How I Became A PRO Athlete In 7 Months!

This was how I was able to get my pro card within the 1st 7 months of the sport.
My site is also updated with 2023 2 potential races:
thesimonshi.com/results/
Timeline:
0:00 2 Years Ago Intro
0:20 Pro Contract 2023
0:59 Where It All Started
2:40 Giving It 100% All In
3:50 Learn By Doing
4:52 Loving To Race
6:26 Qualifying For Pro Card In 7 Months
7:03 Not Easy Getting Pro Card
8:53 If vs. When Mindset
💪 My amazing coach Natasha: www.nvdmcoaching.com/
💻 More on My Life! 💻
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Instagram ► / the_simonshi
Strava ► / strava
TikTok ► / thesimonshi
Website ► thesimonshi.com/socials
🧩 My Rubik's cubes ► / thesimonshi
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#thesimonshi #triathlon #ironmantriathlon
Simon Says Tri! 🏊🚴🏃
1st Ironman: • Becoming An Ironman!
Faster than Lionel Sanders in this: • Solving a Rubik's Cube...
My 1st Triathlon: • My 1st Triathlon: Half...
Day in life of College Swimmer: • Day In The Life Of a D...

[@davidlane8811]

This was an amazing transformation, dude!! Way to GO! It also inspires me (not that I’m going pro, but just that I won’t suck hopefully and my first IM next year). 9min/miles is exactly where I am on my long runs. I just wished we had more than like 4 triathlon in my state! Thanks for sharing your journey!!

[@SimonShi]

Ahhh thanks a lot!! Go crush it! Looking forward to hearing about your race!

[@automotive474]

Ok I appreciate the need for a catchy headline, but let's be more honest: 14 years of swimming, including swimming thought college, 2.5 years of triathlon training, 7 months of which were competing and accruing points to become a pro. Congratulations. It doesn't sound as catchy as your headline, but to me, it means something much more awesome than "I became a pro in 7 months". Amazing journey, very inspiring. Subbed and hoping you can share even more of those moments, especially the tough mental battles outside the trainer, outside the course, when you are making your life choices.

[@SimonShi]

Thanks a lot!!!! I really appreciate it! 🙏

[@murphyebass7837]

True a very click baity title

[@dradbelson2736]

I am 18 years old and my dream is turning pro some day. I am a pretty good biker and runner, but the swimming is my big weakness. Currently swimming comfortable at 1:50 per 100m but I trust my body and the progress. I really like the if vs. when mindset, definitely a confidence booster. Hope we will get to race each other some day!

[@SimonShi]

That’s awesome! Hopefully I’ll see you in the pro field one day! Yes! Stay consistent. Stay the course. Patience, and the swim will get there. It is so much harder to start swimming as an adult but it will come

[@cesarsanchez9483]

I watched this video four times! What a story! I don’t think I want to become a pro lol but I definitely want to push my limits. My first sprint tri is in October

[@SimonShi]

Thank you so much!! Good luck this October and I hope to hear good news about your first tri! Keep it up 👍

[@MaxwellChan0]

I've been following your journey for the past 2 years, and I can say first hand that it's incredible! You're so inspirational!

[@SimonShi]

Wow, thank you Max!! I still remember you interviewed me!

[@alexthomas7754]

As a middle/moderate distance runner, this is really inspiring. I have gotten very fit for specific races, but what you do is incredible. Maybe I’ll try it soon!

[@SimonShi]

Thanks a lot!!

[@quanminhhoang]

Wow, it's such an inspirational video, thanks you Simon so much for it. Look forward to see more video from you.

[@SimonShi]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jamesgarcia2313]

So cool and very inspirational. Not sure I’ll ever be pro, but still get motivated to improve when I hear about stories like yours. Keep up the good work!!

