1) Just preparing for it by dieting properly and training could well put you in the best physical condition of your life.
2) By improving yourself, you do a wonderful thing for your family and all those close to you.
3) In the eyes of those same people, you will be a role model, a hero and an inspiration.
4) You will give your life new meaning. As a 14 time Ironman(my last at 55), I guarantee it.
5) You will most likely learn new skills you previously knew nothing about. Just learning how to swim is a huge bonus and could one day save your life or the life of someone imporant to you.
6) In the course of your training and the race experience itself, you will meet some truly remarkable people.
7) You can combine your Ironman race with a holiday and take the family. Most important of all, they will be there to cheer you on and share in your incredible achievement. Its one of those situations where everyone wins.
8) For the first time, you will learn what you are truly capable of on a physical, emotional and even spiritual level. You will amaze yourself and be a better person for the total experience.
9) You will discover there are few challenges the human spirit cannot overcome and the strength within all of us just has to be given an opportunity to show itself.
10) Finish this race and you will forever have the title Ironman in front of your name. That can never be taken away from you and everytime you hear the word you will be reminded of what a remarkable journey it was and how taking up the challenge was the best decision of your life. Though many people in your circle may doubt you and wonder what on earth you are doing, don't let anyone deter you from reaching this remarkable goal
Tampilkan postingan dengan label ironman triathlon. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label ironman triathlon. Tampilkan semua postingan
Over 45? Ten Reasons Why You Should Do The Ironman Triathlon
Posted on
Sabtu, 19 Maret 2011 |
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Beginner Triathlete-Novice Ironman--Don't Expect Bike Magic
Posted on
Jumat, 16 Juli 2010 |
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In preparing to take on the challenge of a first Ironman, I believe far too many athletes put too much emphasis on the bike they choose to purchase for the event.
Somewhere along the Ironman trail, many athletes have come to believe that the lighter, and more state of the art the bike, the faster they will finish the bike leg of the Ironman.
Nothing could be further from the truth. For example: You could put one athlete on a $10,000 bike and have him train without the aid of a proper diet or without paying attention to proper hydration choices and repacement drinks and the Ironman will spit him out like a cherry pit somewhere around mile 80 on the bike course.
Take another athlete and put him on a $800 reliable, average weight, used bike fitted with proper pedals and aero bars. Then have him pay particular attention all training year to proper diet, hydration, and raceday fueling techniques and somewhere around mile 80 of the same course he will call out "nice bike" as he passes athlete number one who is in for a very long, painful day.
Don't get all wrapped up in taking out a second mortgage so you can buy that "special" bike that is 6 ounces lighter than anything on the road. After all, you're going to be loading 5 pounds of water and food and gear on the thing before you even get out of transition. This is not your normal bike race. If you were just racing a bike century and that's it, then that might be a different story. But that's not the nature of this beast.
First of all you've most likely been bashed around for an hour or so in a wild free-for-all swim and for most of that time your heart-rate has been racing out of control. Plus, you still have a full marathon to consider after you get off the bike.
Your bike is just a small part of the Ironman equation. Don't get too wrapped up in light and fancy and expensive. I know, I've done that.
I had my best bike leg ever and my first thought was to fix up the old bike and keep racing it. However, I let my bike supplier talk me into buying a fancier, newer model that was so much lighter that I would go even faster. I never, never matched my fastest bike ride over the next 10 years. Even on bikes valued 10 times more than my old standby. It was probably the biggest single mistake I made in my 20 year Ironman career. I should have gone with my very first instinct.
For some reason, a bike will just suit you. It suits your style, ability and "fits" you like that favorite pair of runners. When this happens, hang on to that bike. If you have to, save it mainly for races and get a second bike for the bulk of your training. That way your race-day bike will last you for years.
I've raced on more than one high-end bike that I was just never comfortable on, no matter how light and fast they were supposed to be. At first it may seem cool to be the recipient of envious gazes from fellow triathletes when they see you on your bike the week leading up to the race. You are the bike "king".
