Sports
Thiago Kawamura Takes on Tri Camp Ohata Colucci Challenge
Stemma host experiences the full routine of a beginner triathlete in São Carlos with technical workouts and a mock race.
Invited by Reinaldo Colucci and Mariana Ohata, Thiago Kawamura joined the beginner training camp in São Carlos. The experience featured track sessions, open water swimming, transitions, and a full mock race.
The routine of covering endurance sports behind the scenes saw a role reversal over Carnival: stepping away from the Ironman broadcast desk to experience the complexity of triathlon firsthand. Invited by Olympic triathletes Reinaldo Colucci and Mariana Ohata, host Thiago Kawamura traveled to São Carlos (SP) to take on the three-day Tri Camp Ohata Colucci, designed specifically for beginners in the sport.
The immersion began right with pre-workout logistics—organizing gear, supplements, electrolytes, and trisuit kits. The initial meetup brought together 15 to 20 amateur athletes at Espaço Ohata Colucci for sharing experiences, technical alignment, and introducing each participant's individual goals for the weekend.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
Bike Challenges and Track Pace Adjustments
The first practical day immediately exposed the steep learning curve required by the sport. During the morning cycling session, Thiago initially rode a time-trial (TT) bike, facing operational hurdles with aero bar positioning, gear shifting, and adjusting to pedals without proper cycling shoes.
Next, the athletes headed to the running track under the guidance of coaches to work on rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and pace progression. The session combined 400-meter intervals—alternating between easy, moderate, and hard paces—with 100-meter sprints to fine-tune running mechanics.
In the afternoon, the action moved to the facility's pool. With a background in competitive school swimming, adaptation came quickly: the group completed technical drills, interval sets at varying intensities, and buoy turn simulations.
Open Water Navigation, Mechanics, and Transitions
On the second day, activities took place at the Clube Damha reservoir. The session kicked off with open water swimming, focusing on sighting techniques, navigation, and body position in the water. For the bike portion, Thiago swapped the TT bike for a mountain bike lent by local cyclist Pavão, which provided greater control and smoother gear shifting.
The workout included direct practice of the first transition (T1), simulating the water exit, gear removal, and mounting the bike. The afternoon was dedicated to educational workshops on sports nutrition strategies, hydration, and hands-on bike maintenance and tire changing basics.
The Final Mock Race: 300m, 10km, and 2km
The camp wrapped up on Monday with heats of a full mock triathlon featuring distances of 300 meters swimming, 10 kilometers cycling, and 2 kilometers running. The final experience consolidated energy management across all three disciplines, requiring pace control in the water and muscular endurance on the bike to finish strong on the run.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