[@SimonShi]

Yes! We may have different goals but hopefully you’ll achieve yours! All about the mindset

[@adohmnail6445]

Love this! 💪This is how to do it. If you are serious about a dream then go for it. You were obviously a high level athlete with the swimming but still that doesn't always translate or transfer over to the bike or running. Such a great win to share! This is what the internet needs more of: big stories of people making their dreams through smart risk taking and hard work.

[@SimonShi]

I appreciate that! And very well said!!

[@TimothyBuhler]

lets go Simon. You had a super strong 2022 season, finding out your "niche" in triathlon and I'm excited to see you really double down in 2023 and level up!

[@SimonShi]

Thank you!!! Excited!!

[@haidersalih5578]

Triathlon is an amazing sport it test one’s limits to the max. I just started my triathlon journey and doing local races at age 43. I will never be pro but watching you man it is really inspiring. Wish you the best and one day you will do sub 8hrs I have no doubt.

[@SimonShi]

Thanks!! I believe in you! Go conquer triathlon 💪

[@FunniesOfTheDay]

Amazing video my man! Doing my first half Ironman in June and i couldn't be more excited! so happy i found your channel

[@SimonShi]

Have fun!! Welcome and happy training!!

[@hemanthshival4330]

Good luck for 2023 Simon. My son still has the medal you gave him at mountain man. We always follow you when you are racing. Take care bud. Stay healthy

[@SimonShi]

That is great! 👌 Thank you Hemanth!!

[@skanetic]

Go Hokies! Doing my first 70.3 in North Carolina in 2023. Keep up the hard work, hope to see you fighting for podiums in the future!

[@SimonShi]

Go Hokies!! Good luck in that. One of my teammates did NC this year. Thank you 🙏

[@Acostajavie]

Very inspirational bro can’t wait to see what the years bring for you🙏🏼🔥

[@SimonShi]

Thank you!! 😊

[@yijuntey]

Thanks for this vid, it was so relatable and useful! I’m a 20 yr old that has been a competitive swimmer my whole life but also loved doing cycling and running (just endurance sports in general) as a hobby. After i graduatdd hs at 18 and entered the military that im in rn, i started running and cycling more than i do in swimming and signed up for my first duathlon, open water swim, and marathon this year. My dream would be to become an ironman asap but not sure how to do that as a complete amateur. I’m not sure what the process is, how much is woukd cost, how i can even qualify and so many more questions but luckily this video answered some of them for me so thanks!

[@yijuntey]

May i ask how fast or good do you need to be to even consider qualifying and completing an ironman?

[@SimonShi]

Awesome! That is an amazing story! 👍 you’re so young in the sport. I have a couple videos that’ll show my equipment before and now. And the process of how I did an Ironman! Good luck!!

[@SimonShi]

Anyone can sign up for an Ironman if you’re over 18 years old. So you can sign up. You just need to make the cut off time. Which is around 16 hours and 30 minutes

[@yijuntey]

@@SimonShi ohh omg ok, thanks for the reply! Idk why but I’ve always thought you had to “go pro” or whatever to be entered into ironman, that made me feel a lot better haha. Thanks man and keep it up!

[@Vasudeva_Anurag]

Really inspiring Simon, all the very best for the next season 👍🏼

[@SimonShi]

Thanks a lot 💪

[@GermanLuk]

Amazing progress and very motivational video! One day I will be up there with you!

[@SimonShi]

I hope so too! Thank you!!

[@willishuang3660]

Great recap, love it!

[@SimonShi]

Thanks!!

[@leegmann2282]

What an inspiration, Simon! Cheering for you!

[@SimonShi]

Thank you Lee!

[@victishonor]

Congrats on the sponsorship! Your crushing it!

[@SimonShi]

Thanks Chad!

[@xpLaTiNuMx12]

Awesome video mate ! I will be doing Mont Tremblant Olympic sprint this summer to start off my triathlon life!

[@SimonShi]

Ayyyy that’s what I’m talking about!! Good luck!👍

[@thedailytri]

Nice one Simon! Super inspiring

[@SimonShi]

Thank you!!!

