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INTRODUCTION
This is the Ironman FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for the TRI-DRS (Tri-Deads). It is intended as a general guide to novices and experienced athletes. Simply reading the FAQ will not substitute for real training. The FAQ covers a little history, as well as general training and nutrition advice. It also addresses each leg of the race individually, as well as what to expect on race day. The FAQ is broken down into several categories, so some questions may be addressed more than once. If you do not like an answer, go away. These contents are copyrighted (seriously). Any reproduction without the express written consent of the author (that's me) may result in criminal and civil prosecution. Or, I may just hunt you down and hit you over the head with a stick.
Eric Weiss
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GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is an Ironman Race?
Tell me again, how long is the race?
Is that the thing they do in Hawaii?
You mean there is more than just the Hawaii Ironman?
Do people actually finish these races?
What is the difference between an Ironman(tm) race and an ironman distance race?
How many people are in a race?
How many days do I have to do that?
How long does it take most people to finish the race?
Who invented this race?
How did he come up with these strange distances?
How long have they been doing this race?
Why is the Hawaii Ironman so special?
Do I have to be a super athlete, or can I just sign up for the Hawaii Ironman?
How many other ironman races are there?
What does it cost to enter one of these races?
What do people wear?
Are there changing facilities?
Do I need to bring my own food and drink?
What else do I need to know?
What is an Ironman Race?
An Ironman race is a triathlon composed of a 2.4 mile (3.8K) swim, 112 mile (180.2K) bike, and a full marathon of 26.2 (42.2K) miles. In most races, these events are run in immediate succession (no break), although there are a few races which will string the race over a few days and/or increase or decrease these distances. There are also double ironmans, deca ironmans(10x), and longer races.
Tell me again, how long is the race?
Swim - 2.4 miles (3.8K)
Bike - 112 miles (180.2K)
Run - 26.2 miles (42.2K) (A full marathon)
Is that the thing they do in Hawaii?
Yes. They also do it in Germany, Australia, The Canary Islands, South Africa, Montreal, Penticton Canada, Lake Placid, Brazil, Florida, Malaysia, and several other locations.
You mean there is more than just the Hawaii Ironman?
Yes. The company (WTC) that puts on the Hawaii Ironman (which is formally known as the Ironman World Championships) also puts on 13 other Ironman races all over the world. Take a look at http://www.ironmanlive.com/section.asp?node=road for more information.
There are other ironman distance races put on by other independent companies and race directors. Just a few are The Great Floridian, The Esprit Triathlon, The Vineman Triathlon and The Mohican Pineman.
Do people actually finish these races?
Yes. Last year (1999) approximately 1600 people finished the Ironman race in Hawaii, 1652 people finished Ironman Canada, about 2300 were awarded a finishers T-shirt (and perhaps a beer or two) at Ironman Germany, 700 navigated their way through all the sheep in New Zealand to finish Ironman New Zealand and the hot Florida sun could not deter 552 people from finishing the Great Floridian Triathlon, to name a few. Heck, if Sister Madonna Buder, a 69 year old nun, can finish both Ironman Canada and Ironman Hawaii in one year, how hard can these things be?
What is the difference between an Ironman(tm) race and an ironman distance race?
This is not as difficult as it seems. WTC stands for World Triathlon Corporation. This company owns and puts on the Hawaii Ironman. WTC owns the trademark rights to "Ironman". Their races use the name "Ironman" in the title. (ex. Ironman South Africa Triathlon, Ironman New Zealand Triathlon, etc.)
Other Race Directors put on ironman "distance" races. (2.4 mile swim/112 mile bike/26.2 mile run) They are not affiliated with or licensed by WTC, and do not use the word "ironman" in the race title (ex. The Vineman Triathlon, The Mohican Pineman, The Esprit Triathlon) While you can not qualify for the Hawaii Ironman at these races, there are many advantages to racing one of these instead. (Cost, location, time of year, etc.) Both the WTC races and the independent races are equally professional affairs.
How many people are in a race?
Each race has its own limit on the number of competitors. They range from about 400 to about 2700, depending on the race. If there is a specific race you are interest in doing, contact the race director for specifics with as to number of entrants, cost, etc.
How many days do I have to do that?
Like we said. Just one day. More accurately, 17 hours for the majority of the races, as most races enforce a midnight cutoff time.
How long does it take most people to finish the race?
Because the terrain on each course is a little different, the finishing times vary slightly. However, almost 75 % of the 1999 Ironman Canada finishers crossed the line between 11 and 15 hours. The same holds true for most of the races.
Who invented this race?
The idea of the ironman race can is credited (or blamed, depending on how you look at it) to Retired Navy Commander John Collins.
How did he come up with these strange distances?
