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Kona bound and training during the pandemic

Dr. Matt McCurdy

Triathlete | Marathon Runner | Kona Bound During Covid

After a job change left me working in a city two hours away from my kids, I found myself training for triathlons again. After a 12-year hiatus (I have a 13-year-old and 11-year-old), and years of solely running, it was fun to swim and bike again. The water felt good and biking on a trainer was a way for me to catch up on work, get lost in magazines, and devour books. This became even more important when COVID emerged.

McCurdy Houston Marathon 2016
McCurdy Houston Marathon 2016

I certainly have not been able to compete in events like before COVID. However, if there is a bright side, it’s that I have been able to spend more time with those I care about, and less time in bottlenecks. With no commute, I can also increase my hours of training not only to stay physically—but emotionally—fit.

In my case, mostly because of my living situation, I have been able to put in 20+ hours a week of training for over a year and a half. I was also lucky in being able to transfer my Ironman Texas registration to Ironman Florida, which took place, physically distanced, in November 2020. 

At 43, and having taken off biking and swimming for 12 years, I am very happy with my time and place. It was good enough for a spot to the Ironman World Championship, which is expected to take place in October 2021.

Johnny Shelby, Third Coast Training’s owner, has been working with me again since I got back into triathlons. My professional and personal relationships with Johnny go back 15 years, and it felt great to work with him again. Third Coast Training’s remote zone-testing and coaching have been a great opportunity for me, and Johnny has been there to guide me through the complexities of balancing three sports and cross training.

I am so thankful to have this bright spot through my life changes and the pandemic, and I hope you can find what sustains you too.

Kona bound and training during the pandemic
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