The 30/30 Half Ironman Challenge
On March 28th, 2021 Cesar Martinez broke the Guinness Book of World Record for the most
Half Distance Triathlons (70.3 distance triathlon).
Half Distance Triathlons (70.3 distance triathlon).
The Journey
Cesar's journey to the 30/30 world record began on November 1st 2020. The idea came about after his Full Ironman event in Texas that was scheduled for April got cancelled due to the pandemic. The event was rescheduled to October of 2020, so he continued to train and stay ready, but soon enough another cancelation would take place. By that time, he had heard of an individual by the name of James Lawrence AKA "Iron Cowboy" who had conquered 50 full distance triathlon events in 50 days and in all 50 states. He was impressed to say the least and began to do some research. Lawrence had begun his journey with small 5k runs and ultimately began some small distance triathlons. In 2010, Lawrence set the Guinness Book of World Record for the most Half Distance Triathlons in 30 weeks, he conquered 22 in 30 weeks.
Inspired by Lawrence' achievements, Cesar began to orchestrate his plans to break Lawrence record. He knew it would take a lot of planning because 30 weeks is a long time (7 months). Many factors were involved, some of which included work, weather, cost, location, routes, and sacrifice from family and friends, but he was ready for the challenge and after hammering out some details he decided to begin on November 1st of 2020 to conquer 30 Half Distance Triathlons in 30 weeks.
Inspired by Lawrence' achievements, Cesar began to orchestrate his plans to break Lawrence record. He knew it would take a lot of planning because 30 weeks is a long time (7 months). Many factors were involved, some of which included work, weather, cost, location, routes, and sacrifice from family and friends, but he was ready for the challenge and after hammering out some details he decided to begin on November 1st of 2020 to conquer 30 Half Distance Triathlons in 30 weeks.
What is a Half Ironman?
A 'Half Ironman' is also known as a 70.3 distance triathlon, which is divided into 3 different athletic disciplines. (1) Swim 1.2 miles, (2) Bike 56 miles and (3) Run 13.1 miles in that order. The race has a time limit in order for it to be official. The swim must be done under 1hr and 10 min. The bike doesn't have a time limit, but if too slow or too long on the bike, then it will affect the time on the run, because the total time allotted is 8 1/2 hours.
Cesar is currently ahead of his personal record with 25 completed in 23 weeks. His initial goal was to conquer 30 in 30 weeks, but at the current pace and rate that he is in he should complete 30 in 27-28 weeks. This is all dependent that he stays healthy and injury free. Due to Covid restrictions and health concerns for himself, this record has become more difficult to navigate and succeed, but he believes that with adversity comes strength.
Cesar is currently ahead of his personal record with 25 completed in 23 weeks. His initial goal was to conquer 30 in 30 weeks, but at the current pace and rate that he is in he should complete 30 in 27-28 weeks. This is all dependent that he stays healthy and injury free. Due to Covid restrictions and health concerns for himself, this record has become more difficult to navigate and succeed, but he believes that with adversity comes strength.
What's next?
His next journey is to conquer a 50 mile race everyday for 50 consecutive days. His goal is to attempt the 50/50 in 2022 during the months of February and March. Many different obstacles pose a risk and concern, but he will embrace and overcome each and everyone the best way that he knows how, taking each day at a time.