Believe me, its not so cool when these same athletes pass you out on the course with those dreaded words left in their wake. "Nice bike."
Every time you hear that, you will want to sink further and further into your bike seat. You will wish you were on a $250 beater. At least that way you reason, you would have an excuse for getting passed over and over again. There is nowhere to hide out there.
To save yourself a ton of embarrasment and humiliation, be sure that your ability matches the bike you ride.
All my bikes are gone now, except for one. That same old bike is in my living room on a wind-trainer and if I decide to do this amazing race once again, when I turn 60, four years from now--it will be on a very special, 16 year old bike.
Somewhere along the Ironman trail, many athletes have come to believe that the lighter, and more state of the art the bike, the faster they will finish the bike leg of the Ironman.
Nothing could be further from the truth. For example: You could put one athlete on a $10,000 bike and have him train without the aid of a proper diet or without paying attention to proper hydration choices and repacement drinks and the Ironman will spit him out like a cherry pit somewhere around mile 80 on the bike course.
Take another athlete and put him on a $800 reliable, average weight, used bike fitted with proper pedals and aero bars. Then have him pay particular attention all training year to proper diet, hydration, and raceday fueling techniques and somewhere around mile 80 of the same course he will call out "nice bike" as he passes athlete number one who is in for a very long, painful day.
Don't get all wrapped up in taking out a second mortgage so you can buy that "special" bike that is 6 ounces lighter than anything on the road. After all, you're going to be loading 5 pounds of water and food and gear on the thing before you even get out of transition. This is not your normal bike race. If you were just racing a bike century and that's it, then that might be a different story. But that's not the nature of this beast.
First of all you've most likely been bashed around for an hour or so in a wild free-for-all swim and for most of that time your heart-rate has been racing out of control. Plus, you still have a full marathon to consider after you get off the bike.
Your bike is just a small part of the Ironman equation. Don't get too wrapped up in light and fancy and expensive. I know, I've done that.
I had my best bike leg ever and my first thought was to fix up the old bike and keep racing it. However, I let my bike supplier talk me into buying a fancier, newer model that was so much lighter that I would go even faster. I never, never matched my fastest bike ride over the next 10 years. Even on bikes valued 10 times more than my old standby. It was probably the biggest single mistake I made in my 20 year Ironman career. I should have gone with my very first instinct.
For some reason, a bike will just suit you. It suits your style, ability and "fits" you like that favorite pair of runners. When this happens, hang on to that bike. If you have to, save it mainly for races and get a second bike for the bulk of your training. That way your race-day bike will last you for years.
I've raced on more than one high-end bike that I was just never comfortable on, no matter how light and fast they were supposed to be. At first it may seem cool to be the recipient of envious gazes from fellow triathletes when they see you on your bike the week leading up to the race. You are the bike "king".
Believe me, its not so cool when these same athletes pass you out on the course with those dreaded words left in their wake. "Nice bike."
Every time you hear that, you will want to sink further and further into your bike seat. You will wish you were on a $250 beater. At least that way you reason, you would have an excuse for getting passed over and over again. There is nowhere to hide out there.
To save yourself a ton of embarrasment and humiliation, be sure that your ability matches the bike you ride.
All my bikes are gone now, except for one. That same old bike is in my living room on a wind-trainer and if I decide to do this amazing race once again, when I turn 60, four years from now--it will be on a very special, 16 year old bike.
Why do the Ironman Triathlon?
I've lost track of how many times over the years I've been asked why I commit so much of my time to preparing for yet another Ironman.
For a long time I found it difficult to come up with a reasonable response, because often I wasn't sure myself. I think what makes it difficult, is goals change as the years pass and so would the answer to the question.
At first like so many others, I was "Ironstruck". When I first saw this event I was drawn toward it and made the decision that I just had to cross that finish line. Despite the fact that I couldn't swim a stroke and had never been on a racing bike I was compelled by some unseen force to do this race.
Once I consciously made the decision, there was no turning back and my life took on a new direction. It was easily the most important and life-changing decision I have ever made. It touched every single aspect of my life.
