Việt Nam News talks to Anne-Catherine Schaub-Jones about her experience of taking part in Ironman, the largest international multi-sport event in the country, recently held in Đà Nẵng.

Could you tell us about your Ironman experience? 

It was an extraordinary experience! People from all over the world gathered in Da Nang to try their best from beginner triathlete to pro: 2km swim in a very choppy sea, 90km cycling and 21km running under the burning sun. Exciting atmosphere. Beautiful scenery. 

What do you think is the key to this challenge and how long did you train?

I trained for 6 months. My bigger challenge was to learn how to swim freestyle. Running with the pollution in Ha Noi and the humid climate was not always easy. 

I think the key is to be fit and even more important is the mental aspect. You need to be strong mentally, have strategies in place and also focus on nutrition and hydration. 

This is mostly a self-challenge goal, what do you think you have achieved after you made it? 

I am happy and surprised I could do it relatively easily. I feel great, surprisingly not sore. I learned a lot not only about technique, fitness but also about time management, deal with stressful situations, team spirit, organizing my goals in small chunks and being realistic.