Ironman with a Handcycle
Oct. 10, 2008
Some of you must be wondering how someone who uses a wheelchair for mobility is able to do a triathlon and how in the world does someone do 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run with just his or her arms? For me it is primarily about a can-do attitude and the right equipment. An average week of Ironman training for me consists of three swims totaling 8,000 meters in the pool, four handcycle training sessions totaling 150 miles, and one race chair session totaling 15 miles--all totaling 15-20 hours per week. Add a full-time job to my training demands and my time and energy is stretched more than I can handle most days.
As a result of training for competition (which I started at age six when I raced motocross and over the last seventeen years in which I have completed 18 triathlons, over 140 road races, and 29 marathons) I have found the most important variable to be my attitude. I have also learned over the last four years of failure to qualify for the world championships that it takes an extra effort beyond your comfort zone if you want to be the best.
Just as the quantity and quality of training is important to my being able to complete an Ironman, the equipment I utilize is equally as important. Unfortunately, because there are a limited number of individuals that compete in triathlon in the handcycle division, there are a limited number of companies that make triathlon equipment for athletes with physical disabilities. The result has been the need for me to develop all of my own equipment. This presents many unique challenges including allocating time, securing financial resources, and finding people willing to take on fabricating prototypes.
How I Swim
The equipment I use for the Ironman swim includes custom plastic braces and a modified wetsuit. The braces are made of a soft flexible plastic that slide over my legs and keep them straight in order to minimize water drag. The wetsuit is a two-piece top and bottom wetsuit that has zippers down the side (which makes it easy to remove) and its inherent buoyancy also helps to float my legs so that I am able to stroke more efficiently.
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| Getting ready for a training swim | Getting helped into the water for a race |
Biking with my Hands
For the bike portion of the triathlon I ride a custom, carbon fiber handcycle. The handcycle is very critical component—not only is it is the longest portion of the race, it is the most complex. Among the things I considered when fabricating my bike were positioning, aerodynamics, safety, comfort, gearing, reliability, tires, and a hydration system. My handcycle is the only handcycle fabricated with carbon fiber and this provides a lighter and stiffer piece of equipment. Additionally, because carbon fiber is more flexible in terms of the shapes you can create, it is provides for a much more aerodynamic design. Aerodynamics is important in Kona, as the winds are notorious for blowing between 15-40 mph.
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| Racing with my handcycle |
Running Without Using my Legs
For the run portion of the race I use a racing wheelchair. My racing wheelchair is made of aircraft aluminum and is very light, which makes it easier to propel. It was precisely fabricated to fit my body size and shape. To propel my race chair I punch a rubber rim on the wheel utilizing a mitt-type glove that contains a rubber pushing surface.
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| My racing wheelchair |
-Jason
