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
