Proper Training for a Triathlon

The younger generation of athletes is making a bold entrance onto the triathlon scene in Poland. It’s fantastic to see energetic, open, and smiling young people at the finish line—individuals like Zosia Kuriata, who are fully aware of their abilities and the challenges ahead. Zosia came to Łódź to take part in a photo session featuring AQUA SPEED equipment and to train at our partner facility, Stacja Nowa Gdynia. You’ll soon be able to see the results of this collaboration in AQUA SPEED magazine, on social media, and on our website. In the meantime, we invite you to read an interview with this triathlete, who we’re sure we’ll hear much more about in the future!

Triathlon: An Idea for Physical Activity

How did you get into sports? Is physical activity something natural for you, or is it more of an effort marked by sweat and tears?

Zosia Kuriata: Sports have been with me since I was very young. Initially, I trained in skiing and swimming for quite a long time. Later, I developed a strong love for cycling, and when running was added to the mix, it naturally turned into triathlon. For me, sports are both an escape and an integral part of life.

Pool or Open Water?

Are you more of a pool swimmer? How did you get into open-water swimming?

ZK: I’ve never had any reservations about open-water swimming. I’m definitely a bit faster in the pool, but open water allows for a "deeper swim"—there’s no need to watch out for walls. I work on improving my swimming primarily in the pool, but whenever the weather allows, I’m more than happy to swim in open water.

Do you enjoy training for triathlon? What’s your favorite part of training, and what will you never grow to like?

ZK: Of course, I enjoy it! Training helps me take a break from studying, "clear" my head, and it also brings a lot of satisfaction and joy. I especially love long bike rides—particularly with friends, in good weather, and on hilly terrain (smiles). What I don’t like are tests and assessments, but they’re an important part of training, so sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and push through.

Is triathlon a demanding sport? What advice would you give to swimmers who want to try this discipline?

ZK: I think every sport is demanding. My advice to swimmers considering triathlon would be to get on a bike and start running. There are more and more triathlon events at very diverse levels, so truly anyone can give it a try. Don’t wait—go for it! (smiles)

Do achievements drive you forward or hold you back? How do you handle success, and do you have strategies for dealing with failure?

ZK: Success definitely boosts my motivation to train. It’s a reward for the effort put into preparation. Failures, on the other hand, are an inevitable part of sports (and life, really), and you have to accept that they will happen. I try to learn from them, not dwell on them, and keep moving forward.

What’s your triathlon dream?

ZK: I’d love to compete and place among the top in my age category at a high-level international event. Above all, though, I want triathlon to continue bringing me joy and not turn into a source of pressure or stress.

Interview by: Maciej Mazerant / Managing Editor of AQUA SPEED Magazine
Photos by: Zosia Kuriata’s personal archive

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