Ever heard of the Ironman Triathlon? It comprises of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.22 mile run, raced in that order without a break! That is pretty intense if you ask me. Ironman Participants need to be in peak physical condition to complete the race. It is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world. Most Ironman events have a strict time limit of 17 hours to complete the race. The Ironman is held in Kailua-Kona and the world championship has been held annually in Hawaii since 1978 (with an additional race in 1982) and is preceded by a series of qualifying Ironman events.
At UW-Whitewater, the Williams center has its own version of the Ironman, with one catch. All miles have to be done indoors! Participants have over a month to complete all the miles that would be done in a typical Ironman. I have done the Indoor Ironman every year of college. My freshman year, I did not complete it because I did not want to swim the 2.4 miles. I started the challenge to keep me motivated and at the gym. Then my sophomore and junior year, I was able to complete the challenge because I did it with friends and they were able to keep me motivated and got me into the pool. Since I completed it the last two years, I am very motivated to complete it for a third time. So far I have completed the 2.4 mile swim, biked 19 miles and have run 5. I have a long way to go, but I am determined to complete it again in my final year.
If your local gym does something similar, or you can do a challenge with friends, I strongly recommend it! By working out with friends, you are more likely to go and stick with it and if you add in a challenge, it becomes more fun!
How do we go about signing up for the iron man challenge. I am hoping to still complete it.
Hi!
You can sign up for the Indoor Ironman at the Williams Center! They have a binder at the front desk where you log your miles. Go quick because it ends 3/17!