IronMan Triatholon

[andtckrtoo]

Oh no - I'm not running it. But I was reading an article about the Underpants race before hand (in response the habit some people have of wearing speedo's around town as casual wear) http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2005-10-14-underpants-race_x.htm and came across this:

More than 1,800 competitors from 80 countries are in Kona for the grueling Ironman, a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike leg through the lava fields and a full 26.2-mile marathon run.

Okay, I'm impressed that there are 1800 people in the world who can do this. I consider myself an advanced exerciser, and I have done 100+ mile bike rides and have run a 1/2 marathon - but there is no way I could even dream of doing those back-to-back. Let alone add another 1/2 marathon and a 2.4 mile ocean swim. Does anyone here do the Iron Man Triatholons?

 

[Netta]

Not me (chuckle), but a friend of mine competes. Lives about 7 miles from me. She's qualified and competed at Kona 2 years now. She's amazing, very small and petite, about age 44, but boy is she strong! I can't even imagine competing. The bike part I could do, but not the swim or marathon. Tough, tough!

Jeanette

 

[Runcrazy]

Well that's definitely not me but I watch it! Those people are very inspirational but I can't even imagine the training that takes! Also, I would definitely drown as swimming is the worst thing I do!

Jo

 

[Mckmain]

I'll say I have done my share of marathons (12) but adding swimming (I'd most likely drown) and the 112 mile bike ride!!!...YEOW...I think people that do Ironmans are an extraordinary group of athletes. I will most like do a mini tri before my 50th B-Day due to a promise I made......Carole

 

[JMFRANE]

One of my dear friends has done this triatholon a couple of times. And, the ironic thing is, she almost drowned in high school because she didn't know how to swim.

Joanne

 

[swimnfit]

A member of my family (by marriage) competes in the Ironman and she is almost 60! I was absolutely amazed when I first heard she was doing this event, and that was years ago. Although I cannot say I was surprised, because she has always been so very fit.

I agree, you have to be an exceptional athlete to even participate. Hats off to all those who finish!

Nicole

 

[Debra L]

Brenda Frambis, part of Cathe's crew, is competing in the Florida Ironman next month, along with a couple of others that used to be active on the Cathe forum.

Debra

 

[fit_fairy]

Does anyone know where on tv I can see some of the ironman. I remember watching a condensed version last year ( I think after the fact). I would love to catch some of it again. These people are truly amazing!!!

Catherine

 

[andtckrtoo]

I am just in absolute awe of people who can do this. Anyone who can push their body well past what most of us consider extreme, I take my hat off to. One of the guys on my search and rescue team is an ultra marathoner who will go out and run 80 miles for fun. He's a short, slim little Irish guy who is always smiling and always has a kind word. He runs the Badwater Ultra - the run from Death Valley to Mount Whitney (the lowest to the highest points in the US and about 150 miles). I love hearing his stories.

 

[Rose11]

I wish! But I try to watch it every year and it is very inspiring. They have Ironman triathlons around the world and in the US they also have half Ironman triathlons (people who are starting usually start with these) oh and they have Ironman for kids too. I've done the research but I'm just too chicken to even start training for a 10K marathon so I don't even think about Ironman type triathlons. It is one of my dreams though so maybe in the future I will do it (the 10K lol!)

 

[Rose11]

Good luck to Brenda and the Catheites!

 

[Jennifit]

It is AWESOME!!! My uncle has competed in 7 Ironman's and he is 64 years old...he looks great. It is amazing to see these athletes in person and they certainly deserve more acknowledgment then what are recieving now. They DEFINE athletes. It is the training before the race that is inspiring...I think of my uncle everyday when I do not feel like working out. I always know he is doing it. Makes me get up and move!

 

[wendyc]

I think I remember reading in the Runner's World newsletter that the highlight show is on Sunday, 11/13 @ 3:30P.M. on NBC.

Wendy

 

[fit_fairy]

Oh Wendy I hope so I'd love to catch some of it again. It just is so motivating.

Thanks
Catherine

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

One of these days I hope to do a sprint...one of these days! First things first! With every huge goal, there are smaller ones that must be accomplished first!

 

[mogambo]

My daughter's triathlon coach is running the ironman in Florida. I think it's this week! He just turned 40, and this is his first Ironman. My daughter did a sprint triathlon last summer and may do another one next year, but now she's a junior in college and too busy for the training. She's "just" doing some Cathe and running now.