What is an Ironman?

In my opinion, Ironman is two things. First, it is a measure of distance equaling a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run, for a total of 140.6.  This distance is completed in one day, starting with the swim, then the bike, then the run.

Ironman is also a brand name.  Ironman, Corporation puts on races all over the world, and of varying distance. So, there are Ironman Half Ironmans – an Ironman branded race that is an official half-ironman distance of 1.2 miles swimming, 56 miles biking, and 13.1 miles running.

It can be confusing to people if you don’t understand those two definitions. Not all Ironman events are ‘full ironman distance’ races.  And actually, not all ironman distance races are Ironman sponsored, but the majority are.

Why do an Ironman?

I don’t really have a good answer for this other than, why  not?  It really is a great way to spend the day.

How do you Train?

Well, you swim a lot, you bike a lot, and you run a lot.  And you try to eat healthy food, get plenty of sleep, and keep up with your day job while you are at it.  That’s all.

No really, how do you train?

OK, so for me, right now I work with a coach who helps me to stay on track, understand my training cycles, and helps me make adjustments along the way. She also helps me to stay motivated and focused. She’s great (her name is Yoli Cassi if you are interested). But it doesn’t always take a coach. I did my first Ironman without any outside help – I just drew up a plan and started doing it.  I didn’t exactly light the world on fire with my finish times, but I had a lot of fun and I got it done.