EDDY THE RIGHT FIT FOR IRONMAN
FOR most of us, the idea of competing in an Ironman conjures up thoughts of pain, but, for Geelong councillor Eddy Kontelj, the event takes relaxation to the “ultimate” level.
Cr Kontelj is up at 4am to get the heart pumping before his commute to Melbourne, where he is managing director of machinery business William Adams CAT.
The Brownbill Ward councillor is one of 1365 people who’ve signed up for the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Geelong this weekend, a figure already 30 per cent up on last year.
Cr Kontelj said he couldn’t wait to test himself, realising his enthusiasm for fitness might seem a bit “strange”. “I get to invest the entire day in me, no phone calls, no disruptions and I have people cheering me on and encouraging me to do what I love,” he said.
“My training varies from day-to-day and can range from swimming 3.2km, running 15km, indoor rowing, indoor cycling, indoor cross trainer and some weights depending on the day.
“I train seven days a week rain, hail or shine. It’s a habit that is very hard to break.”
Cr Kontelj said exercise was important for his mental health between corporate and council responsibilities.
Having also joined the recent Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, he hoped his participation inspired others in the community to be active.
Construction of the event site is under way on Eastern Beach ahead of the children’s event on Saturday and the main event on Sunday.