Cramps, choppy seas and jellyfish for triathlon novice Iwanik

Triathlon is a tough sport with its unique combination of running, swimming and cycling in the same race being particularly demanding.

And when the event is that of the Gozo-Malta triathlon, then 'tough' starts to seem too much of a mild description.

For, this particular triathlon asks those taking part to run the length of Malta's sister island, which is quite a task given the number of hills, then requires that they swim across the channel to Cirkewwa before finally settling for the 40km cycle through the challenging hills at Ta' Penellu, Mellieha.

It is for this reason that many chose to figure in relay teams in the recent Gozo-Malta race. Each of the three members in a team tackled a different segment.

But for Chris Iwanik, this wasn't a good enough alternative.

Originally a cyclist, Iwanik was tempted to do a duathlon and, from that, into taking part in various triathlons as a member of relay teams.

Eventually he joined Birkirkara St Joseph and started looking at full triathlons.

"I'm a fair runner, a good cyclist but a poor swimmer," he admits.

"I don't have the time for training in pools which is why I usually do my practising in open seas. The sea can be very cold but at the same time it was ideal for the Gozo-Malta race."

For all his training, nothing could have really prepared Iwanik for what he would have to face before reaching the finishing line.

"The run went by fine but then came the swim and that caused me a lot of problems for two main reasons," he said.

"First, the transition area wasn't properly set up and I didn't know that my wetsuit would have to be prepared by myself," he said.

"Amidst all the confusion my vaseline tube was misplaced and I couldn't rub any lubricant round my neck with the result that wearing the wetsuit became rather uncomfortable.

"I also didn't drink any fluids which meant that I suffered from dehydration later on.

"Other than that, the sea was very choppy and I swallowed water on countless occasions... it wasn't really nice.

"There were also loads of jellyfish around which I tried to avoid as much as possible."

So, did he ever think of quitting?

"Halfway through the swim and going out of the Blue Lagoon, I experienced very strong cramps in both legs," he said.

"I had to turn on my back and relax by paddling for a few minutes.

"At that moment in time it dawned on me that my race could be over. My strong determination, however, did not allow me even to think of giving up and soon I flipped back into position and continued on my way to Cirkewwa."

The presence of a boat with his friends on board also helped.

"Knowing that they were there not only encouraging me but also making sure that I was never in any danger took a lot of weight off my mind.

"While swimming I also noticed a police patrol boat following us and that, too, helped ease the stress. I can't thank them enough for the sterling work they did.

"We also appreciated the fact that the captain of the Gozo ferry that went past as I was approaching Cirkewwa took great care to switch on the motors of one side only so as to avoid creating any waves that could further hinder me."

Modest timing

Inevitably, given all these problems, his finishing time was far from excellent.

"I did the whole triathlon in five hours, 16 minutes and 32 seconds but ultimately, time wasn't important: finishing the triathlon was.

"The next time, I'll do it in a much improved time and I know that if I try again I'll definitely shave one hour off my time," Iwanik said.

"But, given that this was the first time, the most important factor for me was that of finishing the race."

Iwanik's determination is telling in the wider context. Although he was active when he was younger, he sort of lost contact with competitive sport.

"Like most people, I didn't have a lot of free time when I was younger. I dedicated most of my time to the family and making sure that my career was on track.

"However, now that I'm over 40 I find that I have more free time which I can dedicate to sport.

"I think that the same applies to most people of my age which is why I have to urge them to pick up sport. We have fantastic weather here and you can practise sport almost all year round."

For all the toughness of the sport, Iwanik is enthusiastic about it.

"My message to newcomers is to come forward and try to do it," he said.

"There is no reason to hold back. It is important that they come and try... sport is healthy."