How To Prepare For An Ironman Triathlon

Your first Iron-Distance triathlon is a daunting challenge no matter how you approach it, but just what does it take to complete an Ironman?

00:00 - Intro
01:24 - Planning
02:31 - Training
04:21 - The Swim
06:03 - The Bike
07:20 - The Run
08:56 - Your New Normal
09:58 - The Equipment
11:11 - Nutrition
12:15 - Race Day

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When are you planning to tackle your first Ironman? Let us know down below 👇

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[gtn]

When are you planning to tackle your first Ironman?

[mikedickerson]

You forgot the 4th discipline of Ironman training: the laundry, the never ending laundry.

[atlosass]

10 years ago I couldn't swim a single lap in a pool & since then I've completed 5 iron distance events & numerous shorter ones. I started the journey as a distraction from a running injury that kept me out of run events, but triathlon sucked me in. I'm 52 now & still improving!! I'm grateful for all your videos and inspiration GTN!

[Diego-ojcy]

This video got it all right! Training for the IRONMAN has changed my life in countless ways. My ex called me fat and lazy one day 4 years ago, so I decided to start running to lose weight. 7 weeks later I was running my first marathon (bad idea) and found out about the IRONMAN while looking for motivational videos on YouTube. Since my IRONMAN journey started, I have lost 30 kg, quit alcohol, quit fast food, become vegan and drastically improved my health. I now feel 10 years younger, sleep like a baby and never feel a lack of energy. A lot of training and 2 full distances later, I am starting to believe that I can qualify for Kona one day.
If you are still hesitating about registering for an IRONMAN, my advice to you is to go for it, even if you have doubts. Trust me, you will find all the answers along the way, you will learn so much about the sport and specially about yourself. I know it sounds corny, but the IRONMAN really changed my life forever.

[iggalan]

Mark fooling around in the background was a fun touch 🤣 . Right now I am looking at a Half Ironman for next year, and that's still a huge challenge.

[pagesculptor]

My family have basically split the year in half. Feb to Aug is my training racing season. Sept to Jan is maintenance training with priority on family, chores, and travel. The dog is the real winner in both scenarios.

[SBoots]

A full Ironman is a dream for me. I am 63 and just doing a Olympic distance Triathlon is a happy achievement. Maybe a half Ironman. I still enjoy training and race day. Great video, It keeps me motivated to maybe one day I'll enter.

[corey]

I really really want to compete an Ironman after I watched a documentary of people competing in Kona. I am just 22 and kinda a recreational runner, this video really come out at a right time. I can see the joy and pride on James face at the end of the video. He must be very happy with his whole traithlon journey. Thanks for the video!

[boogieuhuh]

Prepare money first before you prepare for an Ironman. Because like me, I trained first only to find out I could not afford all the expenses, only the registration which was a month’s worth of my salary.

[deanb]

My first one was gonna be last year, but unfortunately I was ill a week before, so now it's gonna be this year, age 61 :) For work I sit on my arse all day, so training is probably important :)

[michaelarigg]

The key to an IM is training discipline. I was age 62 and never had done a tri (of any distance) nor a marathon when my younger brother challenged me to join him in the Arizona IM. While I had a bit of aerobic fitness going in (biking), I have never been an exceptional athletic. I started training 4 months prior, and stayed healthy during the training. I finished my first full distance in the upper half of my age group, and I beat my brother. What worked? I did the necessary training, even if it was for only 4 months. I was consistent, never missing a training session. I now have done 2 full and two half. I now know it’s better to start 8 months ahead, but 4 months was sufficient for me on my first full at age 62.

[nathanmclain]

Finally. A realistic commentary in the beginning of a GTN video on just how impactful training for a full distance Triathlon is. I’ve been doing triathlon for 3 years and am training for the IRONMAN FL this year. I’m not a seasoned athlete and I’m struggling to handle the increase in training and changes from the 70.3 distance.

[nicholasaevv]

I have gone from no triathlon to Ironman in about 8 months. It’s a lot of hard work but it is doable

[Bethy]

My first IM this year and despite 6yrs of Tri and multiple marathons, +200km rides and 5km swims in daunted by it. This vid will help people understand the commitment required.

[thomask]

I just wanna give huge props to James, he stepped his presenting game up massively!

[KevinHernandez-qzsb]

Took me a year to do one. Start off from the beginning and work your way up: Sprint->Olympic -> Half -> Ironman. Loved it and became an Ironman but it takes too much damn time to do and retired soon after.

[FS-tdtb]

Completed my first Ironman this year. Awesome journey. I started out just running, fell in love with it while in military. I then got injured, my ankles, and took up cycling to replace running and rehab my running legs. While riding I hurt my shoulder. I then decided to strengthen and rehab my shoulders by taking up swimming. I took my baby steps and was able to swim just 1 lap, to 2.4 miles. Then i realized already tried all 3 sports, also saw an Ironman video that inspired me, so I decided to challenge self and might as well put all 3 together. Triathlon and Ironman is now my hobby and love the lifestyle and training daily.

[ejquezad]

I did my first Ironman a year after I did my first Triathlon. I started with a half ironman and after I finished it I said, now the full. I was running marathons including a couple of Ultras before then so I had some endurance already. This year I'm going for my 4th ironman.

[notmyrealname]

Best video you’ve done James. So natural and enthusiastic (and informative and inspirational too!)

[corecreekproductions]

One year into my triathlon journey, and with a sprint and Olympic distance under my belt, this really helps put things in perspective. This effectively breaks down what the next step is for an Ironman and thankfully helped me realize it’s doable. Thanks!