For those who do not
know exactly what I am up to, I will describe the iron man triathlon in a bit
more detail in this post. Also, I will add my personal motivation and
challenges on the different aspects, as far as I can think of at this moment.
Triathlon
Triathlon combines swimming, cycling and running and is seen as one of the most challenging sporting events to compete in because of this multi-disciplinary aspect. Many events and many different race lengths exist but the mother of all races consists of approximately 3.8km swim, 180km cycling and 42.195km of running. Approximately, because it is almost impossible to stick to the meter when organizing such an event with large transition zones etc. More information on triathlons in general can be found on the triathlon226 website.
Iron Man
Iron Man is a commercial name of a circuit of triathlon events organized worldwide by the World Triathlon Corporation Link. But the name also stands for the full distance triathlon. The best known event is held in Hawaii, the location of the first triathlon in 1977, Wikipedia.
3.8km Swimming
The Mallorca IronMan swimming course is located in the bay of Alcudia. Open water swim with a short walk over the beach halfway of the distance. Hopefully with the opportunity to get some energy drink at that point. The fastest swimmers take around 45-50 minutes to complete the course. Swimming is not a sport that I have done a lot (let me skate on ice or row on the water instead), so I expect to take around 1.5 hours for the swimming. Weekly swimming lessons are taken to improve technique and be able to finish the swimming part in the first place.
180km Cycling
The parkour at Mallorca will be windy, as we are on an island and is nearly flat. Only a very small hill in the first half, and a serious climb in the second half of the race - taking up around 500m above sea level. This is the discipline I live in, and should be my basis. Rides up do 10 to 12 hours are not strange for me, so this 180km shouldn't be that big of a problem. At the same time, cycling will be my best way to improve my general fitness.
42.195km Running
Well, a marathon of running.... Running never was my strongest point and I always mention that I was never build for running as I am too heavy for it. So the main goal is to train my body that it will last for the 42kms. Training now for about 2 months, once or twice a week, increasing in duration and intensity, I can only say that running is going better than ever and I almost start to like it. Losing some unnecessary body weight is the other method to increase my chances.
Why do I want this
Completing an Iron Man triathlon is something that is in my head for many years already. Not sure where it comes from, other than it is a physical and mental challenge that takes a lot of training preparation. All aspects I always have enjoyed in my sporting activities. So the primary goal is just to reach the finish line. Speed is not a goal, because my swimming and running is just lacking quality to make time an important outcome, although I will push myself to the limit anyways when I am competing.
Triathlon
Triathlon combines swimming, cycling and running and is seen as one of the most challenging sporting events to compete in because of this multi-disciplinary aspect. Many events and many different race lengths exist but the mother of all races consists of approximately 3.8km swim, 180km cycling and 42.195km of running. Approximately, because it is almost impossible to stick to the meter when organizing such an event with large transition zones etc. More information on triathlons in general can be found on the triathlon226 website.
Iron Man
Iron Man is a commercial name of a circuit of triathlon events organized worldwide by the World Triathlon Corporation Link. But the name also stands for the full distance triathlon. The best known event is held in Hawaii, the location of the first triathlon in 1977, Wikipedia.
3.8km Swimming
The Mallorca IronMan swimming course is located in the bay of Alcudia. Open water swim with a short walk over the beach halfway of the distance. Hopefully with the opportunity to get some energy drink at that point. The fastest swimmers take around 45-50 minutes to complete the course. Swimming is not a sport that I have done a lot (let me skate on ice or row on the water instead), so I expect to take around 1.5 hours for the swimming. Weekly swimming lessons are taken to improve technique and be able to finish the swimming part in the first place.
180km Cycling
The parkour at Mallorca will be windy, as we are on an island and is nearly flat. Only a very small hill in the first half, and a serious climb in the second half of the race - taking up around 500m above sea level. This is the discipline I live in, and should be my basis. Rides up do 10 to 12 hours are not strange for me, so this 180km shouldn't be that big of a problem. At the same time, cycling will be my best way to improve my general fitness.
42.195km Running
Well, a marathon of running.... Running never was my strongest point and I always mention that I was never build for running as I am too heavy for it. So the main goal is to train my body that it will last for the 42kms. Training now for about 2 months, once or twice a week, increasing in duration and intensity, I can only say that running is going better than ever and I almost start to like it. Losing some unnecessary body weight is the other method to increase my chances.
Why do I want this
Completing an Iron Man triathlon is something that is in my head for many years already. Not sure where it comes from, other than it is a physical and mental challenge that takes a lot of training preparation. All aspects I always have enjoyed in my sporting activities. So the primary goal is just to reach the finish line. Speed is not a goal, because my swimming and running is just lacking quality to make time an important outcome, although I will push myself to the limit anyways when I am competing.
