How I balance triathlon and young-onset rheumatoid arthritis

With a diagnosis of young-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Izzy Lane could have let her condition stop her. Instead, she’s become a powerhouse of sport, training others and achieving her own fitness goals. Here Izzy talks to 220 about her triathlon journey and gives advice to those suffering with RA.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition which mainly targets joints and leads to pain and swelling. It’s not entirely clear what triggers it, but it can be exacerbated by things like stress, and sometimes exercise can add to the soreness.

It often comes on later in life, but can affect younger people too, and flare-ups can make it particularly tricky to deal with. I have to inject medication weekly and have infusions in hospital every six months.

It could be a barrier to exercise, but for all-round health and wellbeing, staying positive and active is a priority.

Coaching is a lifelong vocation and we never stop learning. I’ve earned my triathlon, swimming, netball, and rugby coaching qualifications. Alongside my degree in Sports Education and Coaching, they haven’t just given me a broad knowledge base, but helped hone my delivery of sessions to maximise the engagement and fun.

I also run first aid courses in the local community, teaching people resuscitation techniques and what to do in the case of an emergency. Thankfully, incidents are rare, but when they do happen, particularly in remote rural locations, that knowledge can be lifesaving. We’re increasingly learning the power of the defib.

It might be where I live, but getting the local WI group, mostly retired women, active is one of my favourite parts of the week. A lot of what we do is focused on strength and conditioning in the gym where I work.

It’s a window to our future selves and shows the importance of keeping ourselves strong and mobile if we want to enjoy life as we age.

Finding triathlon

My first triathlon experience was in 2019, after completing a Couch to 5k program early that year, I wanted to try triathlon and remember smiling the whole way through it, and weirdly wanting more.

I completed the Cotswolds 113 a couple of years ago and plan to return this summer looking for a faster time. The lakes at Ashton Keynes are a location that a lot of British triathletes will know well.

From evening mini tri-series to end-of-season team relays, they offer some great opportunities to dip your feet in the sport. I recently completed the Paris half-marathon.

It was drama-packed because of the bomb scare closing the Gare du Nord. The event itself was tough. I’d had a flare-up of RA that has impacted my training, so I revised the goals to make sure I could jog consistently for the 13.1 miles.

I’m moving more into event organising. Local, affordable and well-run events are the lifeblood of sport, and I really enjoy the organising process. It’s fab when people sign up for Ironman, but let’s help build the pipeline to get them there first. I’ve also been organising long-weekend tri camps in the UK.

Izzy’s advice

If I had advice for anyone dealing with an RA diagnosis, it would be to treat yourself kindly.

It can be frustrating when you feel unable to do the active things you want to, but often you’ll find there are other angles. It’s partly why triathlon is such a great sport.

Running might be tough at times, but there’s always the bike and the pool to opt for. Most importantly, keep a smile on your face while you’re doing it!

Who is Izzy Lane?

Izzy Lane, 28, is a personal trainer and triathlete from the Cotswolds who is passionate about getting her local community more active. Aged 19, Izzy received a diagnosis of young-onset rheumatoid arthritis but is determined not to let the condition be life-limiting.

For more triathlon stories, advice, and gear reviews, check out 220 Triathlon.