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What follow is a overview of the sport know as Ironman. It is said to be one of the toughest competions in the world, and you need to be extremely fit to finish such a race.
Overview
Ironman Triathlon is one of the most grueling events in the world of sport, and also one of the most inspiring. Ironman triathlon features a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a complete marathon (26.2 miles) all in succession.(So ironman is truly for the extreme fitness people.)
Athletes have 17 hours to complete the event (from the 7 a.m. start until midnight). Ironman History Ironman triathlon had the humblest of beginnings, as a group of Navy Seals who were stationed in Hawaii, were discussing who were the fittest athletes in the world. Were swimmers, cyclists or runners the fittest? Navy commander John Collins and his wife, Judy decided there was only one way to find out, and that was to do (combine) all three at once. So on Feb. 18, 1978 15 competitors decided to put themselves to the test by swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running 26.2 miles. "Whoever finishes first will be call the Ironman," Collins said. And thus, Ironman Triathlon was born. 2003 marked the 25th anniversary of that first event and the growth of Ironman has been spectacular.
Since those humble beginnings, the sport of Ironman has developed into an international phenomenon. With 18 Ironman distance events sanctioned races worldwide for 2005, Ironman touches all corners of the globe and has races on all of the continents of the world except Antarctica. Ironman Worldwide With 18 full-distance races worldwide, more than 22,000 athletes are expected to compete in Ironman events in 2005. More than 14,000 athletes competed in the seven Ironman North America events held in 2004. The growth of Ironman has been exponential in nature.
Sample - 24 Hr Ironman Training Program
AM - Swim:
1. Warm up 200m easy at 50-60%.
2. Then 12 x 50m progressive build (each effort) with 10s rest between.
3. Main set (freestyle): a) 800m with pull buoy b) 2 x 400m with pull buoy and paddles c) 4 x 200m with pull buoy, paddles, and band. All efforts completed at 75-80% with a 15s rest interval. 6 x 100m LNS at 70-80% with 10s rest. Cool down 400m easy as per warm up.
PM - Bike:
1. 30 minutes warm up at 55-60%
2. Then: 6 x 6 min efforts at 75% on an undulating course. Cadence 85-90. 3 minutes easy spinning (100+ rpm) between efforts at 60%.
3. Cool down 30 minutes at 55-60%. Note: All general programs contain specific technique drills for swimming, cycling, and running. They also contain a triathlon-specific strength training and core stability routine.
Triathlon Facts
1. The first male triathlon was won by American Mark Allen in 1982.
2. Kerstin Hansen won the first female triathlon in 1987.
3. The Ironman is a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run.
4. Ironman Competitors have 17 hours to finish the race.
5. US prize money for the Ironman adds up to $430,000 dollars, 1st place receiving $100,000.
6. The average Ironman triathlete spends 18 to 24 hours each week training.
7. A typical week of Ironman training includes seven miles of swimming, 225 miles of biking and 48 miles of running.
8. During the course of the race, more than 200,000 cups, 30,000 bike bottles, 15,000 feet of banners, 100,000 gallons of fluid replacement, 4,000 visors and 600 bottles of sunscreen are used by nearly 7,000 volunteers lining the 140.6- mile course. More than 50 million people worldwide watch the event on television.
9. Luc Van Lierde made the men's record in 8:04:08 in 1996.
10. The women's record was set by Paula Newby-Fraser at 8:55:28 in 1992.
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