On October 20-22 the world’s best triathletes will descend on Aruba for one of the world’s greatest physical challenges. And that’s why they call it Challenge Aruba. Aruba has a nearly perfect climate but varied terrain. The island is only 69 square miles in total but features white sand beaches, hills, cliffs and deserts. Not desserts. Although those can also be found.
The island is an insanely cool mix of flamingos and cactuses and palapas.
If you’re not a triathlete, or just looking to get healthy the Aruba Marriott, where the athletes hang, offers windsurfing classes, a smoothie station at La Vista breakfast where you should try a cucumber parsley pineapple, and a new healthy “Wellness Retreat Package” bookable at the hotel. It includes yoga, healthy cooking classes and spa services.
But what motivates some of the world’s best athletes? Three of last year’s athletes sat down to answer some quick questions about their routine and what makes them tick.
Lisa Norden, 33, Sweden
What is your workout/diet routine?
Routines are a big deal for triathlon, nutrition is part of the training routine. Not so much sugar and carbs, but more nuts and proteins. 2-3 sessions per day, I come from a short course background, doing the olympic distance which is different than long course. We have more sessions and more intervals. About 16 sessions per week, 25 hours of training, plus 2 gym sessions and 2-3 physio visits.
What got you started into triathlons?
I got in late, at age 16. My mom had a 40 year old crisis as a single mom and wanted to do something crazy, so we bought two road bikes and two sleeping sacks and biked down to Italy from Sweden. When we got back into town, there was a local triathlon, and I figured since I had ridden my bike so much, I could do it, and I got really into it. Joined triathlon and was good at it and liked winning races.
What attracted you to the Challenge Aruba event?
White beaches, blue ocean, it’s the perfect combination. It’s great to finish the year with a race that excites you. Challenge is so good to the athletes also. They were very welcoming and made it feel like one of the highlights of the year.
Were you able to stay fit and healthy while staying at the Aruba Marriott?
As a triathlete you’re always looking into where you can train wherever you go. Used the gym here for all my workouts. When you have such beautiful hotel at a beach like this, you go swimming a lot too. Can’t picture a better way to start the day than that. The two things I look for when traveling, is there a hotel pool and is there a gym. The breakfast buffet here at La Vista restaurant at the hotel has so many great choices, everything you need to eat well. The breakfast buffet is top notch, one of the best ones I’ve seen.
Linsey Corbin, 35
What is your workout/diet routine?
Most days I’m training, get up around 5am, quick breakfast, piece of toast with peanut butter or a Clif bar. I go to the pool and do a 90 min swim, and then have my second breakfast around 9am, more substantial breakfast like eggs and avacado. Will then go for a 2-5 hour bike ride. In the afternoon either a running workout or some gym work lifting weights, or rehab training. Then eat dinner, go to bed early, and do it all again the next day. 75% of the year is like that.
What got you started into triathalons?
I was studying exercise physiology in college, and people in the lab were doing triathlons and I was looking for a challenge. I did running in University, and was looking for something new to do, so I decided to try a triathlon. It was later in my life, I was in my early 20s, and I’ve been doing it for 10 years.
What attracted you to the Challenge Aruba event?
The event contact me early in the year announcing a new event in aruba and I’d heard great things about Aruba, and since it falls at the end of the race seasons I thought it would be the perfect “racecation”. Doing the event and then staying for a little holiday after and enjoying everything Aruba has to offer.
How do you find it staying fit and healthy while staying at the Aruba Marriott?
The Marriott has been hosting us and has been very hospitable, great location right on the beach. For the training it has been nice, there’s a 30 meter pool and also a fun pool. So you have your serious pool for working out, and the fun pool for after, and they have great facilities.
Chris McDonald, 37
What is your workout/diet routine?
Being an iron man athlete it’s 35 hours a week of training. Diet is funny because my nickname is Big Sexy, I used to be 250 lbs, getting down to race weight over time. I used to have strict diets, but I found that coming from being overweight, if I just eat healthy, do the right amount of training, my body will find where it needs to be.
What got you started into triathalons?
I was 250 lbs, and getting into triathlons was a lifestyle change. I raced as an amateur first and then progressed into the pro ranks, and it was purely to lose weight and have fun, but then I got enough to to pursue is professionally, and now I’ve been racing professionally for 12 years.
What attracted you to the Challenge Aruba event?
Coming to Challenge Aruba for me was a great destination race, and I like to end the year with a “racecation” as we call it. Having never been here, I heard so many beautiful things about the island and wanted to come see it first hand.
How do you find it staying fit and healthy while staying at the Aruba Marriott?
As an athlete that have all kinds of food selections, healthy, clean food, and the amenities are awesome, really good, and beautiful.