Life is more than the scale, and your body is capable of so much more. Yahoo’s #Fitspo of the Week series is dedicated to inspiring men and women in Singapore who live healthy and active lifestyles. Is there anyone you can recommend?strike Cheryl On top of that Instagram or Facebook!
name: Luigi Castelli (@luigi_runs)
Year: 45
height: 1.75 meters
weight: 65kg
Profession: sales manager
food: The unique combination of ginger, beets, carrots and oranges is in keeping with a predominantly Mediterranean and plant-based diet, emphasizing plant-based protein over meat consumption.
exercise: I don’t follow a specific exercise routine. Instead, I stay active every day by maintaining an active lifestyle, participating in activities such as tennis and cycling, and frequent trips to the supermarket with bags full of IKEA groceries. I’m spending time.
Q: Were you active in sports when you were younger?
A: Yes, I was a sports enthusiast. When I was an active young man, I dabbled in all kinds of athletics. I dove headlong into the world of swimming, kicking, chopping, and taking karate classes with my family. Soccer was practically a religion in my Italian family.
I also rode roller coasters in the realm of inline skating and even jumped on skateboards as a kid. It’s safe to say that I’ve always been a sports sampler fan.
What have you become more passionate about as you get older?
While working in China, I discovered the world of badminton. I loved the unique combination of speed and technique. I was amazed to see how easily older players could defeat younger players with just simple wrist movements. Even after moving to Singapore, I have been enjoying badminton for several years.
Over the past few years, as the pandemic has restricted social gatherings, I’ve gradually become drawn to running. You have more flexibility when it comes to choosing location, time, and of course distance.
When did you start getting more serious about running?
Until about three years ago, I was your typical, run-of-the-mill casual jogger. I’m the type of person who jogs a few kilometers just to relax my mind and get some fresh air.
But fate intervened in 2021 and I stumbled upon an article about a British athlete who broke the Guinness Book of Records for longest triathlon in Singapore. He set the hurdles by dividing a total of 7,519,670 kilometers according to triathlon proportions (the majority of kilometers are devoted to cycling, running and swimming, respectively). Time and time again, this athlete’s accomplishments come back to me. Unbeknownst to me, the seeds of what would become a major personal endeavor were being planted.
And so began my epic journey from a slow, short jog to a long-distance runner.
Why did you decide to attempt the Guinness World Record for longest triathlon by a man?
I decided to attempt the Guinness World Record (GBWR) for longest triathlon, and started the challenge in mid-June this year, with the goal of completing it within the next year. This is a challenge that requires strategy, well-thought-out planning, and most importantly, discipline of iron will. Challenging a record like this is like trying to turn the impossible into “I can do it.”
It’s about pushing the limits of what your heart tells you, changing your mindset, and realizing that with a little bit of determination, even the most epic feats can be transformed from “You’re insane!” . “You did it!” To quote Deenshdaryanani in my article about his GBWR journey, “My I can” means “I can” and “we all can”.
me too raise money for two charities On this trip.
What were the challenges you faced when you started preparing for this endeavor?
My first challenge was to familiarize myself with the three main disciplines of triathlon: cycling, swimming, and running. This task felt like I was trying to master three different skills at the same time, similar to learning three different languages at the same time. Transforming into a well-rounded athlete is not easy. Unfamiliar territory must be conquered, and each section presents its own challenges and risks.
It turns out that running thousands of kilometers is generally very taxing on the knee and leg muscles. Swimming hundreds of kilometers was as difficult as preparing for an underwater adventure, especially considering that water conditions are highly influenced by tide, wind, and underwater. flow.
To become proficient at cycling, it is essential to understand the basics of racing bikes, including the inherent risks of racing bikes, such as being strapped to the pedals and riding through Singapore’s busy traffic.
Preparation for this challenge took over three years, and the main goal was to achieve a reasonable level of comfort in each area while meeting the daily demands of prolonged exercise.
When it came to improving my overall triathlon endurance, it felt like managing a complex equation that required careful planning and unwavering commitment.
It was a challenge to push my limits and embrace the unfamiliar. Even though my heart and mind were screaming “NO!”, I refused to give in to the initial discomfort and challenged myself to face these scary sections head-on.
With perseverance and determination, I gradually transformed from an anxious beginner to someone who was comfortable taking on triathlons and raising the bar to the next level.
How did you overcome these challenges?
First, it was important to have a plan. It wasn’t just a sketch, it was a meticulously detailed roadmap. I had to strategize every step of the way, from my training routine to my nutrition and even my recovery. Training was a big part of the equation. I spend countless hours every day. Discipline has been the unsung hero of my journey. It was about sticking to my training plan even when my inner voice tried to negotiate extra sleep time.
At times like these, I had to summon a determined heart to break my tendency to procrastinate. Once your body is in good shape, it’s time to work on your mind. It was about convincing myself that the victory of crossing the finish line was worth all the sweat, pain, and dedication. So, in essence, overcoming these challenges has been a multifaceted journey. Putting it all together and being a successful triathlete required careful planning, constant training, unwavering discipline, constant self-motivation, and a great deal of mental strength.
It took about three years to prepare. How did you know you were ready?
After three years of preparation, we are still not convinced that we are completely ready. You won’t truly know if you’re ready until you take the first step. Just like preventing muscle spasms and keeping your bike in good condition, it’s important to minimize risk to a manageable level.
You can be pretty confident that you’re ready to start, but you’re still uncertain whether you’ll get to the finish line. That’s the thing about such efforts. The shadow of uncertainty is always looming. It’s about believing in yourself that you’re ready. Waiting until he feels 100% ready is a never-ending waiting game. So the key is to take the plunge, trust your preparation, and follow through.
Did you experience anything that made you feel insecure about yourself when you were younger?
I think it’s safe to say that most of us faced some form of adversity in our youth. What really matters is how you interpret these challenges and use them as opportunities for personal growth. These experiences serve as important life lessons and shape us into the strong individuals we are today.
When was the last time you felt least confident?
I strongly believe that instead of dwelling on moments of self-doubt, we should focus on the efforts made to achieve our goals. Confidence will always fluctuate throughout your journey, and it’s natural to experience moments of insecurity.
But what really matters is your determination and commitment to pursuing your goals. What matters is not when you are least confident, but rather how you direct your efforts to overcome challenges and work toward your goals with unwavering dedication.
Have you ever struggled with your body?
I have come to realize, accept and accept that my body can change at different points. Instead of struggling with these fluctuations, I learned to appreciate and love myself in the present moment. It’s about embracing self-acceptance and realizing that your worth is not determined by your body or weight, but by the content of your character and the love you have for yourself.
Are you satisfied with your body now?
It all comes down to self-awareness. I strongly believe that if your mind is healthy, your body will naturally be healthy as well. I’m happy with my body now because I’ve found a harmonious balance between my physical health and my mental state. This triathlon challenge played an important role in developing a balance between my mind and body.
If you could change anything about yourself, would you?
I have reached a point in my life where I have learned to fully accept and accept myself for who I am. It’s not about seeking change or change in yourself, but rather about living authentically and allowing others to do the same.
This perspective is based on the belief that authenticity is the truest form of self-expression, a gift we offer not only to ourselves, but also to those we meet on our journey through life. Therefore, I decided to focus on living as my most authentic self rather than worrying about potential changes.
