Meet TriNerd Triathlete Alia Kudra
Trinerd triathlete Alia Kudra is a local Victoria athlete who has a heart for her friends, sport and family. Her commitment to trying new adventurous races keeps her motivated and focused on her daily life. We interviewed Alia just before our recent quarantine but proud to say even though the races that she planned in 2020 were postponed or canceled she continues to train hard with virtual classes at Limitless or the TriNerd virtual spin classes. This is Trinerd triathlete, Alia Kudra's Journey.
Triathlon has been pumping through your veins for a while now. How did you find triathlon and what drives you to continue year after year?
I discovered the sport when I joined the local gym Limitless Training in 2017, they had an introductory triathlon training program. It's a great way to keep fit and constantly push yourself. Looking for new races to participate in is my motivator. It's a great way to see the world and make new friends!
In 2018 and 2019 you Rocked the Swimrun getting 2nd in your division. Congratulations, you really hit that course hard. For those who aren’t familiar with Swimrun what is competing in Swimrun like?
Swimrun is relatively new to Victoria. So when coach Nick told me about it I was keen to try it. Since I've never heard of the sport I decided to do a little research before. Much like triathlon this sport has Specialty wetsuits with zipper in front to allow the athlete to unzip on the run course and pull the wetsuit off the trunk. Shoes that are light in weight with drainage holes. Contrary to triathlon where you have a place to drop your gear and transition into the next sport in swimrun everything you have on your person for the swim you must also carry with you on the run. Swim aids are also legal in the race with some restrictions.
The race was in August so that meant the water temp was quite warm. I wore my trisuit, runners that I drilled holes into and swim paddles for the swim.
In the race my arms became fatigued from not being used to using paddles, my legs kept sinking from my shoes which felt very heavy for my run.
The following year I registered for the same race and adjusted accordingly. I used a pull buoy to keep my legs from dragging in the water and I didn't use paddles. Much better results. When you do not practice wearing all the equipment, it can quickly work against you. The same applies to triathlon. Practice race day nutrition, gear, transition into the next sport.
This year if I compete again there are a few things I will change. That's what keeps me coming back to multisport. Little changes can have a big impact, it's exciting and interesting to see what works for me as an athlete, after all it's half the fun.
Alia's SwimRun gear
Alia Kudra with Coach Nick Patenaude and Mike McDougall
What races do you have planned for the 2020 season?
Every athlete is a training gear nerd. What gear do you train with and what’s on your wish list?
For swim and run I use my Garmin 735XT
For my bike I use Garmin speed and cadence sensors.
My wishlist training gear would be a power meter and a tri bike...that's right...I've been using my road bike for all my races!
Do you have words of encouragement for people just getting into triathlon?
Don't let the hard days discourage you. They make the good days better and they help you grow.
How can our fans follow and keep up to date with your adventures in training?
You all gotta join the Tri-Nerds and Limitless Training, I tend to keep a pretty low profile on social media! So most likely you will see me at the gym, in the pool/lake, or on the road and trails.
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