The story goes that in 1977 Commander Collins, while stationed in Hawaii was debating the fitness levels of various athletes with some friends. He toyed with the idea of combining the three toughest local endurance races (2.4 mile Waikiki Roughwater Swim, the Around-Oahu Bike Race (112 miles) and the Honolulu Marathon). "I said the gun will go off about 7 a.m., the clock will keep running, and whoever finishes first we'll call the ironman." Said Collins. For more on the origin of the race, go to: http://www.ironmanlive.com/section.asp?node=hawaii&subNode=history
How long have they been doing this race?
The first ever Ironman race was held on February 18, 1978. 15 men (including Commander Collins) started the race. Gordon Haller won that race in 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds.
Why is the Hawaii Ironman so special?
Ironman Hawaii holds a special place in many people's hearts for many reasons. First, it is the original Ironman race. Second, just getting in is very difficult. Third, it is the Ironman World Championships, which allows you, the athlete to race side by side (if only for a brief second) with the world class pros of our sport. If you race Hawaii, you are racing on the same day, same course, same start time, same rules, same transitions, same aid stations, etc. as the pros. What other sport lets you do that? Imagine being able to suit up with The Dallas Cowboys or San Francisco 49ers during the Super Bowl. Imagine being brought into to pitch during the World Series with the winning run on second base. Little chance you will be allowed to do either. Not so at IMH. Suit up, dive in, and race against the world's best.
Do I have to be a super athlete, or can I just sign up for the Hawaii Ironman?
Yes and no. First, you can not simply sign up for Ironman Hawaii (IMH), but you can simply sign up for any of the other ironman races around the world.
As for Hawaii, there are only two ways to get to the starting line. First, you can win one of the coveted starting slots at a qualifying race. This means that you go to a qualifying race, such as Muskoka Triathlon, Ironman Brazil, Vineman, Ironman Switzerland or Ironman Lanzarote and then place in one of the top spots of you age group. Shorter races, like The Blackwater Eagleman 1/2 Ironman http://www.tricolumbia.org/ have fewer spots available, so you basically need to win your age group out right. More slots are given to full ironman races. 16 slots were give to the M30-34 at Ironman Florida, 2 for woman 44-49. A list of qualifying races can be found at http://www.ironmanlive.com/section.asp?node=road
The second way to get into the Hawaii Ironman is through the lottery. Every March a lottery for US citizens is held for those who enter. Currently 150 names are picked. If your name is picked, you are allowed to race in October of that year. In 1999, a foreign lottery was created. It picks 50 lucky names. More information on the lottery can be found at: http://www.ironmanlive.com/section.asp?node=road
How many other ironman races are there?
- Ironman Asia
- Ironman Austria
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http://www.happynet.at/Ironman
- Ironman Australia
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http://www.ironmanoz.com/home.html
- Ironman Brazil
- Ironman California
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http://www.ironmancalifornia.com
- Ironman Germany
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http://www.quelle.ironman.de
- Ironman Florida
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http://www.ironmanflorida.com
- Ironman Hawaii
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http://www.ironmanlive.com
- Ironman Lanzarote
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http://www.clublasanta.com
- Ironman Malaysia
- Ironman New Zealand
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http://www.ironman.co.nz
- Ironman USA
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http://www.ironmanusa.com
- Ironman South Africa
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http://www.ironmanafrica.com
- Ironman Switzerland
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http://www.ironman.ch
- The Great Floridian
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http://www.greatfloridian.com
- The Esprit Triathlon
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http://www.esprittriathlon.com/info.htm
- The Vineman Triathlon
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http://www.vineman.com
- The Mohican Pineman
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http://www.hfpracing.com
- The Holland Triathlon
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http://www.dial.nl/triathlon/index.html
- International Newline
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http://www.fretri.dk/uk/home.htm
- Triathlon Fredericia, Denmark
What does it cost to enter one of these races?
Costs vary from race to race. Ironman Canada for 2000 cost $375.00 US. The Great Floridian cost between $175.00 and $275.00 US depending on when you sign up. Ironman South Africa cost about $60.00 US because of the favorable exchange rate.
What do people wear?
Most people go through a few changes of clothes during the race. Usually a swimsuit, wetsuit, and goggles during the swim; bike shorts, bike jersey, socks and cycling shoes during the bike leg; and a sweat-wicking shirt, short, socks and sneakers during the run. However, some people will wear their swimsuit from start to finish, and just throw on a top during the bike and run. The most important thing is to wear what you are comfortable in.
Are there changing facilities?
Yes. Most competitors change from swimsuit, to bike shorts to running shorts between each leg. Separate male and female changing tents are provided.
Do I need to bring my own food and drink?
You are not required to bring your own food and drink, but it is advisable. While the races provide water, sports drinks, bananas, sports bars, cookies, etc. at the aid stations, they may not have exactly what you want. Check with the Race Director ahead of time, so that you can plan your nutritional needs.
What else do I need to know?
A lot! Please stay tuned while this FAQ grows!
