I met Tolva one year ago as a much appreciated referral from a friend. His goal was a first Ironman finish at IM Louisville 2019. As we worked together for the year, Tolva’s favorite part of training were the swims. I met him at his pool three times and did under and over water videoing of his stroke. Each time, I gave him some specific stroke form flaws to fix and the drills and cues to fix them. He would then swim for a month on his own and do all the work required to fix those flaws by the next session. His Ironman swim pace dropped by 20 seconds a mile and he got so he could regularly swim 5000 yards and call it easy. Tolva tackled the bike and run training just as diligently but he always asked for more swims.

Last weekend was race day. Tolva arrived in Louisville to find that the swim would be cancelled. Disappointed, yes! He was looking forward to showing his hard work off in the Ohio River. Plus, this was going to be his first Ironman and now it would not quite feel like the full experience. Anyone who has tried to bike 112 hilly miles then run a marathon would tell him that he has certainly earned the title Ironman!

Undaunted, Tolva adapted to the new challenge and crushed the bike and run with family at the finish line cheering for him! Way to go! Enjoy that off season!

Always smiling! Tolva conquers Ironman Louisville!