Super-Dad Attempts 140-Mile Triathlon Breathing Only Through His Nose

A dad-of-one is hoping to create a new world record by doing a 140.6-mile triathlon while just breathing through his nose.

Ryan Abbott, 43, is set to take on a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.22-mile run, next month but he won’t be able to breathe through his mouth. He will start the 140.6-mile challenge by swimming–wearing a snorkel adapted to prevent him from breathing through his mouth.

Abbott will then cycle along the Leeds to Liverpool canal in England, in the U.K., and then will finish his challenge by running along the canal. He will only open his mouth while eating or drinking.

Abbott is inspired by his seven-year-old son, Arthur, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just five weeks old. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic condition that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. The average life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis is just 44 years.

Ryan Abbott and his son Arthur pose in an undated photo. The dad-of-one is hoping to create a new world record by doing a 140.6-mile triathlon while just breathing through his nose. (Ryan Abbott,SWNS/Zenger)

Abbott said: “I am doing this challenge as I hope to show my son Arthur that I value my breath. Like most with the condition, he cannot afford to take his breath for granted. Arthur needs lots of medicine and hours of physio every day just to get a full breath.

“It is my goal to show him that we can optimize the way that we breathe by using our nose and that we can turn what might appear to be a disadvantage into a gift. I am raising money for cystic fibrosis care who are an amazing charity helping disadvantaged families in these hard times that are also directly affected by cystic fibrosis.

“These families are often unable to work because of the effects and medicine required for cystic fibrosis. CF care helps these families with grants for food, housing, travel and well-being.”

Ryan Abbott poses in an undated photo. The dad-of-one is hoping to create a new world record by doing a 140.6-mile triathlon while just breathing through his nose. (Ryan Abbott,SWNS/Zenger)

Abbott admitted that he is ‘a little nervous and also excited’ about the challenge.

“This far exceeds anything that I have ever done before in my life. I have never run more than 10 miles, swam a few lengths of a pool, or rode more than 60 miles until very recently. There will be a lot of firsts set on September 11 but I have the belief in myself that I will do it,” he said.

Abbott is raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Care, a charity that provides essential services, equipment, practical help and support to children and adults with CF.

Produced in association with SWNS.