An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.20 km) run, raced in that order and without a break. It is a single day sporting event. The Ironman is widely considered by many as the toughest, most gruelling mental and physical challenge known to man. It is the epitome of endurance races earning its iconic status, with 40 years of thrills and uplifting stories of conquest.
Hence, it rightly exhorts contenders to take on this challenge as a means with which to “brag for the rest of your life”.
I have followed this race for some time now, and this has brought me to the understanding that the Ironman Triathlon or ‘becoming an Ironman’ is a fundamental platform for one to transform oneself. The scope for mental and physical conditioning, which has to happen for a sustained period of time, is not easy to replicate with many other aspirations. The race, and more importantly, preparation for it, extracts the deepest reserves of our capacity forcing us to reach for a station outside of ourselves essentially to become the truest and best version of ourselves.
As an evolutionary species, there is a natural urge to grow and improve. The race is a perfect way to converge on the version of ourselves that has maximally harnessed our inherent ability.
Without over selling the Ironman Triathlon, and its important implications/applications, I too have decided that I will train for as long as it takes, and attempt this near impossible feat – to become an Ironman. I write this now, while remaining humbly cognizant of the gargantuan task I have set for myself.
To the above end, I have crafted for myself, what I consider to be a simple, but elegant and perhaps robust strategy. Part Kaizen (continuous improvement), Part Grit (or Sisu) and the rest Science. Nutrition; for targeted weight loss, followed by muscle gain. Road running; for speed and endurance. Cross Fit training; to build core muscle groups. Given that the Ironman is a multi-sport event, I am grateful for the cross cutting benefits that training in one sport has in another. Following the plan is essential, and for that I pray for discipline. So Help Me God.
“It takes as long as it takes, yours is to do the work” – Vusi Thembekwayo
