Blogs

Part I: What is an IRONMAN

What comes to mind when you hear the term “IRONMAN”? Perhaps you envision an extraordinary feat of athleticism and endurance, a superhero character, or (if you know what this is and like to be funny) you may also think of something ridiculous and question “Why would someone want to pay money and do something pointless…?”. Nonetheless, the IRONMAN is no ordinary triathlon; it’s a long-distance race that pushes participants to their limits, challenging them both physically and mentally, and if you manage to finish this race, not only will you be called an IRONMAN once you cross the finish line, you will also experience one of the greatest awakenings in your life now that you know what you’re truly capable of.

Me Crossing the finish line at IRONMAN Chattanooga 2021

Let’s break it down. A typical triathlon involves a swim, bike, and run, with distances varying depending on the race. In comparison, an IRONMAN is on a whole other level. Brace yourself for a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a grueling 112-mile bike ride (116 miles for IM Chattanooga), and finally topped off with a full marathon, covering 26.2 miles. It’s a monumental undertaking that demands unwavering determination and commitment.

The roots of the IRONMAN can be traced back to 1977 in Hawai’i. John and Judy Collins, avid triathletes from California, organized a modest swim-run race. The following year, they added a bike segment to the race, and John coined the term “Iron Man” for the brave souls who completed the course. Since then, the race has evolved and gained widespread recognition. In 1980, the IRONMAN caught the attention of ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” catapulting it into the public eye. Today, IRONMAN races take place in over 50 countries, with the pinnacle being the annual IRONMAN World Championships in Kailua-Kona, HI, the birthplace of the first IRONMAN race.

IRONMAN Historical Photo | CREDIT: IRONMAN
Gustav Iden IM World Championship 2022 | Credit: Getty Images

The growth of the IRONMAN has been nothing short of remarkable. From its humble beginnings, it has become one of the fastest-growing endurance races globally. With over 150 races held worldwide, aspiring participants can choose from shorter distances, such as the IRONMAN 70.3 and IRONMAN 5150 series races, as steppingstones toward the ultimate challenge of the full IRONMAN.

Completing an IRONMAN is no easy feat. It requires rigorous training, meticulous preparation, and a mindset that refuses to give up. You might wonder why anyone would willingly subject themselves to such physical and mental strain. The answers vary for each participant. For some, it’s a personal test of resilience and determination. For others, it’s about conquering their own doubts and limitations. Personally, I embarked on this journey to prove to myself that I could achieve something extraordinary, following through from start to finish, unlike previous endeavors that fizzled out. Ask yourself this: “How many times have I started a project, just to give up on it shortly thereafter?” That was me in a nutshell, and in my mind, completing an IRONMAN race was something I felt I could truly do from start to finish only if I dedicated all the time needed to see this through.

Julie Moss Historic Crawl to Finish Line | Credit: Carol Hogan
My Training Log 1 Month from IM Chattanooga 2021

An IRONMAN is more than just a race; it’s an extraordinary accomplishment that surpasses the euphoria of a runner’s high. It’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit. As the IRONMAN legacy continues to expand across the globe, more individuals have the chance to challenge themselves and emerge victorious, forever earning the title of an IRONMAN.

Now that you’ve made it to the end, I want to personally thank you for taking a moment to read this post, and now I want to share with you that the ending of this post marks the first post in my 3-part IRONMAN journey! In my next blog post I’ll share how I discovered the world of IRONMAN and the path that led me to my first race, and in the final post I’ll share my journey in what it took to cross the finish line to be called an IRONMAN.

References