Post by adidas

Imagine getting swimming tips from a 3x Ironman Champion between meetings🏊‍♀️ Fresh off the triathlon in Roth, Patrick Lange visited the World of Sports to meet with employees and offer them individualized pointers on their swimming technique. As a winner of the Ironman Championship in Kona three times, which consists of a 180 km bike ride (112 miles), 42.2 km run (26.2 miles – yes, that’s a marathon!), and a 3.8 km swim (2.4 miles), in the open waters of the Pacific Ocean, he has a wealth of tips and wisdom on topics from stroke efficiency to dealing with pressure. While the one-on-one swimming advice Patrick provided in our campus pool was reserved for those lucky enough to join the session, here is a sneak peek into some of what the participants gained from meeting with one of the biggest names in endurance sports: ❔ What do you think about during a race? 🗨️ When I began my career, it was success – I was willing to go through all kinds of pain to win the race. Now, it’s the faces of my sister’s kids. I have a big influence on them, and I want to be a good role model for them. That’s what I think about now. ❔How do you keep a positive outlook when the race becomes difficult? 🗨️ I work with a mental coach on positive self-talk. We’ve agreed that I can talk badly to myself, but then I have to end up on a positive note. So, if I say to myself, “You’re dropping behind,” I then might say, “Just keep going,” or, even better, “You got this.”  ❔ How do you deal with nerves or even fear before or during a competition? 🗨️ I realized it’s important to welcome fears. I might say, ‘It’s good that you are here. You can come with me,’ and then they disappear naturally. If I try to force them to go away, they can grow and grow. ❔ Do you have any rituals before bed to ensure a good night’s sleep? 🗨️ Not every night, but when I have trouble sleeping, I use a breathing technique. I breathe in for seven seconds and hold my breath. Then I exhale for seven seconds and hold my breath.  ❔ What tips do you have for those afraid of encountering fish when swimming in open waters? 🗨️ Training with a group can help – the motion and noise can warn the fish so they don’t run into you.  The session wrapped up with a relay race allowing participants to put Patrick’s coaching into action. Thank you, Patrick, for an inspiring visit and best of luck as you set your sight on Kona this October! 🏊🚴🏃‍♂️🌺 #inside3stripes #adidas #EnduranceSports #PatrickLange #AthleteInsights #HighPerformance #Mindset