#156 The Path to Success Is Never a Straight Line, Uncertainties following a surgery to winning the biggest race in the country - Nihal Ahmed Baig, Winner, Goa Ironman 70.3 -2023

<p> This episode is brought to you by www.thebikeaffair.com</p> <p>If you are in search of a one-stop destination that caters to all your cycling needs, our today&#39;s sponsor, The Bike Affair, is the perfect place to check out! With over 14 years of experience, The Bike Affair has established itself as a trusted source offering honest advice and exceptional service. They are offering a special treat for the listeners of this podcast. You can enjoy a 10% discount on your first order by using the code &#39;BIKEYVENKY&#39; on their website. Visit their bike store in Hyderabad or shop online by using the link www.thebikeaffair.com </p> <p><br></p> <p>In this episode we talk to the Goa Ironman 70.3 champion of 2022 and 2023, Nihal Ahmed Baig. When we see an athlete winning all the time, it is easy to say that he or she is gifted, talented etc without much thinking on our part. In my view, what it does is diminish the kind of effort that goes on behind the scenes, and discount the kind of battles they might have fought in the process of getting to where they are. This interaction with Nihal brings forth precisely these battles he had to fight to make it to the start line and then make it across the finish line ahead of everyone else on the day. </p> <p><br></p> <p>0:00:00 Intro</p> <p>0:05:00 Goa Ironman 70.3 in 2022 vs 2023 Weather and course conditions</p> <p>0:08:40 Australian exit swim vs single loop swim course</p> <p>0:12:20 Preparation going into the race, hernia surgery and recovery</p> <p>0:22:30 Post hernia surgery recovery - the first 3 months</p> <p>0:27:00 Uncertainities during the recovery process</p> <p>0:31:20 Racing a Olympic Tri 4 weeks to Goa Tri</p> <p>0:37:00 Key workouts/moments that gave him confidence to race</p> <p>0:45:15 Balancing health and performance goals, mental fitness</p> <p>0:50:15 Race week and the race day at Goa Ironman 2023, the swim</p> <p>1:03:10 Cycling leg, trying to consolidate the gaps </p> <p>1:12:00 Run segment, taking the lead and holding on</p> <p>1:22:10 His Goa Iron