The Indoor Ironman is one of our most popular events of the year. Hundreds of participants sign up each year with the goal of getting there long sleeve T-shirt and talking home the glory of being a indoor ironman finisher. However, every year most of the participants drop out or don’t finish before the month is over. Some don’t like swimming, some don’t like running on treadmills, and others find the bikes to be boring.  However, there are ways around each of the events to make it easier on you the participants. These tips could be the difference between you finishing, or coming up just a little short.

The Swim:

Swimming is the event that usually knocks people out before they start. These don’t want to swim and aren’t very good at it. Others still attempt it but fins it quite difficult. There are ways, however to make it much easier. First, use fins and a kickboard. During the month, you are able to borrow fins and kickboards from the pool to use to assist you. This is a big help for those who don’t like to swim or don’t know how. Also, if you want an easier way to finish this leg, you can attend the Aqua group fitness class on Tuesday nights and earn yourself 10 laps! These two things can make possibly the hardest event much easier.

The Bike:

112 MILES?!? IS THAT A JOKE?!? Sadly no it is not. That large number seems like an impossible one when you first start completing your miles. Lots of people just sit on a stationary bike and crank out miles for what seems like forever. However, there is a way to get your miles, and have a little fun in the process. The group cycling classes that are taught in the University Fitness Center are a blast! Plus, the new bikes in the studio give you an exact readout of your miles. Being entertained and constantly changing positions can be a huge help while doing this one hour class.

The Run:

The run is difficult for a lot of people because treadmills can be boring. Staring at a wall for 5 hours as you crank out miles doesn’t appeal to a lot of people. So how can you do this event with hitting the treadmill? First, Elliptical and the new cross training machines also count towards your running miles. This can give you a little variety as you go through this leg. Also, the indoor track can also count towards your miles. That way you don’t have to feel like your running in place for a long time. These things are the best way to make the running leg a little less boring.

General Tip:

Don’t wait until the last second on your miles! Having to scramble and bike 40 miles and run 6 miles in one day is not the best way to complete this challenge….Trust me.. I have done it. Make a plan and stick to it as best you can. It will help you a lot in the long run

Overall Indoor Ironman is a blast and is a great way to stay motivated. If you plan it right and follow my little tips. You will be an official indoor ironman finisher!

Stay happy and healthy

Kevin Nelsen

NelsenKJ11@uww.edu