Ironman - anyone up for joining me?

[Gashlycrumb]

Ok, so Sunday was the third time I watched the Ironman competition in my grand ole town - Madison, WI. Such energy and power! Such friendly volunteers!

Every time I watch I think: I would love to do this! But that's all I do about that desire. I'm tired of just wishing. It's time for action. The 2005 slots in the Madison Ironman is already filled, but 2006 is two years away and I think that's plenty of time to train (even to see if I like triathlons!). It would be wonderful to do it in my own town - with friends and family near. Ultimately, for me it's about seeing how far I can push myself. My goal is to cross the finish line. I've started to do the research. I've got a friend who knows others who have competed in the Ironman (regular people - not just pros) and she's going to hook me up with them.

Anybody else interested in reaching their Ironman dream in 2006? We can share links, tips, pain, frustration, joy, through this thread. There must be some people on this board who have competed in an Ironman and can pass on some advice. Haven't WonderRandy and Ennui talked about doing the Ironman...

[rincaro]

Wow. Kudos to you! My big honking goal is a 5K sometime this winter. But I'll cheer for you!

[Jes]

Wow. Kudos to you! My big honking goal is a 5K sometime this winter. But I'll cheer for you!

I'm running my first 5K this Thanksgiving! It's a little goal, but it is a good one.

Good luck, Gashly! I have a few triathlete friends who love it. Let the less ambitious of us know how your training goes.

Jes

[WonderRandy]

Try the Ironman in Hawaii!! THE official Ironman triathlon. The Big Kahuna, so to speak...

right here, on my island, next month...

[rincaro]

So if I train for an Ironman say in 3 years, I would have the perfect excuse to come to Hawaii????

[rainbowmoon]

Hmmm...I could get in on that.
But the bikes cost like, $500 at the cheapest...which is money I don't even come close to having. lol.

[WonderRandy]

you need to spend WAY more than $500 for a proper competition racing bike....

[zoebird]

whoa! slow down a little, peeps! a big goal is a great idea, but hey, it's small steps that get you there!

about 5 years ago, i did triathlon training. There are ways to train, to prepare, and reach your goals.

first, check out the web site TriNewbies. This is a great place to get started on the whole process. lots of support, Q and A, and message boards, etc.

next, don't freak on equipment. For a beginner, you just need access to stuff. First, you'll need a place to swim. Second, you'll need a place to run and some decent running shoes thta fit your feet. Third, you'll need a bike and a place to bike.

the third one is one that often "gets" people. While randy is right, you may eventually need a good competition bike that costs over $1000, in the beginning you dont' need that. Wait until you get through at least 6 or so tris before you spend big bucks on a bike!

in the mean time, how to find a bike? lots of ways. First, if you have a good amount of cash, check out used bikes at a bike shop. You may get a good $1000 bike for under $500. You may get a $500 bike for $200. get the idea?

if you don't have that kind of money, there are still ways to go: garage sales. Yes, you heard correct. What you'll need to do before you shop this way is prepare. Go to your local bike shop and get measured out. Find out what size frame you need and what that looks like (how to measure a bike frame). Then, when you are out hitting garage sales looking for bikes, you know what size frame to buy. You could get a bike for $10 or $15, depending upon the quality. If the tires are flat, the chain rusty, and whatever, but the frame is the right size, then buy it for under $10. Take it to the bike shop and have it given a good once-over and fitted to you. You may put a lot into it (over $100); yu may put a little. While you're there, become a bike techie. You'll need this if you do race or ride frequently. SO, while they're fixing your bike up, ask if you can work along side them and ask questions. Sometimes, if you're doing the labor, but using their tools, the whole cost is much less (because you're not paying for labor).

Essentially, you can get a working bike for as little as $10 (some are in great condition even then), or get a good frame and get it to good working condition for as little as $60. My bike cost me $60 and it was tricked out for triathlons.

when buying running shoes, i would buy the mid-level running shoe that works for me. That is, mid priced. I'd buy two pairs of said running shoes, because you're going to use them. alternate their use so that they break down less quickly. YOu'll probably buy shoes every three-five months, so save up for them. Also, if you buy nike, they will "recycle" your old shoes and send you coupons for new ones. good way to recycle and save cash.

swimming equipment: you'll need a suit, a cap, and goggles to start with. not terribly expensive--the whole thing probably around $60 if the suit is this season, not on sale. mine recently cost me $40, but if they'd had my size on the sale rack, it coulda cost me $15. not bad. goggles and swim cap were $6 each. so, $52 for my whole gig.

in the winter, the swim parts of tris are often indoors. summer you can suit it out doors. in between, i'd hit indoor swim legs until you want to invest in a wet suit. good places to check? used from dive shops and surf shops. they can be pricey depending upon the brand. But, again, if you stick to the indoor swims, you won't need one for a while.

The main thing is to get the basics so that you can start on the training. You may not like the training, so no need to invest up front. Get into the training, and see if you like it. If you like it, then go forward and start buying basic, inexpensive equipment (unless you have money to burn).

your first goal should be a sprint triathlon. Because of the way i train, i set a goal to be sprint tri ready by a certain date (and picked the tri). For me, sprint tri ready meant that i could cover olympic distance training--not "comfortably," but i could do it regularly. Then, i felt ready for a sprint distance tri.

iBy the time my friend passed and i stopped swimming (she was a swim partner of mine, so it hurt to swim), i was half way into iron man training from olympic distance training. from beginning to end, it took about a year and some.

good luck everyone--have fun!

[ChelsRm007]

zoebird-- wow, thanks for all the advice! That all sounds so great. I'm only 17, but am hoping to do a tri soon.. I run about 5 miles a day and do a lot of cycling and swimming as well. I know it will be hard, but you cleared things up a little. Thanks!

[rainbowmoon]

you need to spend WAY more than $500 for a proper competition racing bike....

Yeah, I know, but you can get a halfway decent road bike for $500.