In 2020, I didn’t even know how to swim. In 2025, I crossed the finish line of my first full Ironman in 8:59:48. That journey wasn’t easy — it was full of early mornings and a lot of self-doubt. But it was also a story of persistence, discipline, and the drive to see how far I could push myself.
I wanted to share my story with both beginner triathletes and seasoned Ironman finishers.
Here’s the full story on my Ironman Kalmar race day.
How It All Started: My Ironman Journey
I first heard about triathlon in 2020, and in December 2020, I started swimming. I didn’t know how to swim at all. It wasn’t a question of pace — I basically didn’t know how to swim right.
That first swim session was the real beginning. Unlike many athletes who came from swimming or running backgrounds, I had none. I never trained in any sport professionally and didn’t have a single qualification in endurance racing or shorter distance races.
But once I got on the bike ride in March 2021 during a trip to Turkey, everything changed. By April, I had already set my sights on a triathlon. At first, I didn’t even think about a full Ironman race. I just wanted to test myself at the IronWay half-distance that summer.
By my second year of training, the idea of a full Ironman started to grow on me.
I set myself a goal of sub-4:30 in the half-marathon. If I achieve it, I’ll register for the full marathon. In September 2024, in Svytiaz, I did 4:25 and immediately bought a slot.
The decision wasn’t impulsive. It was calculated, a reward for reaching a new level of my own race. Every step forward made the first Ironman dream more real.
Triathlon Training and Lifestyle
For four years, I’ve trained under the guidance of coach Serhii Nevzorov at Chameleon Club.
Serhii and I work a lot individually, so his role is the most significant. Plus, I read a lot about cyclic sports and training myself. And I have a friend, a former triathlon pro, who also gives me regular feedback.
People often assume training for an Ironman requires radical lifestyle changes, but for me, it was mostly about discipline.
I go to bed earlier because I leave for my first training session at 6:30 a.m. Other than that, I wouldn’t say there have been any big changes. Work, kids, work, second training session. I gave up alcohol six years ago, a little before I started triathlon.
Race Day: Ironman Kalmar 2025
The night before the race, I didn’t sleep at all. When I arrived at the start point in the race morning, I wasn’t nervous, just completely concentrated.
The Swim
Swimming has always been my weak point. And this time, it was brutal, with people hitting me with their fists, pulling my arms and legs, and literally walking over my back. There were also waves, which I am not a fan of.
Despite all that, I clocked 1:06 — four minutes faster than I had planned.
The Bike Course
After a smooth transition, I mounted the bike. We enter a hill, cross a bridge, and the wind starts blowing at our backs. After 40 km, I overtake about 150 athletes, my speed is about 42–43.
But things changed fast. We turn around, and the wind is in our faces. It never blew at our backs again. For about 130 km, it blew in our faces or from the side.
Still, I finished the 180 km ride in 4:40 and headed into the marathon.
The Run
Running felt smooth at first. My breathing was steady, and my legs weren’t empty, so I had enough energy for the marathon. After half of 1:27:40, I begin to understand that I am going for a marathon at 2:55, and the total time is 8:50, which guarantees a slot at Kona.
But at 30 km, fatigue hit hard. I switched gears immediately to 4:30–35–40 pace. At 35 km, my strength is completely gone, and my head is foggy. At 38 km, I stop because of severe cramps. My leg is completely stiff. I think, okay, 4 km, I’ll make it to the finish line.
The final push was pure survival. I managed to hold on and crossed the finish line in 8:59:48, an honest sub-9 in tough conditions.
Crossing the line in under nine hours felt surreal. But Kona, the dream of every Ironman, was still out of reach. This time, I was 36 seconds short of Kona. The last slot went to a participant with a time of 8:59:12.
What hurt most wasn’t the time but the new performance pool rules. Now, preference is given not to the fastest, but to the oldest. I am 33rd out of 1600 men overall. I did not get a slot, but people from 300th place did.
Still, the journey doesn’t end here. On the second day post-race, I already bought a new slot. Kona remains the ultimate goal for another race location.
Looking Back
When I think back to 2020, when I didn’t know how to swim and had no sporting background, this entire journey feels unbelievable. The long mornings, the stomach issues, the sleepless nights — they all led to this.
Crossing that line in Kalmar wasn’t the end. It was just the beginning.
If you are getting ready for Ironman or half Ironman races, hopefully, my journey will be insightful for you. Check out how to create a personalized triathlon training plan with our triathlon training plan generator.
