Project Sub10
Why?
I have had the honor of watching my brother Momchil take on extraordinary challenges and have seen him fight against himself more than once on different tracks. I always knew inside myself that my moment would come, but there was always "one day" left.
At the end of 2023, I felt that my time was coming and I think that perhaps in my life I will not have a better opportunity to do it and achieve this dream - to complete IronMan at least once in my life.
I think I have almost perfect conditions to tackle this challenge: a close friend and coach who has been through this, a wonderful partner and family who would go to the ends of the earth to support me, as well as a steady job that would allow me to start this hobby and flexible enough to plan daily training sessions as well as triathlon camps throughout the year.
Setting goals is an important part of our development as people and athletes.
This is my goal – Complete IronMan distance (3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride and 42 km run) in under 10 hours. My experience with triathlons is limited, but I have the right people and optimal circumstances by my side to be able to achieve it.
Initially, at the end of 2023, I told myself that I would give all of myself to prepare for the 2024 triathlon season in the best way I could. It was a relative goal, but it still took on real dimensions over time, as I expected. The first challenge of the year was TriMan Greece (half distance). The week before the race I had no exact time expectations, I went to have fun. But, still, behind me was a very structured training block that allowed me to enter the race prepared. I knew very precisely (or rather I was told) what values I had to aim for and what my body was capable of, because the coach had set the parameters in watts, pace, nutrition, TTS, etc.
The result was surprising to me – with a time of 4:40 and subsequent analysis it became clear that a full distance under 10 hours is actually possible. This race was the first step that gave the idea for Project Sub10. However, the main event remains IRONMAN Italy Emilia-Romagna on 21.09.2024.
A little about me
My interest in long distance running came from our father. When I was about 16 I decided that since he had done 2 marathons, I should do at least 3…
A few years later, after going abroad, I decided it was time to prepare for my first marathon. There was no structure to my training, but I realized that running was a very relaxing activity for me, and I also had time – as a student, I didn't have many important things to do anyway.
Relatively quickly after my first marathon (4:12 in Pleven) I did three more, but that was far from the end. I was already "on the hook" and the process simply entertained me, it became a part of me.
Few numbers
Data as of 01.08.2024
⚬ Weight 81 kg.
⚬ Height 184 cm. (on a good day)
Running:
⚬ 12 Marathons (PB 3:12 – Berlin 2024)
⚬ 10k. – 38:05 (3:48 /km)
⚬ 5k. – 18:33 (3:43 /km)
Wheel:
⚬ FTP – around 300W (I underestimated the start of my last „20 min FTP test“). I am currently training at 305 FTP.
⚬ 20 min – 307W
⚬ 5 min – 387W
⚬ 1 min – 478W
⚬ 5 sec – 900W
* Numbers are from Zwift, may not be entirely accurate.
Swimming:
⚬ 400m 7:24
⚬ 1,000m 19:46
⚬ 4,000m 1:17:32
My prediction
My prediction for finishing the full distance is around 9:50 – 09:55, if everything goes well and the weather is good. And the most important thing for me – my stomach is in a good mood. But, still, nutrition is the 4th discipline in sports.
Give your prediction
Here you can give your guess as to how long it will take me to complete IronMan Italy.
The closest prediction will win a prize.
You can use the triathlon calculator on the page, to share your guess. Link here!
Then fill out the form to enter for a prize: