Marta Dydycz – Iron Man

At Bacha Sport, we value and support all forms of sporting activity. We are active athletes ourselves, and our team includes hockey players, rugby players, and yoga enthusiasts. However, one member of our team practices an extreme sport – triathlon.

Marta Dydycz, because she’s the one we’re talking about, proved that nothing is impossible when she tackled the grueling 226km IRONMAN Triathlon in Borówno, near Bydgoszcz, on Saturday, August 22, 2020. For those unfamiliar, the distance of this grueling challenge is 3.8km swimming, 180km cycling, and 42.195km running. Most of us could cover that distance in maybe a month—Marta managed it in 14 hours and 40 minutes.

We’re incredibly impressed, even though we were 100% convinced Marta could do it. Having played a small part in this, we’re even more proud.

Marta, you are an iron man!

We invite you to read a short interview with Marta Dydycz, a debutant in the IRONMAN distance competition.

1. How did you feel after crossing the finish line? I imagine you were overcome with emotion.

First of all, I was incredibly tired. Finally, there was a marathon to run (6 x 7km loops). I don’t remember much about the last two laps. On the fifth lap, my dad and his sisters accompanied me for the last kilometer, and my boyfriend ran the last lap with me, and together with his sisters, he later led me to the finish line. I’m incredibly moved. I’ve fulfilled my biggest dream of the last few years, and only now, two days later, do I realize what I did on Saturday.

2. How do you assess the preparation and organization of the entire competition?

First of all, I’m glad they weren’t canceled amidst all the COVID chaos. I didn’t feel the associated restrictions either. I could fully focus on the start. I also admire the volunteers who helped throughout the day, providing water, and cheering. The atmosphere was incredible.

3. How are you feeling today, it’s been 2 days since the start, how’s your recovery going?

First of all, I’m eating a lot. I mean, I always eat a lot, but now I eat a lot more 🙂 and I’m walking better and better 🙂 even though it doesn’t show, it’s really better. My legs are hurting less and less, now I have two weeks of vacation and rest, and then it’s time to think about what’s next and get back to training. This race was especially important to me because I dedicated it, among others, to young addicts who are receiving treatment at a center run by the House of Hope Foundation. I also thought of them during my crisis at the beginning of the marathon, that no matter what difficulties lie ahead, it’s not worth giving up.

4. How do you rate your preparation?

I did everything I could in this crazy Covid year. I knew the distance was enormous, but I had no idea how I would feel on the course or how my body would react. I’m glad I took proper care of hydration and fueling during exercise, something I hadn’t always been able to do before. Thanks to my sponsor, For Your Horse – Physiotherapy for Sport Horses, Natalia Fruk (she’s an iron man and needs a lot of it ;)), I had gels I’d already tried on the course, and everything went smoothly.

5. Tell us how the preparations went.

– swimming

– running

– rower

 Preparations were hampered by Covid restrictions. Virtually all swimming training was open water. During the winter, I rode a lot on a Schwinn IC8 spinning bike, which was loaned to me by Bacha Sport (thanks to CEO Bartek), which helped me build strength in my legs. I’ve had the bike I started on for a month. I always thought I knew how to ride a bike. This race changed a lot. In terms of technique, I have a lot to learn. I now know my weak points and have a lot of technique training ahead of me in all disciplines to easily improve my time next year.

6. Which triathlon discipline was your greatest strength and why?

It’s hard to say what my greatest strength was. I tried to complete all the laps as evenly as possible to maintain my strength until the end. It worked.

7. Did anything particularly surprise you on the route?

I was definitely surprised at the very end by running through a dark park and a route lit with candles – and by the kindness of the people. The families of other runners, standing along the course, asked if I wanted gels and water, and someone gave me a Pepsi. Everyone was cheering, supporting me, and wishing me luck. The next day at the hotel, I chatted briefly with a disabled runner from the Czech Republic, who congratulated me on my debut. I was surprised by my parents, who came to Bydgoszcz the evening before the race to surprise me. And my boyfriend was a huge supporter, handing out gummies and magnesium, swapping isotonic water bottles, and running the final lap with me through the dark park.

8. How does it feel to become an iron man? ?

Being an iron man is one thing! But fulfilling a dream is incredible! I have so many good, kind people around me. My parents and youngest sisters came to the competition, my beloved was with me, and so many people wrote and asked. I’m truly thrilled.

9. This year’s goal has been achieved, what are your sports plans and dreams for the future?

I’m keeping my dreams to myself for now, but I definitely want to take part in the Bieszczady Winter Marathon next year, improve my Ironman time and… learn to ride a bike?

Finally, I would like to thank my coach, friend and mentor Jurek Górski for introducing me to the world of triathlon and training, and for always being there for me.