I just watched the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii which for the professionals is an 8 hour race and the final cut off for all participants is 17 hours. It is a grueling race in high temperatures and humidity which requires many months and years of dedicated training to get to the start line.
The race is a 2.4 mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112 mile (180.25 km) bike and a marathon (26 miles 385 yards, 42.195 km) run.
Just to finish is a victory and the attraction for me is the consistency of training and executing on a plan that is essential for a safe completion. Add to that, great positive people who are interested to raising their standards, a need to understand body nutrition and a whole range of great kit. You can see the attraction for The Change Catalyst!
This week I am starting a 20-week training program to get me ready for the Ironman China on 14 March 2010. The outline of the program is on Beginner Triathlete here.
Getting ready for this race is going to test and push my discipline and time management. Finding 20 hours a week to exercise will be a challenge. As will getting out 6 -7 days a week during winter! But along the way, I will reinforce the benefits of setting an intention, making a plan and making it happen. Which is a great habit that all successful people doing without thinking about it. It’s going to be tough but at the end of the race to hear the words, “You are an Ironman” - the effort will be worth it!