HERALD: How did your triathlon journey begin?
PABLO ERAT: Being a serial entrepreneur, I was completely engaged in my professional life although I was happy, I didn’t quite feel healthy. Five years of unhealthy life style had taken a toll on my health. I was not even able to run five kilometres, even at a very low speed. So at the age of 34, I decided to radically change my habits and start living a more healthy and active life. I registered for the New York Marathon and after 10 months of training, I was ultimately there at the marathon. After crossing the finish line after 3 hours and 34 minutes, I immediately felt connected, all hyped and had a vision to do an Ironman, a long distance triathlon. This was really the beginning of the big transformation. On this journey, I discovered endurance training and became a passionate triathlete.
Herald: What is so special in Goa that you have won all five years?
Pablo Erat: Goa Triathlon is the most authentic and professionally organised event in the country. It has an unparalleled location with beautiful open water swim. In addition to that, a deep friendship with the event organizers and the sports community in Goa has made it special for me in the state.
Herald: Do you feel any difference with triathlon in Goa and other countries?
Pablo Erat: The quality of the triathlon event held in Goa has reached international standards without losing the unique Goan spirit. True atmosphere of a triathlon family where the passion for sports, mutual respect and friendship is celebrated by all parties involved.
Herald: What’s your biggest accomplishment in your triathlon career so far?
Pablo Erat: Triathlon has helped me transform from an unhealthy business professional to a multiple amateur Ironman athlete with a personal best of 8 hours and 50 minutes (Ironman distance). Over the past 10 years, I have completed 20 full distance Ironman races, became European Champion in long-distance triathlon and Swiss Champion in ultramarathon cycling in the ‘couples’ category’ together with my wife Lucia.
Herald: What is your forte at the triathlon?
Pablo Erat: On the bike I am one of the fastest amateurs in the world. My forte would be mental strength and pain tolerance. Additionally, huge contribution goes to my passion and love for the sport.
Herald: What is your biggest challenge right now in the event?
Pablo Erat: Personally, the continued challenge is always to find enough quality time for training and recovery, besides the hectic professional life. In addition to that, after 40 you need to adapt your training regime to stay healthy and perform well. Due to a surgery last autumn, I have not been able to run since last October. Hence, I did not manage to work on my running shape prior to the event and will need to train very systematically to become a strong runner again over the next months to come.
Herald: What are your preparations for a triathlon? Are you doing anything different to train these days?
Pablo Erat: As a result of an increased work load and being more conscious about recovery, my total training volume has decreased over the past 6 years from an average of 20-22 hours to 12-14 hours when I am in Switzerland and 6-8 hours during my business travels. Interestingly enough, this has not negatively impacted my race performance. This is only possible because I have learned to train much smarter than in the past. Accordingly, I try to train very intelligently and maximize the quality of each training unit. However it is important to note that intensity can only be increased if a good base has been built. Most of my bike strength comes from indoor training during which I train with high resistance and a low cadence.
Herald: What sets you apart from other triathletes?
Pablo Erat: I have a very supportive wife who is much more talented than I am. She full heartedly shares her passion for triathlon with me. We try to do as many training sessions together as possible and pick competitions that are highly motivating for both of us. My most important source of inspiration and energy is my wife Lucia and I find myself extremely privileged to share my life and sportive passion with her. The fact that I can share all these experiences with her and get inspired by her talent and discipline is a huge factor in my life.
Herald: What is the next big race you’re training for?
Pablo Erat: My next big race is IRONMAN 70.3 world champs in South Africa. As a preparation for the world championships, I will use 3 half distance races to get into top shape.