[@perusha4f]

Great process and video! Good luck!

[@SimonShi]

Thank you 🙏

[@joboytancinco9972]

new fan! keep it up bud!

[@SimonShi]

Thanks Joboy!

[@nizam_mr]

very inspirational. im starting my journey as well in multisports at age 38, though im just going for recretional n not pro. Just tried 2 HM road races, 1 HM trail n 1 50k ultraTrail this year as my 1st race season, looking forward to try duathlon sprint next year, n maybe figure how to learn swimming 😅💪

[@SimonShi]

Thanks a lot!! Wow. Good luck with those races!

[@MP-mn2tu]

Great video.well done. Subscribed and will be following your journey

[@SimonShi]

Thanks a lot 🙏

[@drdanyu]

As a long-time age grouper (first tri in 1996!), your journey is super inspiring!!

[@SimonShi]

Thank you so much! Wow! I wonder what it was like back then. I wasn't even born when you did your first tri! You saw the evolution of triathlons throughout the years! Including the addition to the Olympics in 2000.

[@boythatis1]

Love to see it!

[@SimonShi]

Thanks 🙏

[@nicholasmcfarlane4714]

Fair play mate! Pretty sure I saw you at chatfield this morning? With two other super fast dudes? Amazing morning wasn’t it! Best of luck for this season and all your races.

[@SimonShi]

Yes it was!! Busy day yesterday because of holiday but had a good ride!! Thanks 💪

[@kienngo6252]

crongrats mate!!

[@SimonShi]

Thank you 🙏

[@davidyi3547]

Let’s go Simon!

[@SimonShi]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@theunlearnedmind7374]

Seriously impressive Dude! 😎👍

[@SimonShi]

Thank you!!!

[@StagesCycling]

Let's go!!!!!!

[@SimonShi]

Can’t wait to rep Stages!!! 👍

[@nathanh1635]

That’s incredible that you got that good in such a short amount of time. Just curious when you were first starting your training did you ever take at least one day off (like on a Sunday) or would you cross train instead?

[@SimonShi]

I would always cross train. I started Dec 1 and I had Christmas as my first day off! So anything easy for my rest days.

[@coachb530]

The swimming background was huge advantage, but still required a ton of work/dedication - great job man! Not sure the money is lucrative enough for me to do similar.

[@SimonShi]

Thank you so much!!

[@paulkim1715]

thanks simon

[@SimonShi]

No problem Paul!

[@timvanmonero2720]

i subbed and it says now 5,000 subscribers. kudos.

[@SimonShi]

Awesome and thanks! You’re my 5,000th subscriber on this channel 😊

[@NiftyNix]

Very inspiring👍👍

[@SimonShi]

Thank you 😊

[@HarishChouhan]

Awesome man. I am a cyclist (2 years) and decided to do ironman 70.3 in May 2023. Got into running and learning swimming for the first time in my life. High chance of me getting a dnf due to swimming but I'm still going for it

[@SimonShi]

Wow!! You got this! Just keep swimming 🏊‍♂️

[@HarishChouhan]

@@SimonShi Thanks mate. Hard to learn swimming at the age of 39 :). Not sure if I will be able to finish the swim part of Ironman, but at least I'll learn swimming in the process.

[@wymowaiyan6505]

Great video. Will be grateful if you can share this - for the same HR, u managed to run much much faster pace. What type of running workout in ur opinion help the most for this ?

[@SimonShi]

Will do a more ind with video! But in short, you want to run slower! For the most part. Too many people run to fast, making it hard for the body to recover the next day. It takes patience And a mix of aerobic runs, 1 speed track session a week, and 1 long run a week

[@robertmontez6253]

You are lucky to have good coaches I had a coach I thought he was a coach from Fresno his name is Rashad he teach me nothing left me bone dry with no training I had to do this on my own and I did it

[@SimonShi]

Thank you!! I highly recommend NVDM Coaching ;) You should check at their social media and website, should pop up in google

[@Jchinchilla981]

Awesome video, hopefully one day I’ll be able to try an iron man. Keep up the awesome progress!

