How old are you?
39
Where do you live?
Sofia, Bulgaria
What is your history with sports and athletics?
As a teenager I trained in karate and fitness. My fitness training continued on and off in my 20s and 30s.
However, from 2016 to the end of 2017 I had very sedentary life and had poor eating habits. I often consumed quick processed carbs such as cakes, biscuits, milk chocolate, bread, pizza, etc. In these 2 years, I gained 20 kilos (44 lbs) and increased my weight from 103 kg (227 lbs) to 123 kg (271 lbs). This excessive weight led to insulin resistance (Type II diabetes) and my blood sugar levels were at the upper limit. I also had difficult time climbing stairs or tying my shoes.
At the end of December, 2017 I learned about the ketogenic diet and started a keto meal plan. The keto diet is based on keeping insulin levels low and stable by avoiding the consumption of carbohydrates. Low insulin levels lead to increased glycogen levels and glycogen has opposite effect compared to insulin since it leads to burning of fatty acids to be used for energy when there is a lack of carbs.
By following the keto diet I started losing between 2 kg (4 lbs) and 3 kg (6 lbs) per month and in 1 year and 8 months I managed to lose 39 kilos (85 lbs) and my weight was 84 kg (185 lbs) in August, 2019.
At that time I became interested in triathlon since I was inspired by some incredible Ironman triathlete stories. I bought a bike and started cycling. In September, 2019 I also added running to my training and in October I started taking swimming lessons. In February, 2020 I met one of the best Bulgarian long distance running coaches who wrote me a running training plan and thus my running started improving well.
In October, 2019 I ran for the first time in my life 10 km and in October, 2020 I ran a full marathon at the Sofia marathon for 4 hours and 4 minutes.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I enjoy most the increased energy levels I have and the opportunity to meet with other athletes, train and compete with them and thus make new friends.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
So far I have been injury free and my biggest obstacle was a bike accident in the beginning of May, 2020 when I fell from my TT bike and ended up in the emergency unit with 2 stitches on my chin. It took me about 10 days to recover and the most difficult part was not being able to train in the first week. After that I started slowly with biking and then running.
What is your “Why?”
My reasons to train are to be healthy, to always try to become a better version of myself and to meet new and interesting athletes and friends.
What is your favorite training equipment or gear?
My favorite training equipment is my new triathlon bike – Felt IA advanced, 2020, equipped with Shimano Dura Ace 9070 Di2 groupset, Ron carbon wheels with a solid back wheel, profile design aero hydration and storage system and ISM PS 1.1 saddle
What’s next?
This year I signed for my first Ironman – Olympic distance in Porec, Croatia which was postponed to May 2021. In the meantime I competed in the Republican Triathlon Championship of Bulgaria, in the Lion Heart Ultra Cross Triathlon, in 2 duathlons, 3 marathons and 2 cycling contests.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I am happily divorced with a seven year old and a ten year old son.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Ask coaches or more experienced athletes for training plans and advice. Be persistent.