Other People’s Lives – Bernie Portenski

Approaching 65?  Thinking about collecting your pension and Goldcard and looking forward to a less busy time of your life?

Well, a good friend of Rasch Leong is definitely swimming “against the tide” and seems to be busier than ever.

If you live in Wellington you have probably seen this friend out and about (usually at the crack of dawn) running (and now swimming and biking) with her trademark blond locks, black tights and pink gloves …….she is BERNIE PORTENSKI, local running identity (and legend) who has morphed into a full blooded “Ironman Triathlete” adding the disciplines of cycling and swimming on to her marathon running.

Let’s see what makes this “energiser battery” impersonator tick.

 

As told to David Leong

How did you get into Triathalons?

In 1984 Triathalons had just started in Wellington and my sister and I decided to try something different from Marathon running.  Initially I did not like them – so went back to running Marathons

I see you recently competed and completed the Hawaii Ironman World Championship in Kona Hawaii –  considered the pinnacle of Ironman events.

When Training for Kona, what did this involve?

Probably the biggest training day was 8 hours – 6 ½ bike, 1 hour run and 1½ hours swim a couple of hours later. Nutrition and hydration were critical in helping me and I have Hammer Nutrition to thank for keeping me going.

That’s a lot of training,  I guess you need an understanding partner/spouse?

Definitely my training affects the whole household.  That is the main reason for training early in the mornings.  I now have a bus which not only incorporates my training base but a base for holiday breaks for my partner, Peter Horan and myself.  My swim coach has done an article on “Ironman and Relationships” – training for an Ironman puts a lot of pressure on the athlete and their loved ones.

How do you juggle Work, Training and Family?

It helps that I am self-employed with no staff and working from home is an added bonus.  It is important to spend time with family especially when my daughter was young.

Who are your Greatest Sporting Inspirations?

In years gone by – Lorraine Moller, Alison Rowe for running and now Cameron Brown and Lis Heckmann (the oldest female competitor at Kona) who was 76 and still doing it!

Do you have to Change your Diet for Events?

Not really.  Hammer Nutrition is my most important aid.  The days of carbo loading are over.  I have always been a slightly fussy eater but moderation is the key, you can eat anything in moderation.

Do You Have Any Guilty Food Pleasures?

Beer (Steinlager) and Caffeine.  I am not really a sugar person.

Post Recovery?

Important within the first 30 minutes after a run, bike or swim – nutrition (proteins, fats) ice baths and stretches

There is obviously a lot more gear for Triathalon and Ironman events?

Yes, the bus is very useful.  Takes ½ hour to get ready for the bike – 10 minutes to get bike gear on but only 2 minutes to get into running gear and out the door!

The importance of Marathons, Triathalons, Ironman etc in your later years?

Encouragement for middle aged women not to sit on their arses!  I am particularly inspired by the 70 year olds and 85 year old doing Kona.

What kept you going in Kona when the going got tough?

The “Price of the Entry Fee”!  I had to think of this especially when I came off the bike but only for a fleeting moment.  The inspirational talks prior to a race i.e. “the only thing you have to think about when you start is the finish line”.  If the thought comes into your head “ok I am going to stop” – what is going happen if I do?  “It’s a long way to the finish line without any assistance – you might as well keep going as fast as you can”  The main thought is “this event is the reward for all the training – if I stop it would all be for nothing”.

 

Quickfire:

 

Marathon running in older age bracket?

“It just takes longer!”

Milestone Birthdays?

I ran 65k on my 65^th birthday.  I am now waiting on my 70th!

Do you have days off from training?

Not really.  Always work to do.

On Talent vs Hard Work?

It depends on the distance.  Some people can wing it with talent.  But realistically a combination of both.  Can learn hard work but not talent.  “Work Horses” will last longer.  As you get older you rely more on hard work.

Any time off for Injuries?

9 months off – learnt to do spin instead!

Any specific rituals prior to race?

No, but helps to be super-organised.  “Praying is good”!

Three interesting people you would like to have dinner with?

• Cameron Brown
• Hilary Clinton
• Any woman who has won an ironman event – especially what is the secret of 75 year olds at Kona?

Years to Come?

My body holding up better than brain!  Goals are important.  Participation counts.  Compromise – some athletes are too ego driven.

Top Tips for Budding Triathletes

“Find another Sport”!  Seriously though – start little and work your way up.  Join swim clubs, running groups.  Be with others to help and encourage – it will definitely pay off.

Next Race?

Half Ironman in Mooloolaba.

What is harder – an Ironman or Marathons?

Definitely Marathons.  Especially racing your heart out at the end – those 4 minute kilometres.  There are no breaks when racing a Marathon.

 

Thanks Bernie.  I am exhausted just talking to you about your busy lifestyle.

We wish you much success in your events in 2016.