A triathlon is any single event that combines three distinct sports, which in modern day triathlons include swimming, biking, and running. There are various triathlon races, including Olympic distance (0.93-mile swim, 24.86-mile bike ride, and 6.21-mile run), international distance (0.62- to 1.24-mile swim, 15.5- to 31-mile bike ride, and 3.1- to 6.2-mile run), and sprint distance (0.3- to 1-mile swim, 8- to 25-mile bike ride, 1.5- to 5-mile run). However, the Ironman triathlon is the ultimate distance triathlon, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. Additionally, there is a half Ironman distance of 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run.
Geography
The Ironman World Championships take place internationally, including such destinations as China, Japan, France, United States, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia.
History
Arguably the world's most famous endurance triathlon began in 1978 in Honolulu, Hawaii. A United States Navy commander named John Collins proclaimed that the winner of an event combining the Honolulu marathon, Waikiki Rough Water Swim, and the Around Oahu Bike Race would be the true "Ironman." For this reason, although many countries host their own Ironman, the Hawaii event is widely considered the pinnacle of triathlons and a true test of endurance. In 1981, the race moved to Kona, Hawaii, where it remains today and is called the Ironman World Championship. Interestingly, Collins was a participant in the first known regular triathlon when he was stationed in San Diego, California, in the mid-1970s. When he transferred to Hawaii, the Ironman was born. The Kona Ironman is sponsored by Ford and broadcast on television as its popularity increased shortly after its inception.
Expert Insight
Belinda Granger, an 11-time Ironman distance champion, comments that triathlons have taught her patience, self-control, and how to overcome adversity. What does a seasoned athlete do when she is not running her fastest or swimming her best? Granger says, "I just pick myself up and just be thankful that I'm able to do this sport and travel the world and have a great life."
Training Tips
•Endurance is more important than speed. Focus on being able to engage in challenging exercise for 10 to 15 hours straight.
•Rest, rest, rest. Oh, and rest. Your body will burn out otherwise.
•Focus on your weakness. Most Ironman aspirants have one of the legs mastered. For example, if you are a marathoner, focus on swimming or biking for your training. However, never forget your strength either.
•Buddy up. Not only will training be easier, your bond as friends will be better than ever.
•Get good shoes that fit your feet well.
•Do not practice all of your swimming in a pool. Know your destination. Swimming in a wide open ocean with ocean life is quite different than the comfort of chlorinated water in an indoor pool.
How to Apply
Applicants can enter the Ironman either by getting a qualification time or by lottery system. To enter the Hawaii championship, there are two lotteries: U.S. and international. You must be a US citizen to enter the U.S. lottery while all non-U.S. citizens can enter the international lottery. To enter either one, an applicant must have completed at least a 70.3-mile race (1.2-mile swim, 13.1-mile run, and 56-mile bike ride) within one year of the time of application.
References
- The Complete Book of Triathlons. Sally Edwards, 2000
- Official Ironman Website
- Ironman.com; The Indomitable Belinda Granger; Dawn Henry; June 18 2009
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