So you want to be an Ironman?

So you want to be an Ironman?
With Ironman events around the world gaining more publicity and popularity the number of Ironman wannabe’s is growing at a phenomenal rate. Television shows the glory of the winners and the joy of everyone else on just getting to the finish line. What is not shown are the sacrifices that are made in the days, months and years leading into the event.

If you think you want to take up the challenge of the Ironman here are some things to think about

Have you done a triathlon? If you haven’t I wouldn’t suggest making Ironman your first event. The journey to Ironman is going to take different amounts of time based on your athletic background but in general I recommend a three to four year plan. Year 1, just get into the sport, do some sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. Year 2-3, step up to a couple of half ironman events. Year 3-4 and you will likely be ready to complete and enjoy your first ironman.

Go and watch an ironman live. This will give you an appreciation of what athletes really go through on the day. The winners will come streaming in under 9hrs but watch out for those that are battling through into the darkness. This is the heart of ironman racing and you will see some determined athletes pushing through some incredible discomfort. You will need this determination, drive and passion for the sport.

Talk to Ironman athletes. Have a chat to ironman finishers and ask them not just about the race but what they had to do in the build up.

How much will you need to train? This is the million dollar question to which everyone wants to know the answer – again it is really going to depend on your athletic background. As a minimum you will need to devote around six months to training and not much else (this is providing you are following my 3 year suggested plan). For full time workers you will need to be looking at around 13-18 hrs training per week. You will have to dedicate at least one of your weekend days to doing a very long session (5-7hrs). If you want to be competitive in your age group you need to make more sacrifices and increase the training volume.

Have a good hard think about why you want to do ironman. Do not underestimate how much of a challenge it is to complete an Ironman. You really have to knuckle down and do the required training. Unlike some events when it comes to Ironman you can’t ‘fake it’ or rely on natural talent. The race day itself is really the icing on the cake. The biggest challenge is finding enough time in your life to fit in adequate training.

Will you have the backing of those around you? Unless you are single you need those around you to fully understand the challenge you are getting yourself into (if you want the relationship to continue). It is likely that you will become obsessed with training and will likely become quite selfish, constantly tired, moody…….. Sit down with your partner/family and negotiate how you are going to work out a schedule that is going to be acceptable to both of you.

Do not set yourself any time goals. The first time you do Ironman you should simply focus on getting to the finish line. Sure you will have a time you think you can do but try not to think about it. Just aim to have a steady day and get to the finish line. Whatever time you do it will be a personal best.
Equipment. Last but not least it’s very easy to get carried away with equipment and it can quickly become a very expensive sport.
Swim

- Wetsuit; get a triathlon specific wetsuit that doesn’t let water in. DO NOT use a surfing wetsuit – they will make swimming harder rather than easier

Bike

- Avoid the temptation to get carried away with a top of the range bike. It’s not necessary.

- Get a professional bike set up. Key points are seat height, cleat position, handle bar position. For ironman it’s more important to go for comfort over aerodynamics.

Run

- Have someone check your running technique. If you have had any injury issues in the past see a podiatrist to ensure you are in the right sort of shoes and are well supported

- Shoes are the one area you should not look to cut corners and save money. Get the shoes that are right for you and replace them when require

Ironman is a truly unique event. When you come down the finish line the satisfaction you will feel is something that cannot be brought. Don’t listen to those that may doubt you. Anyone can do Ironman if they want it badly enough.

Good luck