THE IRONMAN

Each October, about 1,800 male and female athletes come from all over the world to compete in the US city of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. They are competitors in a challenging triathlon called the ‘Ironman’. The competition is a combination of three types of races. Athletes start with a 3.5 km ocean swim. Then, they get on bicycles for a 180 km bike race. They finish the triathlon by running a 42 km marathon. The competition begins at 7 a.m. The athletes are called ‘Ironmen’ if they cross the finish line by midnight.

How does a competitor train for this ultimate race? Most triathletes begin training months before the race. They increase their endurance, their ability to perform for a long period of time, through daily biking, running and swimming. Many competitors add weightlifting, yoga and/ or Pilates to their routines. The average Ironman triathlete spends 18 to 24 hours training for this event each week.

Good nutrition, or healthy eating, is also an important part of preparing for this difficult race. Eating highquality food provides the fuel to push the body to do its best. During the race, triathletes drink water and sports drinks. Many also eat soup, fruit or a specially designed energy gel. Getting ready for the Ironman competition involves preparation of the mind as well as the body. Most athletes begin their training by setting an objective. For some, the objective is to win. Others want to improve their time. Some simply want to finish the race. These Ironman competitors develop training plans and ask for the support of friends, family and co-workers. As they train, many athletes imagine themselves crossing the finish line on the day of the race.

The Ironman triathlon is probably the most difficult athletic event ever created. To most people, the idea of such a competition sounds insane; a person must be crazy to attempt such a difficult race. These people spend an enormous amount of time training their bodies and minds all for the title ‘Ironman’.