Search
shop

Lionel Sanders goes solo, reveals his Kona targets and confirms next Ironman race

'No Limits' opens up on all the big topics as he prepares to build towards the biggest test of all in Hawaii in October.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Lionel Sanders has been here before – once again, all roads lead to Kona in October.

‘No Limits’ will again bid to conquer the ‘Big Island’ on October 26 after qualifying for the IRONMAN World Championship by finishing third behind Trevor Foley and Matthew Marquardt in Lake Placid recently.

With qualification secured, the countdown officially starts here as the 36-year-old Canadian superstar prepares to take on Kristian Blummenfelt, Sam Laidlow et al in what should be a mouthwatering showdown.

‘No Limits’ reveals his limits

This week Lionel released his latest YouTube update (watch the full episode at the foot of this article) – and as ever, it provided a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the sport’s enduring stars. In it, ‘No Limits’ talked about his actual limits and what he believes is possible for him when he lands in Hawaii. Not winning, just what is possible for him as an athlete.

He explained: “I’m done with saying I wanna win, I wanna win. I’m doing this so long – I want to achieve what I think is possible, the winning part’s not relevant to that.

“The part that’s relevant is I think I can swim low 50s, I think I can push 310 to 320 on the bike and I think I can break 2:40 on the run. I think that’s within me. That’s really hard for me, if I put together all those three, that’s like the limits of my capacity.

“And if you achieve the limits of your capacity, you achieve the limits of your capacity! And if it’s good for the win it’s good, and if it’s not, it’s not. What more can you do, what more can you ask?”

Lionel goes solo

Sanders also spoke about his training, and one particular thought which is now etched in his mind. He needs to go solo.

Lionel explained: “I don’t think it’s valuable for me to train with people. It impairs my capacity to listen to my body. I’ve been out here with Trevor [Foley] a million times and he’s running away from me and I’m pushing too hard. It’s too hard, it’s maladaptive stimulus, it’s too much stimulus.

“You can’t train where you wanna be, you’ve gotta train where you are. That’s the only way training works. Today I listened to my body, here I am, I’m in good shape – mentally and physically – it’s hot, I probably lost 4lbs even though I drank 1.3 litres in running fast. And I am where I am.

“Do I wish those were 3-minute Ks? Of course. I think I was like 3:15, 3:20, 3:15, 3:20, 3:12, 3:19, 3:14, 3:21, 3:17, 3:22. That was ish what they were. That’s me listening to my body, not pushing it too hard but giving it a nice zone 4 stimulus. In these conditions, that’s where I am.

“I think I can break 2:40 off the bike. I’ve run 2:40, I’ve run 2:42, both off pretty hard bikes. I think it’s within me to break 2:40, that never had anything to do with anybody else, like nothing. It never did.”

Sanders confirms next race

Now the final countdown to Kona is well and truly under way and Sanders confirmed that he will take in one more Ironman race before heading to Hawaii for the greatest test of all.

“Am I gonna do another Ironman? Yeah, IRONMAN Canada.”

Save the date, two weeks today, Sunday August 25. IRONMAN Canada-Penticton. It will, as ever, be box office…

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders pinpoints the BIGGEST difference from Mark Allen era of triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Triathlon superstar Sam Laidlow went from near DNS at Challenge Roth to epic glory
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
Supertri Toronto 2025: How to watch live as Alex Yee makes his triathlon return
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...