Ironman 2008 Here I Come

Its amazing how your life can change while sitting in your underwear in front of the computer on a Sunday. Minutes after rolling out of bed this morning, a few clicks of the mouse have committed me to a year long quest to achieve the label of IRONMAN. Started in 1978 (quite prophetic its the same year of my birth) this event was started to answer an ultimate question of machismo: who were the most fit athletes, swimmers, cyclists or runners. I say swimmers, because everything we do … we have to hold our breath!

Born out of a hybrid of three already impressive feats of endurance, the Waikiki Roughwater Swim (2.4 mi.), the Around-Oahu Bike Race (115 miles; originally a two-day event) and the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 mi.) only 15 people showed up to answer the challenge for the first ever Ironman. Prior to racing, each athlete received three sheets of paper listing a few rules and a course description. Handwritten on the last page was this exhortation: “Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life.” Today upwards of 50,000 people compete in Ironman triathlons around the world each year in an attempt to qualify for Ironman Hawaii which serves as the world championship. While I have no immediate aspirations or delusions that I can qualify for the big dance in Kona, I have already surprised myself by qualifying for the US National Championships for 2008 at the Olympic distance.

The first step towards this achievement starts with registration for Ironman Louisville 2008 which I did today. Its a big commitment not only mentally and physically, but socially as it will certainly redefine my priorities for nutrition, rest and early training days. I have tasted it a little bit so far in my training for my first Half Ironman up to 10 hours a week, 6 days a week, but Ironman requires a whole new level with training hours expect to average 15+ and peak at over 20 hours a week. A typical week might include seven miles of swimming, 225 miles of cycling and 48 miles of running. Many competitors also cross-train with weight training, yoga and other exercises. Weekends at the bars, staying out late, all day tailgates, even vacations have to be reconsidered or simply turned down when embarking on a journey like this. You have to give up ALOT to do an Ironman … your friends and family do as well. Oh, and you have to drop some serious cash too … it costs $500 to enter!

I will start my training in earnest come the beginning of April, though I will be keeping up with some base training over the winter. As of 9/23 I will have done 5 triathlons in my first year and I need a little time off! Ill keep swimming with the Swim Louisville Masters team, run in the Louisville Triple Crown in early March and cycle on an indoor trainer once it gets too cold to ride outdoors. Ironman St. Croix 70.3 and the 2008 USA Triathlon Championships are at the top of my list so far with a few other fun races along the way.

Triathlon has already been a life changing experience for me and training for an Ironman is only going to intensify that transformation. Physically, mentally and emotionally its going to take me places I cant imagine today. This time next year I will run under that arch with my hands held high as the announcer welcomes me to an elite new family with the customary greeting “Garrett McAlister … YOU are an Ironman.” Let the bragging begin.