Every October for much of his life, Zdeno Chara suited up in a hockey uniform as he got ready to conquer another grueling NHL season. Specifically, preparing for the rigors of an 82-game schedule and an often-inevitable post-season immediately after.
So, it should hardly come as a surprise that the 24-season NHL veteran has swapped out his skates for a pair of running shoes as he completed his first Ironman triathlon last Saturday.
“My athletic journey post-hockey naturally gravitated toward endurance sports,” Chara told Runner’s World via an e-mail interview. “I’ve always enjoyed cycling and running so the transition to triathlon felt like a natural progression.”
In the two years since he retired from the NHL, Chara has completed eight marathons, a half Ironman and now a full Ironman.
The 3.7-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre bike ride and marathon run push the seven-time All-Star to his limits across multiple disciplines like he says hockey did for him.
The meticulous preparation, training consistency, self-discipline and determination to overcome physical and mental hurdles are all elements that resonate with Chara and connect his passion for hockey and endurance sports.
And it’s part of why he’ll line up for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in October.
Chara has spent 18-20 hours a week training across the various disciplines as he prepares for the world championships. Last week, he completed his first full Ironman in Kalmar, Sweden, finishing with an overall time of 10:40:48 — completing the swim in 1:26:08, bike in 5:12:03, and marathon in 3:48:54, according to Triathlon Magazine.
“It’s a delicate balance, especially as I’m still adapting to the demands of endurance sports after years of hockey-specific training,” Chara explained.
The 2010-11 Messier Award winner played for four NHL teams (New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals) over his two decades in the league. He racked up 680 points (209 goals, 471 assists) through 1,680 games played.
Throughout his post-career exploits, the former Norris Trophy winner has participated in multiple marathons, though none more important than the race that happens in a place quite close to his playing days.
“Each marathon I’ve participated in holds a special place in my memory, however, running the Boston Marathon stands out as an unparalleled experience,” Chara said, reflecting on the two Boston Marathons he’s run. “Boston isn’t just any city for me, it’s home.”
Chara spent 14 seasons with the Bruins, serving as captain for his entire stint in Beantown. The defenceman led the team to its first Stanley Cup in nearly 40 years when it won it all in 2011.
Now the former pro has found a new lane.
“Being immersed in the endurance sports community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my post-hockey athletic journey,” Chara said. “This new chapter has opened up a whole new world for me. The transition from professional hockey to endurance sports has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. I’m eagerly looking forward to many more finish lines to come.”