Ajani Snelling competed in his first triathlon in April 2017 after a running injury had convinced him to take up the sports of swimming and cycling.

AJANI SNELLING was inspired to take up triathlon after a running injury had meant he’d used swimming and cycling as his rehabilitation. As he grew more and more competent in the sports triathlon became an intriguing option for him and he competed in his first event in April 2017. The rest is history and he has gone on to immerse himself in training for the three disciplines. After competing in half-Ironman races he believes it won’t be long before he is racing in his first full Ironman. 

You get the impression Ajani is a thinker. He keeps Ironman World Champion Meredith B Kessler’s book at his bedside as a constant reference and in this interview you will be affected by his words and the philosophy that’s behind his aspirations and sporting ambitions.

Read on for Ajani’s detailed account of his first triathlon and find out how he’ll make his Ironman dream a reality. 

When did you start out in triathlon and who or what inspired you to give the sport a try?

In the beginning of August 2016, my left knee collapsed during a routine four-mile jog. I was not sure of the

reason why and really could not afford to be frightened into any doctor recommended surgury. I began light stationary biking and swimming for recovery. My swimming was only slightly above a ‘doggie-paddle’ level, however, I found it to be truly refreshing. By August 25, I decided to try a triathlon scheduled for April 2017.

I read about Chris McCormack and his Ironman World Championship victory. His age, height and weight, being so close to my own, moved me to ponder my own potential. Not as some type of overnight success, but as a lifestyle choice. World Champion Meredith B Kessler’s book, Life of a Triathlete stays at my bedside as a continueous reference.  

The information I obtained regarding, ‘entry level triathlon’ appeared possible given 8 monthes of preparation.

The bike and run were never a concern. It was all about the open water swim. I had never raced farther than 25 meters, or the length of a pool, in my life.

Ajani trained as much as he could for his first triathlon while also holding down two full-time jobs.

What were some of your earliest triathlon triumphs?

My very first triathlon was in April 2017. I did everything I could to prepare while working two full-time jobs and swimming very short 15-minute dips during my lunch breaks. Fortunately, I was able to have two-hour swims at least once a week on the weekends.

Two weeks before the race, I entered the lake wearing a wetsuit for first time ever. I swam out to the first buoy and was exhausted. The race would require an additional 600 to 800 meters without rest. The next week, I entered the water with a stronger attitude.

After swimming half the distance of the scheduled course, confidence ruled over any other harmful concerns. On race day, when lining up in the water with my grouping for the start, the announcer added more buoys to my projected distance to cover. My adrenaline was so intense, that I went for it. My legs were useless once around the first buoy. My shoulders were dying by the second buoy. As I watched other heats of competitors pass me up, I could only dream to finish the swim. Tapping out for help was not an option. Once the swim was complete, I dragged out of the water and thought about my mind state within the water throughout the rest of the race. Above all else, I conquered the open water swim!

Ajani’s first competitive swim in a triathlon required him to draw every ounce of strength he had from within.

What do you see as your biggest overall achievements in the sport?

The September 30th Las Vegas Sprint Triathlon held at Boulder Beach in Nevada, taught me that five months of consistent training and focus is well worth the effort. I shaved nearly 20 minutes off of my April total time setting a new PR in every aspect of the race. I have joined the team at Airofin Athletic and have received lots of recognition from the creators of New Wave Swim Buoy and apparel. A group of Instagram followers have supported my efforts for the past year. The feedback and friendships achieved have added a continuous flame to my fire. I thank them all!

Where in the world has the sport taken you and what have been some of the highlights?

Although I am very green in the sport, I tend to daydream about all of the areas within Las Vegas I have explored while running, biking, or swimming. The photographs and video have taught me about my posture and performance that I may continue to improve. Las Vegas offers the Half Ironman so I won’t have to travel outside until I feel IRONMAN ready. I’m giving myself at least two more years for that accomplishment.

Ajani believe if he can continue to imrpove his swim he can gain a podium place in the near future.

At which discipline of triathlon do you excel at and at which do you have to work the hardest?

Running is where I am most comfortable in the sport. I have been running all of my life and have not really pushed my ability thus far in the last two races. Off and on issues with my lower back, knees and feet have worked as mental blocks on my training runs. However, over the last two months, my yoga practice has been consistent and these issues appear to have been tamed.

Swimming will be the hardest for quite some time. The technique grows with practice and so does the comfort within the water. People compete with literal ‘couch potato’ physical appearances that swim the sprint five to ten minutes faster than I do. By increasing my swim time by a few minutes, I can see a podium in the near future.

Ajani has stated his ambition to compete in a full Ironman within two years.

How hard are you currently training and what events and races do you have coming up in the months ahead?

My current focus is the Pumpkin Man Sprint triathlon October 21 in a couple weeks. I plan to wear a heart rate monitor and truly focus on technique. My goal is to make it into the off season injury free which will allow for proper weight training in the months ahead. Strength, endurance and then speed training is how I plan to spend the next seven months leading into the April Rage Triathlon here in Nevada.