Just no holding back Faye’s staying power
ARMED with a passion for seeing more women in male-dominated industries, American Jackie Faye is looking to show women from all walks of life that anything is possible.
Based in Afghanistan, where she works as a military journalist covering stories across the country, Faye is now only two events away from becoming the first woman to tread where no other has gone before.
Faye is attempting to become the first woman to complete six Ironman events on six continents in a single year.
Having already completed four Ironman events, Asia-Pacific [June 2017], Switzerland [July 2017], Taiwan [October 2017] and Mar Del Plata [December 2017], the Standard Bank Ironman Africa Championships to be held in Nelson Mandela Bay this weekend will be her fifth event, with only the North American event in June to come.
Speaking about the four races she has already completed, Faye said each came with its own unique challenges.
“Taiwan was the hardest because it was so hot, Argentina was very windy, so that too posed a slight problem, I thought I was going to drown in Cairns, [Asia-Pacific], but nothing will stop me, If I fail, I will try again,” she added.
She said that each race comes with “added pressure because if I don’t finish, I will have to start from the very beginning”.
“Training in Afghanistan was not part of my plan when I set about this challenge, but when I received the opportunity to work as a military journalist I knew I had to go.
“Living and training in Afghanistan has definitely put my goal into perspective. I see that success is not just about the Ironman medals, but showing women they can do the seemingly impossible if they just take one step at a time.”
Faye is the founder of She Can Tri, which operates in partnership with Service Women’s Action Group. Together the organisation supports, connects and advocates for military women.
Faye did her first Ironman event in Canada as part of her 30th birthday in 2015. Fast forward to 2017 and taking on a challenge no woman has attempted before she shows no sign of stopping.
Her training routine consists of about 14 hours a week when she can, fitting in two sessions a day. She gyms in the morning and a second instalment of consisting of high intensity interval training, or a stopover at the US Embassy to swim a few laps in the pool completes the day. “In an attempt to save my body I actually run very little until race day,” said Faye.
Faye, who pays for all her Ironman adventures from her own pocket, said: “I don’t have a coach or a fancy training watch. My fighter’s spirit makes up for my lack of equipment.
“When I feel like complaining, I think of what the women in Afghanistan endure.
“Nothing will stop me from achieving my goals. Nothing will stop me from advocating for women.”
Faye regards herself as a bit of a lone ranger.
“My family is great, but my friends really deserve the credit. I have amazing friends who have housed me, fed me and reminded me to stay strong,” she added.