 Elevated blood sugar -- that was the beginning of Jim Landau’s running passion. “My doctor told me I had elevated blood sugar, and if I didn’t lose weight, it would become full blown diabetes,” Landau said. “I started running, lost 50 pounds and have controlled my levels without medication.”
Landau first began participating in marathons until foot issues changed his focus to triathlons. “I knew I wasn’t going to be able to continue to run the distances for marathons,” he explained. “I met Jeff Smith (Gateway Endurance Training Coach), and he really got me started and helped me train for triathlons.” Landau has done seven or eight in just this first year.
Tri-athletes have several different racing formats to choose from:
Event Swim Bike Run
Super Sprint .25 miles 6.2 miles 1.5 miles
Sprint .5 miles 12.4 miles 3.1 miles
Olympic .93 miles 24.8 miles 6.2 miles
Long Distance 1.86 miles 49.6 miles 12.4 miles
Half 1.2 miles 56 miles 13.1 miles
Full 2.4 miles 112 miles 26.2 miles (Also known as "long distance" or "Ironman Triathlon")
*standard distances; some may vary race to race Source: Wikipedia
Landau competes primarily in the sprint distance and has completed a few Olympic formats. “I came from a running background so that is my strongest event. I’m not a strong swimmer and that is my most challenging,” which is typical for most tri-athletes. Landau says even seasoned tri-athletes get anxious about the swim portion. “You know you’re going to get kicked and bumped in the water. That’s why some of the best tri-athletes are strong swimmers.”
Landau tries to spread out the training events during the week. “I’ll swim and bike one day, then bike and run another day. I try not to run every day in training. Once a week I’ll do one day of all three.
“I miss training for marathons. The biggest difference is trying to focus on all three sports for the triathlon. When I was running, I could just put on my shoes and go. There is a lot more planning involved with a triathlon. You have to look at the weather and get all your gear organized. There is more to think about.”
On race day, the gear includes a triathlon suit, bike, helmet, glasses, tire pump, race belt, running shoes, socks, directions to the events, water, and sports gels. Sometimes Landau will go to the course a day ahead of the race to get a feel.
“You have to organize your transition area so you have all the things you need,” he said. “You also have to mark your body with your competitor number prior to the race.”
Racing has taught him more about nutrition and hydration. “I never used to think much about what I was eating. I’m learning more about what I need to eat and drink before, during and after the events.”
He has been able to control his blood sugar. “I know someday I will be diabetic, but as long as I can control it, the better I am.”
Landau competes in many of the “Heart of America” series races, which are close by. He also competed in the recent Hy-Vee and Big Creek Triathlons. “I wish now that I would have started competing earlier.
“The training part for me is more rewarding than the actual competition. When I go out for a run or a bike ride, it just helps me clear my head for a while or helps me plan for work. I’m not a real competitive person. My expectations for the races are just to finish and enjoy doing it. I always want it to be fun.”
Landau competed in the Pigman (half Ironman) in Palo in August. “I’d love to do a full Ironman someday. Anyone who competes in these events has that dream, but right now I don’t have the time to train for it.”
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