3,8 swim + 180 bike + 42,2 run = Yes you can!
To many Iron-distance triathlon is the ultimate test of endurance. 3.8 km swim in open water, followed by 180 km cycling alone, without drafting, without help from spectators and without help from officials. The race will be finish with a marathon
- the classic distance is for many an ultimate test in itself and until a few years ago reserved for the few. Here it is all mixed together and run in that order in just one day.
What 30 years ago was a crazy idea from a discussion among a group of U.S. navy soldiers on who was in the best shape; Swimmers, cyclists or runners, is today a global phenomenon. Competitor of all ages and levels will be fighting against themselves and each other to carry through the mythical 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling and 42.2 km run at races around the world.
Yes you can!
Despite of the Iron-distance extreme nature, the conclusion is clear; Yes you can! You do not have to be a top fit professional athlete or born with special genes to complete this distance. A combination of curiosity for the opportunities and limits of the body and psyche and a focused mind, most people with the desire for at great challenge can complete an iron-distance triathlon.
For the vast majority triathlon on this distance is not about being able to finish as fast as possible. It is about challenging your limits, take a chance and make a difference for yourselves. The many hours of preparation in the three disciplines are traded in one day to an experience that can make a difference for the rest of your life.
Back to the finish line
One thing is certain. If you first has had the thought of doing it, you owe yourselves to try! Iron-distance triathlon is the only sport, where people cheer more for the last competitor than the winner. The party at the finish line is something that keeps the dream alive for any triathlete and if people first have tried this once, they return again and again. Back to the spectators, the music, the fireworks and the ultimate challenge!
In a series of articles over the next month I will go behind the triathlon and give advice for how you get started with the big challenge. Despite how enormous the distance may seem in the beginning, you can with a few simple tips and check points relatively easy prepare yourselves for the big day.
Best regards
Ole Stougaard
