Although we have embarked into another Movement Control Order (MCO) period, Aimi Iwasaki is keeping an optimistic eye on the horizon. Learning from the ‘dark ages’ of 2020, the Penang-based triathlete has developed a fourth discipline – mental strength.
Recently featured on Astro Arena, the 25-year-old Culinary and Fine Dining graduate had the opportunity to share about her life as a professional athlete. Not contented as an athlete with an already nutritious diet plan, she has now introduced her own healthy homemade food start-up, Aimi’s Fitkitchen. She also makes healthy chocolate cakes and brownies which sound like guilt-free bites.
Having represented Malaysia in two triathlon events in the 2019 SEA Games, the mixed Japanese-Malaysian parentage athlete nearly secured a medal for the country. Eager to have another shot at podium, ToughASIA had an insightful chat with Aimi to zero in on her 2021 plans.
Read Also: 2020: The Year of Growth and Reflection for Runners Safiah Galgo, Grace Goay, Dr. Lynn Azura and Ann Pow
ToughASIA: What are your racing plans for 2021?
Aimi: I hope to be racing in IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon races, Powerman duathlon and other local races. Crossing my fingers and hopefully the events will go on only when the time is right as the number of COVID-19 cases are rising so badly now!
ToughASIA: If the Vietnam SEA Games is part of your plan, do you mind sharing how you would improve on yourself leveraging on your experience from the 2019 edition?
Aimi: It takes time to understand our personalised training and I still need a lot of guidance to understand things, and to progress to a higher level. I will need to get a coach to work on my mission whether it is the SEA Games or for my personal improvement.
ToughASIA: How do you keep yourself motivated in your training?
Aimi: I will constantly find a way to drive my mood into enjoying the pain to get myself motivated! The taste of breaking self limits are sweet and satisfying!
Read Also: Triathlon Coaches Sue Teoh, Jessen Lee, Aldrian Yeo and Edwin Thiang Switch Gears in 2020
ToughASIA: Would you participate in virtual races in lieu of live races?
Aimi: In fact, I had never tried or thought of virtual races before until I received my indoor bicycle trainer from Garmin to race in the online cycling platform Zwift! It is something new and fun, however I will still prefer actual racing outdoors.
ToughASIA: Did the MCO imposed in 2020 interfere with any of your plans?
Aimi: I would say 2020 was a very tough year, mentally. I had huge plans lined up such as triathlon camps in Japan, IRONMAN and ITU races. Furthermore, I was at most my top form after the 2019 SEA Games, so that was frustrating.
ToughASIA: Did 2020 enable you to review yourself in a different ways: sporting abilities, sporting goals and achievements and mental state?
Aimi: Looking at the positive side, I managed to learn a lot more about myself. Furthermore, I was able to spend time with family which was precious yet valuable, while watching my parents closely has made me reflect about a lot of things. Everyone was on their survival mode and we were there for each other to fight through tough days. That’s the thing!
Read Also: Exclusive: Lim Ee-Van on Completing All 34 IRONMAN VRs, Tristupe and Racing Triathlons
To keep everyone motivated to continue with maintaining fitness during this MCO 2.0, Aimi will be sharing indoor workouts which you can do at home to give you that extra push if you need it on her social media platforms. Stay tuned for more from Aimi Iwasaki.
Read Also: FAQ for Running and Cycling During MCO and CMCO in Jan 2021
View this post on Instagram