[@SimonShi]

Thank you so much!!

[@migumigumigoo]

Awesome to hear Simon! Are you doing this as a full time job ?

[@SimonShi]

Yes I am! I also manage my other KZbin channel TheSimonShi

[@rpm3662]

Inspired!

[@SimonShi]

Thanks 🙏

[@olivierstultiens]

Do you have tips for someone starting training, I’m doing cardio next to weight training just to get fitter. Biking is going pretty good, only with running it feels like my achilles starts burning very quick, after 1km I can already feel it, any tips how to get better at the running?

[@SimonShi]

Yes! Gradually build up the volume. I try to run mainly on gravel roads/trails so it's soft on the joint. The \

[@ironiq6810]

Super impressive! How did you get rid of them shin splints though??

[@SimonShi]

Lots of calf and ankle strengthening/stretching. It was a tough 2 months to fully get rid of it

[@Daniel-lq1eu]

Amazing story dude! But I was wondering : where did you get all that money from, from a normal bike to the pro triathlon bike and professional shoes, equipment and so on? In less than one year and without a job 😅 I would like to start out training for a triathlon, but just can't afford a good bike rn, so I'm curious :)

[@SimonShi]

Good questions! I got a hefty signing bonus when I started my software engineer job. Also saved up from college because I was a bartender, going to school, and swam there. I also went into credit card debt. I was spending what I didn’t have. I DO NOT recommend this. Many entrepreneurs take these risks and it’s paying off atm I had a $600 road bike that got me through Covid year. Wasn’t the best but I was focused on building bike strength first Hope this helps!

[@starshockey11]

Badass!

[@SimonShi]

💪

[@tonymacias3263]

What made you decide to turn pro vs race AG? If I look at you result at IMAZ, you would have placed 5th in your AG vs 22nd of 26 in the Pro ranks. I'm always curious to see those that choose to move to the pro ranks and those that stay towards the top in the AG field.

[@SimonShi]

Great question! To me, 5th age group doesn’t matter. I’m looking at overall. And want to be one of the best one day. So going pro aligned with my long term goals! And it’s a different kind of racing to get more experience!

[@justinhsueh1383]

Way to go ................

[@SimonShi]

Thank you 🙏

[@RARA64HUNNID]

“Let’s do it!”

[@SimonShi]

Let's gooooooo

[@SimonShi]

Who remembers my long hair? 😅😂😂

[@migumigumigoo]

How long were you out with shin splints, and how did you overcome it?

[@SimonShi]

It lasted a good 2 months since I first felt it. I just did a lot of ankle and calf strengthening exercises. Lots of stretching. I trained through it But just rest. Which I didn’t do

[@esgee3829]

me too. turned 42 and could finally afford epo. see you in kona!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SimonShi]

Bruhhhh

[@esgee3829]

@@SimonShi hey, everyone else in atherton is doing it so why cant i

[@si_gr]

How did you treated your shin splints? I‘m dealing with it for several weeks now and it was so bad, that I could barely walk…

[@SimonShi]

For me. I did strengthening exercises and stretching daily. A couple times daily. It takes time. I had to stop running for a bit too

[@justinmyers9221]

I also missed the turn in the show low Olympic distance race. 😂

[@SimonShi]

Oh myyy. It was confusing. But oh well 😂

[@justinmyers9221]

@@SimonShi yeah. Very strange course. I’ll be going back next year for vengeance. 👍🏼

[@sunnychowdhury880]

Bro went reverse Samson. Hair got shorter, homey got leaner and faster. When Bic sponsors him he’s gonna be slappin Jan Frodeno on the ass passing him in Kona.

[@SimonShi]

😂 haha this is funny 😆

[@mitalibhowmick5841]

How can we follow coach Natasha?

