In the picturesque city of Chandigarh, a remarkable event took place. The Tuffman TRI 113 Chandigarh saw athletes from all over the world, including our very own Amritpal Singh from Punjab, who secured the third position with a commendable timing of 6:37:48 in the 113km triathlon. But behind this achievement lies a tale of struggles, injuries, and an indomitable spirit.
The Beginning - Amritpal's Triathlon Journey
Amritpal Singh is no stranger to the Tuffman events. Before the pandemic, he had already tasted success in a similar event, securing a podium finish in the Olympic distance triathlon. This year marked his third podium finish in the half-ironman distance.
His journey began under the inspiration of Inderjeet Bajwa. Starting his athletic journey with running in 2014-2015, he gradually set targets, from 5 km to 10 km, and then to 21 km. However, as he achieved his sub-100 min target in half marathons, injuries began to plague him. This led him to diversify into swimming around 2015 and cycling.
However, a knee injury due to a mismatched cycle frame forced him to take a break around 2016-2017. But with determination, he returned with a better cycle and continued to improve his swimming, running, and cycling skills.
Challenges and Comeback
After a brief hiatus due to the injury around 2016-2017, Amritpal returned with a new cycle, better suited to his needs. This cycle, capable of covering 200 km per day without any wear and tear, became his trusted companion. As he was improving his running and swimming skills, he prepared for his first full marathon in 2018-2019, targeting the SUB 4 timing. He achieved this in the Delhi 2019 NDM.
However, life threw another curveball. Just three days before his marathon, Amritpal got married. After his marriage in 2019, he took a significant break from his athletic pursuits. The onset of the Covid pandemic and the birth of his child further extended this hiatus. Balancing family, work, and athletic training became a challenge, but messages from his friend Amarjit (aka Technical Muscle) kept him motivated.
By 2021-2022, he restarted his training but faced challenges due to his previous injuries and increased weight. However, with the help of Healthifyme, he managed to reduce his weight from 94 kg to 82 kg. This weight loss, combined with coaching from ultra-ironman Shankar Thapa, significantly improved his performance. This training, especially the zone 2 training, significantly improved his cycling skills.
The Tuffman TRI 113 Chandigarh Experience
The Tuffman TRI 113 Chandigarh was not just about physical endurance but also about mutual understanding and acceptable risks between the organizers and participants. Amritpal appreciated the effort of bringing such an event locally, saving participants from traveling to distant locations. Local events like these, even if priced at a premium, offer value due to reduced overall costs.
However, he felt there was room for improvement, especially in training the volunteers. His personal experience suggested that they lacked the necessary experience in providing hydration at the right times.
Nutrition and Strategy
Amritpal's nutrition plan, often referred to as the 4th leg of the triathlon, was meticulously planned. From jowar/oats roti to peanut butter sandwiches, his diet was designed to provide him with the necessary energy. During the event, he maintained a specific heart rate for biking and running and had a structured plan for hydration and nutrition.
In Amritpal's Words, "Hey, did I ever tell you about my diet coach, Dr. Achita Ahuja? She's amazing! She set up my pre, during, and post-workout nutrition. Not only that, she also helped me with a balanced diet. Man, I learned so much about my body through her. I got to know what my body adapts to and what it doesn't. It's been quite an eye-opener!"
Acknowledgments
Amritpal owes his success to his family, especially his wife, who took care of his nutrition. He also acknowledges the support of his volunteers, the Dayal Brother, and shares an interesting observation about cycling: money can buy speed. This was evident when he learned about the cost of the cycle of the first-place winner.
Event Highlights
The Tuffman TRI 113 Chandigarh was a grand event with over 120 triathletes from countries like France, Russia, Italy, and Japan. The event comprised various categories, including the Olympic and Sprint Triathlon and duathlon. The triathlon began with a swim in the Sukhna Lake, followed by cycling on the Kurali-Chandigarh highway, and concluded with a run through the DLF Hyde Park Estate.
My Perspective on Amritpal - From the Desk of Technical Muscle
Amritpal Singh is not just an athlete; he's a symbol of perseverance. His story is a vivid portrayal of life's ups and downs, where challenges are met with determination and setbacks with renewed vigor. His ability to balance personal responsibilities with athletic pursuits, all while maintaining a positive outlook, is commendable. His dedication to the sport, combined with his humility and gratitude towards those who supported him, makes him a true role model for aspiring athletes and anyone looking to overcome life's challenges.
His story is not just about athletic prowess but also about overcoming personal challenges, adapting to life's curveballs, and emerging stronger. From battling physical injuries to navigating the responsibilities of fatherhood, Amritpal's dedication to his passion for triathlons shines brightly. His meticulous planning, from training regimens to nutrition, showcases his commitment to excellence.
Great.. keep it up. Keep inspiring and keep shining. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I am impressed with Amritpal's comeback and achievement and liked to read about it.
ReplyDeletethank you all.
ReplyDelete