports and am a development specialist. Over this year, I lost 20 kg. But for me, increasing physical tone is much more important. I was invited to this sport by Oleg Yasinov, who lives in Moscow; he told me, "If you come to triathlon, your life will change radically." And let them say that money is spent on training and equipment, but it is much better than spending it on cafes. There is also a false belief that sports cannot be combined with work; this is not true. On the contrary, a person gains an incredible amount of energy, and productivity increases. Every morning I wake up easily, feeling fresh and full of energy; the concept of laziness disappears. Life changes completely. And my family supports me a lot; my son has started actively swimming. But my surroundings change; only those friends who lead the same active lifestyle remain with you. We have become even happier; sports bring many joyful moments. In the modern world, there are many false values. We chase fashion and expensive things. Sports open new horizons and values. In the mountains, under pouring rain, you will think about a raincoat, and it doesn’t matter how much it costs or what color it is. I started actively engaging in sports at 32 and changed my life, and now I will promote sports everywhere because the main thing is to start. The human body is a universal machine with so many possibilities. I also want to become an "Ironman" and will definitely achieve my goal.
