At the turn of the century, Jean Marie Arriezurieta could not even swim let alone take part in a triathlon. Seven years on, the 42-year-old Frenchman will compete in the Quelle Challenge Roth in Germany this Sunday.
The event is one of the highlights on the International Triathlon calendar and measures up to an Ironman competition in terms of its demands in the three categories of swimming (3.8km), cycling (180km) and running (42.2km).
And while the common belief is that people tend to mellow with age, it is apparent in Arrizurieta's case that growing older has only fuelled his adventurous spirit. But he insists his reasons go beyond just proving his toughness.
“It is a challenge for me,'' he said. “At first I wanted to do it just to keep fit but my Christian beliefs are the main motivational factor for me to do this.''
The Dubai resident has been preparing for the big day since January, though the transition from winter to summer has enforced a change in his training regime.
“I have been training with my Australian coach Jason Metters who is a former Ironman champion. He has been living here for two years so he knows the weather and changes my schedule accordingly.
“June has been hot and humid so now I get up at 2.30am for my long cycling or long running session but only on the weekends,'' said Arriezurieta, who shuttles from Dubai to Abu Dhabi from Sunday to Thursday where he works full time as an advisor to the UAE Government. He added: “On my working days, I get up at 5am to be in Abu Dhabi by seven, I work till 2pm and get back home by quarter past three after which I begin my training.''
Aside from the professional advice of Metters, Arriezurieta said his wife Onicha is never short of an encouraging word. “She works as well but when I swim in the evening she joins me and often gives me that push. She is very happy for me but prefers if I don't spend too much time training.''
Arriezurieta said Roth was an obvious choice due to its easy accessibility from Dubai and good friend and renowned Ironman champion Chris McCormack's description of the venue also bowled him over. “There will only be a two-hour jet-lag and also, I don't have to take too many days off. The weather will also be lovely and from what Jason and Chris have told me, Roth is the most beautiful Ironman race in the world.
“The cycling takes place in a hilly area and with thousands of spectators cheering you on, it is almost like the atmosphere of the Tour de France.''
And what goal has the Dubai Triclub member set his sights on accomplishing? “I would like to complete it under 12 hours as my dream is to qualify for the Ironman competition in Hawaii.
“If I finish in a good position in my age category, it could happen but then my wife's complaints will continue till then,'' he said.
- Jean Marie Arriezurieta has no sponsor but thanks to an package deal from Etihad Airways, he will have a rental car to move about in Roth and wife Onicha will be there as well to push him all the way.