At 56 years old I don't plan to do an Ironman every year from this point on. However I've learned from my long Ironman career how important maintaining a healthy lifetstyle is to a persons quality of life.
My plan is to do my next Ironman in my 60th year. There is no confusion "why" any longer when I am asked that question yet again.
By setting that goal, I realize that I will have to stay fit between now and then. It also means that when that starting gun goes off 4 years from now, I will be going into my 60's in absolute peak condition. Most likely among the fittest 60 year olds in the world. Really not a bad group to be a part of at that stage in ones life. How that particular race turns out really has no bearing on anything. Just making it there is reward in itself.
I strongly believe that how successful or rich a person is doesn't really make a whole lot of difference when a twist of fate strips it all away and makes people from all walks of life materially equal and dependent on their own physical strength, courage, and adaptibility in order to survive.
The world is changing and events like 9-11 and hurricane Katrina are examples of catastrophic events that knew no boundaries and in an instant left individuals with nothing but the ability they possessed within themselves to at least provide a fighting chance to survive.
Of course it doesn't mean everyone has to begin training for the Ironman Triathlon-- one of the most challenging events in the world. However, to meet the unexpected circumstance of an ever-changing world, it behooves all of us to take care of our physical well-being to the best of our ability. At any age and yes, even as we settle into the retirement years.
Perhaps the best way to explain what I mean is an example I used in a previous article.
Twenty years ago, had I found myself in the middle of a lake, 5 miles from shore with no lifejacket--I would have drowned in 2 or 3 minutes. Now it would be an opportunity for a long training swim.
The Ironman has given me that ability and that confidence. I owe this amazing event so much.
I've lost track of how many times over the years I've been asked why I commit so much of my time to preparing for yet another Ironman.
For a long time I found it difficult to come up with a reasonable response, because often I wasn't sure myself. I think what makes it difficult, is goals change as the years pass and so would the answer to the question.
At first like so many others, I was "Ironstruck". When I first saw this event I was drawn toward it and made the decision that I just had to cross that finish line. Despite the fact that I couldn't swim a stroke and had never been on a racing bike I was compelled by some unseen force to do this race.
Once I consciously made the decision, there was no turning back and my life took on a new direction. It was easily the most important and life-changing decision I have ever made. It touched every single aspect of my life.
At 56 years old I don't plan to do an Ironman every year from this point on. However I've learned from my long Ironman career how important maintaining a healthy lifetstyle is to a persons quality of life.
My plan is to do my next Ironman in my 60th year. There is no confusion "why" any longer when I am asked that question yet again.
By setting that goal, I realize that I will have to stay fit between now and then. It also means that when that starting gun goes off 4 years from now, I will be going into my 60's in absolute peak condition. Most likely among the fittest 60 year olds in the world. Really not a bad group to be a part of at that stage in ones life. How that particular race turns out really has no bearing on anything. Just making it there is reward in itself.
I strongly believe that how successful or rich a person is doesn't really make a whole lot of difference when a twist of fate strips it all away and makes people from all walks of life materially equal and dependent on their own physical strength, courage, and adaptibility in order to survive.
The world is changing and events like 9-11 and hurricane Katrina are examples of catastrophic events that knew no boundaries and in an instant left individuals with nothing but the ability they possessed within themselves to at least provide a fighting chance to survive.
Of course it doesn't mean everyone has to begin training for the Ironman Triathlon-- one of the most challenging events in the world. However, to meet the unexpected circumstance of an ever-changing world, it behooves all of us to take care of our physical well-being to the best of our ability. At any age and yes, even as we settle into the retirement years.
Perhaps the best way to explain what I mean is an example I used in a previous article.
Twenty years ago, had I found myself in the middle of a lake, 5 miles from shore with no lifejacket--I would have drowned in 2 or 3 minutes. Now it would be an opportunity for a long training swim.
The Ironman has given me that ability and that confidence. I owe this amazing event so much.
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