The twists of 105 triathlons in 105 Days

Sean Conway has chased (and broken) world-records across multiple categories.

#1: World’s first
#2: World’s furthest
#3: World’s fastest

In 2013, he broke ‘world’s first’ by swimming Land’s End to John O’Groats (length of Britain)… then world’s furthest by doing a 4,200 mile triathlon around Great Britain. And then world’s furthest with an unsupported bike ride across Europe.

He thought these would be life-long pursuits, but in 2018 he checked them all off his list. And that’s when he realized a 4th category of world records:

‘The Most’

And that’s when he hatched the idea to do the most iron-distance triathlons in a row. The previous record was 101 by “The Iron Cowboy” James Lawrence.

And in July 20th 2023, Sean made history by doing 105 irons in 105 days.

What’s fascinating about Conway’s accomplishment is all the unexpected twists and turns it took.

For example, he thought it would be smooth sailing during the first handful of triathlons (since he was fully rested). But during the first week, he suffered from multiple knee injuries and shin problems and almost missed his time. For two weeks, he fought through these pains and was in a thick mental battle. He constantly was worrying about getting enough sleep and making his times.

Then something interesting happened:

“The first month was hard, and then suddenly it just got good. The second month I was flying.” – Sean Conway

He hit an unexpected tailwind and soared through his races… for a few weeks.

Then his body retaliated once again. This time his low back and hips started causing him trouble. So much so that he had to do rehab exercises (such as hip bridges and leg raises) during his mid-race breaks just to keep his glutes activated.

There’s a whole lot more to say about Conway’s incredible record-breaking journey.

But something that jumps out like a man in a gorilla suit is:

It’s hard to predict your fitness journey.

You may have all sorts of expectations and beliefs about how your fitness journey is going to go (or how it ‘should’ go). But more often than not, you don’t have a clue. You may crush it at the start and then month two run into some turbulence. Or you may find a slow start but then you break through and have wind-at-your-back momentum at month three.

There’s no telling what will happen. And that’s where if you think it should go a certain way and it doesn’t - then it can be extremely disappointing.

Instead, let your journey unfold.

Be open to it.

Be open to the challenges, and know that one thing is for sure:

There will be no straight lines on your journey. Things will ebb and flow in ways you may not see coming. Whether it’s previous injuries… unexpected injuries… old habits… or mental barriers that pop up out of nowhere.

Chances are, something will show itself.

And it doesn’t mean ‘game over’.

It means, time to adapt. Time to adjust your approach. Time to be flexible. And time to discover that you’re capable of handling so much than you realize.

I just had to readjust my perspective and my ambitions for the end. I felt a bit flat, but there was never doubt in my mind. – Sean Conway

Kelan Ern

P.S. For embracing that adaptable, flexible mindset that’s willing to take whatever challenges come your way and keep moving forward – check out the September 2023 Issue of Mind-Body Breakthroughs for a short primer into one of history’s most unique athletes. Their mindset was not only feared by their opponents but also brought greater purpose and meaning into their training.