My triathlon mate and rival did an Ironman 6 years back. Sub 13 hours also. His greatest relief is that he did not get the tatoo. When a 2 stone heavier fatso runs round the Hove Park 5k he does not want that tattoo on show. The cap and bag still make an appearance, however, whenever I am in any event...along with the words 'Of course you have never done an Ironman, have you?'
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Could you compete in an Ironman?
- Thread starter 00snook
- Start date
My triathlon mate and rival did an Ironman 6 years back. Sub 13 hours also. His greatest relief is that he did not get the tatoo. When a 2 stone heavier fatso runs round the Hove Park 5k he does not want that tattoo on show. The cap and bag still make an appearance, however, whenever I am in any event...along with the words 'Of course you have never done an Ironman, have you?'
ShandyH
Well-known member
The swim just takes a bit of consistent training. I did Challenge Roth last year and it was baking hot and I got serious cramps that stopped me in my tracks. Take salt tablets! Anyway, managed 12:22 which was a bit disappointing. Won't be doing one again for a while partly because the specialist told me not to run long distance anymore. This year baby takes priority and I'm concentrating a bit more on cycling.
The trouble is I could never see myself doing the training, I really HATE swimming and could never see myself reaching a point where I enjoyed it. I've always enjoyed cycling and when I was marathon training I enjoyed a lot of the runs but swimming is just horrible.
Nibble
New member
- Jan 3, 2007
- 19,238
I just don't think with any amount of training I could do it. The training would bore me too. I take a lot of exercise but it's weights and I run but break it up with fitness training in a field half way through the course. The idea of endlessly pounding away for a marathon, even if I thought my body could take it, bores me senseless. However, if you can do it I imagine the sense of achievement makes up for the boring hours of training so I wish you luck.
Which race are you doing?
The training really is all about consistency. Preparation really is the key - if you're not ready you'll suffer. You've got plenty of time though, so start now and build up sensibly. It's not about going fast, just about making the cut-offs. I'd definitely recommend joining a tri-club - it's easier to train when you've got a commitment, and the advice and knowledge will be really helpful. These clubs aren't full of uber-athletes, just normal(ish!) people who enjoy the sport - see it as 5-a-side, not the Olympics.
There are plenty of Sprint-distance (pool-based will be 400m/20k/5k, open-water will be 750m/20k/5k) and Olympic-distance races to keep you interested and progressing. For half-iron distance look at Bala and the Vitruvian. I've done the Vitruvian twice (smashed it first time, got hypothermia on the 2nd leading to a DNF). I've not raced for a couple of years, so there may be others I don't know of!
Enjoy the ride!
The training really is all about consistency. Preparation really is the key - if you're not ready you'll suffer. You've got plenty of time though, so start now and build up sensibly. It's not about going fast, just about making the cut-offs. I'd definitely recommend joining a tri-club - it's easier to train when you've got a commitment, and the advice and knowledge will be really helpful. These clubs aren't full of uber-athletes, just normal(ish!) people who enjoy the sport - see it as 5-a-side, not the Olympics.
There are plenty of Sprint-distance (pool-based will be 400m/20k/5k, open-water will be 750m/20k/5k) and Olympic-distance races to keep you interested and progressing. For half-iron distance look at Bala and the Vitruvian. I've done the Vitruvian twice (smashed it first time, got hypothermia on the 2nd leading to a DNF). I've not raced for a couple of years, so there may be others I don't know of!
Enjoy the ride!
- Thread starter
- #27
I checked with the race organisers and apparently you have to use a "pedal" bike, whatever one of those might be.
Seem to remember riding one of those in the 80's so should be OK. Apparently you never forget how
Tyrone Biggums
Well-known member
If I was 10 years younger for sure. Now I'd be able to do the swim might just make the bike but lie down in a gutter and die in the first km of the run.
Best of luck with it, a true test of human endurance!
Best of luck with it, a true test of human endurance!
- Thread starter
- #29
Thanks mate, and some great advice there.
I live in Portsmouth so have already contacted the "Pompey Triathletes" who I will do some open water swim training with. Also me and my mates have set up our own little Tri Club and have been training together. You can see the website here. http://grazingsaddlestriteam.blogspot.co.uk/
Have already booked the Henley Sprint Tri on the 22nd June, and then the Swanage Olympic on the 10th August. Was thinking of a half in early 2015, then a full IM later in the year. I have been considering the Outlaw.
To be honest I am just going to try and make the cutoffs; however I do have a long time to train and it would be amazing to put in a time around 13 hours. Just have to see how the training all goes.
James
- Thread starter
- #30
The true test of human endurance is the Triple Deca Ironman.
30 Ironman races run over 30 consecutive days!!!!!!
Now those guys ARE absolute nutters. Or just very very fit
Prettyboyshaw
Well-known member
Swim cycling yes, ankle no way would stand up to 26 miles 
Good luck an excellent thing to be able to do.
Good luck an excellent thing to be able to do.
Curious Orange
Punxsatawney Phil
Hmm, I'm currently training for a half-marathon... I don't think I'd want to add ANOTHER half-marathon, swimming and cycling on top of that (despite the fact I enjoy all three activities)!
In any case I don't think my wife would approve of the additional training time required - particularly with Junior Orange #2 on the way!
I think you're very brave - so good luck!
In any case I don't think my wife would approve of the additional training time required - particularly with Junior Orange #2 on the way!
I think you're very brave - so good luck!
martin tyler
Well-known member
- Jan 25, 2013
- 5,969
The Bike i would be ok on. however i would have already drowned as swimming is not a strong point of mine. best of luck
Taybha
Whalewhine
Probably be able to do the swim bit then after a month or so maybe the cycle bit ,the run bit can do one.
Hornblower
Well-known member
- Jul 7, 2003
- 1,712
I do it every Sunday, I'm better at shirts than trousers though.
I've entered into the City of Birmingham sprint Triathlon this July - it will be my first attempt at triathlon.
Unfortunately, my training has stalled as I have fractured 2 fingers and am in a plaster cast for the next 2 weeks. The consultant said I am allowed to ride on a static bike in 2 weeks time, and am allowed to run and swim 2 weeks after that. No training for now, though. Frustrating!
Unfortunately, my training has stalled as I have fractured 2 fingers and am in a plaster cast for the next 2 weeks. The consultant said I am allowed to ride on a static bike in 2 weeks time, and am allowed to run and swim 2 weeks after that. No training for now, though. Frustrating!
OzMike
Well-known member
No, I could only get this far!
OzMike
Well-known member
Sorry, misread, compete not complete!
northernseagull
Active member
- Mar 12, 2013
- 676
Currently training for the 5km swimathon in March, couldn't swim 3 laps front crawl back in March 2013, now I'm at a point where the swimathon is a doddle. But yer it takes some serious dedication! Would love to do the Half Iron Man one day.