Ever wished that you could do the Ironman on TV...you know, the one down in Hawaii? You may be even more interested in watching the Hawaii Ironman World Championships that will be broadcasted on NBC this Saturday, at 4:30pm Eastern Time - especially when you find out that you too can be an Ironman triathlete, and possibly even compete in Hawaii along with the legends of triathlon.
Most people think that Ironman triathlon you see on television is something that is completely out of reach and unachievable. After all, it's not an easy task to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and then run a full 26.2 mile marathon, especially in the heat of Hawaii, which you will see when watching the Ironman on TV this Saturday. The majority of weekend warriors think that they have to sacrifice their entire life, leave all their friends, quit work or switch to part time, and maybe even get a divorce to truly be able to complete the Hawaii Ironman triathlon, and get a chance to maybe even be on a national televised sporting event.
But the reality is, with the proper triathlon training program and schedule, the Ironman on TV you're watching is an achievable goal. As a matter of fact, the experts over at the Rock Star Triathlete Academy have determined 4 key factors that will help you prepare for and make it to the Big Island for
the Ironman triathlon:
1) Get used to training in the heat. Here's a trick if you're sequestered to a cold weather training environment: hop on an indoor trainer or spin bike, put a humidifier directly under the bike, and a radiating heater or heat fan next to your bike. Wear a cotton top and cotton pants, and, if possible, cover that up with a windbreaker style jacket that doesn't breathe too well and some athletic pants made of a similar material. Your goal: to ride 2-3 hours - taking in fluid liberally the entire time (about 28-32oz of water).
If you really want to experience the triathlon world championships, do this while you watch the Hawaii Ironman on TV. Try to get 4-5 of these sessions in the final two months leading up to the race.
2) Practice swallowing salt water. Most triathletes swim in pools or fresh water, but Hawaii Ironman happens in the ocean. If you're from a fresh water area and don't swim in the ocean, the shock of tasting the salt water can throw you for a loop. Try gargling salt water every day. Splash some in your eyes. Then, if you really want to experience Hawaii, go ride your bike. That's what the televised Ironman World Championships are all about – coping with the environment.
3) Become mentally tough. You need to be as tough as nails to do what you're watching people do in the Ironman on TV. To be on your feet exercising for that period of time is a challenging and trying endeavor. Try this: with no .mp3 player, ample water, and a big bag of trail mix, head out your door and start walking. Choose a hiking trail if you'd like. Attempt to stay on your feet walking as long as possible. If you can make it for 7-8 hours, then you're just beginning to get a taste of what it feels like during any Ironman event, including the race in Hawaii.
4) Prepare your family and/or friends. While choosing intensity over volume, eating properly, planning an appropriate triathlon training schedule, and hitting the gym will all help you prepare for Ironman with less time, you're still going to be looking at a minimum of about 10 hours per week to really be ready for the type of Ironman triathlon event you're going to be watching on TV. Close your eyes, take your current social life, and subtract 10 hours. Sure, you can do it without losing friends or alienating your family,
but at least prepare them by sitting down and frankly explaining that you're going to be exercising more. A lot more.
So those are four key factors to preparing for the Ironman on TV. As you watch the televised Ironman World Championships on NBC this Saturday, remember what it takes and respect those individuals who have laid it all on the line to achieve their dreams. Maybe you'll be lining up on the starting line with them someday!
