From bus driver to triathlete

Tell us your story - Jan Pedersen usually drives around in a bus transporting people from one place to another, but in 2011 he went on his own journey - to complete his first half iron-distance triathlon. He knows that his project can seem crazy to some people, but he is doing it anyway because he wants to know his own limits. Read the fascinating story here.

The basics

Hello my name is Jan Pedersen, I’m 39 years old, and my day time job is to drive a bus. I have never completed a triathlon, so the one in Aarhus will be my first.

Why have you given yourself the challenge of doing a half iron-distance triathlon?

So why do I want to challenge myself by completing a triathlon? Well there is a saying, which goes “forty, fat and finished.” I was not ready to be any of that, so I wanted to try triathlon, I have always been fascinated by the sport, and I have always liked to go on a bike ride or take a long walk. And with the still sitting job I have as a bus driver, exercise is always good.

Why are you doing KMD Challenge Aarhus?

I heard about KMD Copenhagen Challenge and said to myself, I would like to complete that, and started up running in august 2010. Later on that year it was announced that Aarhus was hosting a half iron-distance triathlon, I signed up as one of the first 100.

The reason that I chose KMD Challenge Aarhus, is the location and the exciting course that was announced shortly after I signed up for the challenge. Started out running more and in winter I bought a bike, and started training, running, biking and swimming, all of it 2 times a week, when ever my work schedule allows it.

Tell us your greatest/most fun experience in sports

Some years ago I did go on bike rides, and did complete a 125 km race, the felling I had training after that, and the feeling I had, when I was done was good. I get that same feeling now when I’m out training and when I’m done, so I can’t wait to get that rush when I eventually cross that finish line in Aarhu

What motivates you?

On my road towards KMD Challenge Aarhus, I have meet people that asked me “why do you want to do that” I say to them, that “I want to know my own limits and get in better shape”, and when people say ”you’re crazy.”  I just say “maybe I am, but I feel good about it.”

What are your expectations for KMD Challenge Aarhus?

The expectations for the KMD Challenge Aarhus are high, I expect a well organized event, and with the team from KMD Challenge Copenhagen helping out is should be a blast, and I hope the event can draw out a lot of spectators, I am looking forward to the run course trough Aros art museum.