The Ironman Leap: Kirsten Bratti Lewis on Overcoming Challenges in Triathlon

Transitioning from a 70.3 half Ironman to a full 140.6 Ironman is no small feat. For Kirsten Bratti Lewis, this leap has been a journey filled with both triumphs and trials. In this installment of the “Enjoying the Journey” series, we share Kirsten’s recent experiences as she faces Ironman transition training challenges. The road to Ironman California hasn’t always been smooth, but Kirsten is proving that anything is possible.

A New Challenge: From 70.3 to 140.6

For many triathletes, the transition from a 70.3 to a full Ironman is often described as “doubling the distance.” However, as Kirsten has discovered, this mindset can be misleading. “The 70.3 and the 140.6, you know, in language, it’s very easy to say it’s double. The reality is it’s just not,” Kirsten shared, highlighting the significant difference between the two distances. Kirsten recently completed 70.3 Oregon, where she experienced one of her best bike performances in a 70.3. Despite the bike success, she found herself struggling on the run, a challenge that left her feeling frustrated and disappointed. “I just could not get things going,” she admitted. This disappointment led to an emotional turning point in her training journey as she grappled with the differences between training for a 70.3 and a full Ironman.

Emotional Struggles and Breakthroughs

The transition to full Ironman training brought Kirsten face-to-face with emotional hurdles that she hadn’t anticipated. “I freaked out for a good two weeks,” she confessed, describing the frustration she felt with the slower, longer training sessions. Accustomed to the intensity of 70.3 training, Kirsten found it difficult to embrace the slower pace required for long-distance preparation. “I was angry at all the slower, longer stuff,” she said, recalling how she struggled to understand the purpose behind these sessions. Thankfully, Kirsten’s coach was there to provide the guidance and patience she needed. “She was so patient with me,” Kirsten said. She discussed the notes and encouragement her coach provided during this challenging period. These interactions were crucial in helping Kirsten shift her mindset from frustration to acceptance. That shift ultimately lead to a significant emotional breakthrough.

The Role of Community Support

In addition to the support from her coach, Kirsten found strength in her community. Connecting with friends and mentors who had experience with full Ironman races provided her with valuable insights and reassurance. “They were giving me the same kind of answers,” Kirsten said, acknowledging how these conversations helped her stay on track during moments of doubt. The importance of community became even more apparent during a particularly challenging period when a heatwave hit her training area. With temperatures reaching as high as 115 degrees, Kirsten found herself feeling isolated and emotionally drained. “That created an emotional isolation,” she realized, as the extreme weather conditions made it difficult to maintain regular training interactions with others. However, it was this very isolation that led Kirsten to reach out to her support network. That connection reinforced the importance of community in her journey. “I started being even more open with my coach,” she shared. This openness emphasizes how these connections play a vital role in the ability to navigate the emotional challenges of Ironman training.

---

ADVERTISEMENT

---

The Physical and Mental Shifts

One of the most significant changes Kirsten experienced during her training was the realization that the physical and mental demands of a full Ironman are vastly different from those of a 70.3. The longer training sessions, which she initially resisted, eventually became opportunities for growth and confidence building. “I did these really longer sessions that I had no idea I could handle,” she said. During the conversation she recounted a recent four-and-a-half-hour run that surprised her with how well she performed. This experience was a turning point for Kirsten, providing her with the confidence she needed to continue her Ironman journey. “It helped me feel like I’m giving myself some confidence that I can actually do this thing,” she said. This newfound confidence also helped her reconnect with her ultimate goal: completing a full Ironman.

The Importance of Nutrition and Recovery

Another critical aspect of Kirsten’s journey has been her focus on nutrition and recovery. Working with a nutritionist, Kirsten made significant improvements in her nutrition, which in turn bolstered her recovery and overall performance. “My nutrition is really good on the run for about two and a half hours,” she noted. This is progress and one that she is proud of. However, as Kirsten has learned, nutrition needs can change as the duration of her training sessions increases. During her longest run to date, she discovered that her nutrition strategy needed further adjustments. These changes will help to sustain her for the entire duration. “I need to practice troubleshooting all of the various components of nutrition,” she said, acknowledging that fine-tuning her nutrition will be crucial as race day approaches.

Overcoming the Challenges of Long-Distance Training

As Kirsten continues to prepare for Ironman California, she remains focused on the unique challenges of long-distance training. The bike segment, in particular, has been a significant focus for her. “It’s the distance on the bike,” she said, when asked about what aspect of the Ironman she finds most daunting. The physical demands of cycling 112 miles loom in the forefront of her mind. During a recent training ride on the Ironman course, Kirsten encountered extreme wind gusts that tested her limits. “We later found out that it was up to 30 mph cross winds,” she said, recalling how the challenging conditions pushed her to her limits. Despite the difficulties, Kirsten pushed through, using the experience as a reality check and confidence booster. “That was a huge confidence booster,” she said, recognizing how the experience reinforced her commitment to the Ironman journey.

Looking Ahead: The Final Weeks of Preparation

With race day drawing closer, Kirsten is now in the final weeks of her Ironman training. Reflecting on her journey so far, she’s focused on maintaining a positive mindset and staying present during her training sessions. “I need to be present when I’m doing these sessions,” she said, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness as she prepares for the race. As Kirsten continues her journey, she remains committed to enjoying the process. She looks forward to the challenges, and relying on the support of her community. With her determination, newfound confidence, and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Kirsten is ready to tackle the Ironman distance and achieve her goal.

The Ironman Journey

Kirsten Bratti Lewis’s Ironman transition training challenges teaches us about perseverance, community support, and a positive mindset. As she continues to prepare for Ironman California, she is providing inspiration to all athletes. Inspiration can be found by those who are facing their own challenges and striving to achieve their goals. With each training session, Kirsten is not only building physical strength but also mental resilience. She is proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.