What is an Ironman?
An Ironmman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run (a marathon). Professional triathletes finish in approximately 8 hours
The 2.4 mile swim for Ford Ironman Louisville takes place in the Ohio River and the bike and run courses wind throughout various areas of Louisville including downtown, Prospect, Clifton, the city of LaGrange, Clarksville, Ind. and Butchertown. Unbeknownst to me when I decided on Louisville, the bike course climbs approximately 5,000 feet - in other words, its VERY hilly. Needless to say, the course doesn't provide any flat road for cruising. The race finishes at Fourth St. Live. Race day temperatures have typically been mid to high 90s with 80% humidity. Basically ideal weather conditions. :-) Did I mention I'm not good with heat?
Ironman Louisville was sold out months ago and I will be competing alongside approximately 2,000 athletes of all ages from all around the world.
Why Ironman?
It has been my dream since I was 13 years old to complete an Ironman triathlon. Since the first time I watched the Ironman Word Championship in Kona, Hawaii its been something i've just needed to do. I really can't explain it other than to say that this is something I absolutely HAVE GOT to do. I love competition and challenge. Other than climbing Mt. Everest, I cannot imagine a greater challenge. Unfortunately I don't get a sherpa for the Ironman. I am enthralled with the idea of pushing my body, both physically and mentally beyond its limits. Ironman will test those limits beyond what I can even imagine. I'm excited. I'm scared. I'm ready.
The Training
Swim
I am NOT a swimmer. I have spent the last three years competing in duathlons (run, bike, run) because I was afraid of the swim. When I signed up to do the Ironman I had never even competed in a triathlon. Swimming is highly technical and I have alot of work to do in order to build my endurance to be able to swim 2.4 miles. It's incredibly frustrating to me that I can easily run 2.4 miles without breaking a sweat, but after 2 laps in the pool I'm gasping for air and sinking into the water. For me, however, the worst part about the open water swim is what's in the water. I am absolutely terrified of the ocean because of the water creatures, and swimming in lakes and rivers isn't much better. Not only do I have to master the technical skills required, but I need to overcome my paralyzing fear of swimming with the water creatures.
Bike
I started cycling 3 years ago when I started doing duathlons but I'm certainly not a cyclist. Until this point, I've relied on my athleticism to get me through the bike - but 112 miles is a different beast. My 5'1, 100 pound frame is NOT that of a cyclist or a swimmer and I still don't understand how the guy with the huge beer gut passes me on the bike.
Run
I would consider myself a serious runner. I'm not highly talented, but I've been running competitively since high school and I've worked hard to build my endurance and experience to a level where I'm confident in my abilities.
Coach
The Ironman is a serious athletic endeavor. When I registered I was required to provide my heath insurance information!!! That's pretty hardcore. Since I really have absolutely no idea what I'm doing I hired a coach -- Joe Fung. Joe's awesome. He gives me my workout schedule on a weekly basis, works out with me one or more times a week, and usually communicates with me on a daily basis via instant messenger while I am diligently working. I am confident that Joe will have me in the kind of shape I need to be in so that I don't die and actually make it across that finish line!
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