[@SimonShi]

natashavdm81 on Instagram. Instagram coaching also has their own KZbin channel @nvdm Coaching and their Instagram! 😃

[@dddimi7955]

Wait,how do you go 150 bpm both at 9 or 6 miles km?

[@SimonShi]

2 years ago. I was at 9 minute pace. Now, same heart rate, but faster pace

[@dddimi7955]

@@SimonShi sorry,now makes sense.my longs 150 bpm are at 4.50,5.20 after 6 months.I injured myself like a retard doing 8/8 days training,tot 160 km when I was used to 90 100 week.basically lost two months.I m focused on half marathons.Pb 1.25.

[@cuberstu]

Cubers rock 🤘

[@SimonShi]

Yes!! Let's gooo

[@bretzky9261]

Biggest thing for the rest of us is get a time machine and go back 14 years to start swimming 😂

[@SimonShi]

😂 that’s my thinking for biking and running 😆

[@piotrklupczynski]

What's your PB for Ironman distance?

[@SimonShi]

9:13 at Ironman Texas 2022!

[@AntonKomarov]

Hey brother 👋🏼 what are you planning to race 2023? Let’s fight 🤝

[@SimonShi]

I’m thinking 70.3 Lanzarote and Ironman Texas so far 💪 not sure yet. Will know by like February

[@mitchellb.9877]

“How I became a pro in less than 2 years” Yet video title says 7 months...gotta love fairy KZbin land. But still, well done on this accomplishment, 2 years is very impressive. No need to distort reality.

[@SimonShi]

Thanks. I explained in the video about the 7 months of racing😉

[@TheChat911]

How to train lifting in gym ?

[@SimonShi]

Since I’m in the off-season. I’ll go heavier. Anything to fire up the glutes. Squats deadlifts lunges. And lost of mobility Will have a KZbin video about this in the future

[@TheChat911]

@@SimonShi many thanks for your advice.

[@danielhindsgaul99]

How many watts/kg in a 70.3?

[@SimonShi]

I did roughly 4.2 w/kg in my last 70.3 for the bike! 2:08 for my bike split

[@Geoffology]

Go hokies!

[@SimonShi]

Go Hokies!!

[@King-pi2zx]

In germany im a good amateur when im doing sub 4 Hours on a legit 70.3 course. But i would get annihilated when im Competing against a pro 😂

[@SimonShi]

Haha yes! Those Germans are another level of athlete!

[@King-pi2zx]

@@SimonShi yeah 😂 but still congrats for finally turning pro and i wish you the Best of luck :)

[@michaeltucker4803]

Ironman Florida in 3 weeks, it will be my last long distance race.

[@SimonShi]

Let’s go!! Good luck!!!!

[@abkonk]

Not complete beginner 😭😭 Swimming at the collegiate level is a HUGE base

[@SimonShi]

K

[@ADr3iKa]

Funfact: If you just by a pro license from ITU, you could be a pro without doing any sport.

[@SimonShi]

Did not know that. But I don’t know you can just buy it

[@ADr3iKa]

@@SimonShi at least in Germany it is possible. It's just a lifestyle decision.

[@timvanmonero2720]

awesome tho

[@SimonShi]

Thank you!!

[@richy5833]

Hahaha 🤣

[@SimonShi]

😂

[@richy5833]

@@SimonShi Nice and fun race.

[@Tonystarkes888]

So you been a pro swimmer for 14 years that’s a pro athlete your title is click bait

[@SimonShi]

Triathlon sport is key. And thanks for helping with the KZbin algorithm and pushing out my video by commenting

[@harryboy3305]

Impossible . Fake click bait.

[@SimonShi]

Possible

[@DublinDapper]

Complete beginner?! lol if you say so buddy

[@SimonShi]

Lolll

[@nicolemarie4901]

GOKIES

[@SimonShi]

Go Hokies!!