Runners Origins brings you an exclusive look at the thrilling world of triathlons through the experiences of three remarkable athletes: Ethan Music, Anthony Pham, and Charlie Vallone. Their stories of grit, preparation, and triumph are sure to inspire both novice and seasoned triathletes.
Ethan Music: From Sprinting to Triathlons
Runner's Origins Athlete Ethan Music, a former sprinter, recently made his debut in the triathlon world. When asked about his experience, Ethan shared:
Ethan: "It was a good day. It was a little scary at first; it was a brand-new thing to me. I used to be a sprinter, and distance is a brand new thing to me. It’s a completely different realm compared to sprinting and jumping and all, but I think it carried over well and it was super fun. The heat got to me, and I think my nutrition a couple of days before could have been better. I think it was the biggest factor. Like I said, it is all brand new, and I am very happy with today."
Despite the challenges, Ethan felt mentally prepared for the race, having only started training in late May. He has his sights set on another triathlon in Sylvania in four weeks, where he aims to improve his performance with focused training.
Ethan's transition from sprinting to triathlons showcases not only his versatility as an athlete but also his determination to conquer new challenges. With an upcoming triathlon in Sylvania, he's set to further establish his presence in the triathlon community.
Charlie Vallone: Champion of the Day
We also had the pleasure of speaking with Charlie Vallone, the winner of the triathlon.
The clear-cut question was "What was going through your mind today?
Charlie: "Don't slow down was the big one. I was watching my heart rate, making sure I didn’t peak too high. I can improve on my run and focus on going faster."
Charlie is looking forward to competing next in the Sylvania Olympic triathlon, followed by Regionals in September, which is also an Olympic distance event. His strategic approach to managing his heart rate and pacing himself has paid off, and he’s determined to keep improving.
Anthony Pham: From Super Sprint to Iron Man
Anthony Pham participated in the super sprint relay as a stepping stone towards his ultimate goal: Iron Man Ohio. Reflecting on his race, Anthony said:
Pham: "All I did today was the super sprint relay. The idea was to have experience in my hands before Iron Man Ohio. Today started on the wrong foot. I lost my goggles right after the first dive into the water, but it’s okay because I wanted a good workout and experience. Getting the mistakes out of the way before the Iron Man. I am happy I had a good package of performance."
Despite the initial setback, Anthony treated the race as a high-intensity workout and was pleased with his performance. He’s now focused on continuing his training to compete well in Iron Man Ohio in four weeks.
The journeys of Ethan, Charlie, and Anthony remind us that every race is an opportunity to learn, grow, and push the limits. Stay tuned to Runners Origins for more updates on these incredible athletes as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.