10/03/07 Update: I’ve completed my first Ironman and am about to embark on training for my second. When I started my training last year, I received a lot of questions about what it’s like training for Ironman, so I put together this simple FAQ to explain it all. I hope to update it with more info soon!
Q: Are you crazy?
A: Despite what you may have heard on the Internet, or elsewhere, I am, in fact not — certifiably or otherwise crazy — only a “little off.” And saying that is a stretch.
Q: When is your Ironman race?
A: I’m racing in Ironman Arizona which is being held on April 15 – a.k.a. Tax Day. So while most Americans may be scrambling to meet Uncle Sam’s financial due date, I’ll be churning along for 140.6 miles.
Q: How long is the race?
A: “Ironman” is a distance. The race originated in Hawaii after a debate between endurance athletes (freaks) with various backgrounds. The distance involves a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike, and ends with a full 26.2 marathon.
Q: And you have chosen to do this? Did you lose a bet?
A: Yep. It’s all me baby, yeah! I did not lose a bet.
Q: So why are you choosing to do this now?
A: Way back when, in I think it was 1997 or 1998, I was really getting into good shape from cycling and running shorter distance races, 10-Ks, etc. After finishing Hood to Coast, a couple of friends of mine (Brian “Luciano” Luckey & Dan Smith) were watching an Ironman race in Australia on T.V. It looked cool, and would definitely be a challenge, which I never stray away from, so I put it in the back of my mind.
Low and behold, nearly 10 years later, I am at a point in my life — newly single, with a great girlfriend and training partner — that it makes sense to tackle this challenge. I’ve got a few shorter races under my belt, and have been training religiously since last fall.
Q: 2.4 mile swim? I thought you hated swimming.
A: Yes. At one point in my life, I would have chosen to eat a bag of glass over swimming even one length in a pool. But I didn’t know what I was doing. After a bunch of lessons, and discovering wetsuits — swimming is no big thing. I still have two speeds though: sink and swim.
Q: I thought you had asthma? Doesn’t that make it hard?
A: I used to have a really tough time running, cycling, and doing all of the things I enjoy doing outdoors because of allergies and exercise induced asthma. By staying in shape and on a regular routine, its not really an issue any longer.
Q: Are you on any special diet?
A: I’m on the see-food diet (rimshot!). Yes, I see food and I eat it. Everything. And at least 3 squares a day. You should see the looks Sarah and I get flashed in restaurants when we order — especially after a long ride.
Q: Why don’t you just quit? Why are you training so hard?
A: Believe it or not, training makes you mentally stronger in all areas of your life. I get more done, am in a better mood, and am more effective at work. Plus the endorphins make me feel good!
