While racing 226 km of swimming, biking, and running may feel like a daunting task, our editors have compiled our vast resources into a comprehensive guide on how to train for an Ironman.
Knowing how to train for an Ironman isn’t easy. Ironman training is more than just a lot of swim, bike, and run workouts—as you’ll soon discover, there are many parts of the puzzle. But before we dive into what you need to know about Ironman training, from gear to training plans to choosing your race, let’s first answer two basic questions: What is an Ironman, and how far is an Ironman?
Most people are familiar with the iconic Ironman World Championship race, which historically has taken place in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii every October. Starting this year, however, Kona and Nice, France will co-host the world championship. But these iconic races aren’t the only Ironman events out there. Races are held around the world, both as part of the Ironman branded race series and those put on by other race organizations, known as “iron-distance triathlons.” All Ironman and Iron-distance races cover the same distances:
It’s important to note that Ironman 70.3 races while carrying the Ironman name, are not a “full” Ironman. Instead, they are known as a “half-iron distance,” where the swim, bike, and run distances are halved to cover a total of 113 km (Still, an impressive feat, to be sure, and a great starting goal for those new to long-course triathlon racing!)
It can often be the Ironman swim distance that deters or intimidates beginners—and those who are new to swimming will certainly want to master the basics in order to feel comfortable and confident. The good news? With the right coaching, feedback, and guidance, you can make progress both technically and physically while training for an Ironman. It just takes time and patience.
The average Ironman finishing time is between 12 to 14 hours, with women averaging 13:16 and men averaging 12:27. Approximately 10% of the race is spent swimming, 50% of the race spent on the bike, and 38% of the race spent running. The remaining 2% is spent in transition—from swim to bike, known as T1, and bike to run, or T2.
For this reason, many athletes and coaches will advocate spending at least 50% of your training time for an Ironman triathlon on the bike. However, this can differ depending on the time athletes have available, background, experience, climate and terrain where they live, and personal preferences.
Going from couch to Ironman can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible, and many have successfully achieved it. When faced with the question of “Who does Ironman triathlon?” most people assume that it’s the bastion of the ultra-fit and ultra-lean. This is actually not the case! There are a growing number of first-timers doing Ironman, and people aged 18 to 89 have finished an Ironman or iron-distance triathlon. Almost anyone can do an Ironman if they work hard and follow a smart training plan.
However, before deciding to sign up for an Ironman triathlon, it’s a good idea to closely examine a few things:
Taking an honest and realistic approach to train for Ironman now will save you stress in the future. If you’re new to triathlon or prone to injury when exercising, it’s a good idea to spend some time strengthening your body and gradually building your endurance so that you can handle long workouts and an even longer race.
It’s also a good idea to check with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on your Ironman training journey. You’ll be asking a lot of your body while preparing for the race, and a checkup with your physician can confirm it’s up for the task.
Deciding on which race to do—especially if it’s your first Ironman triathlon—is no small decision. Don’t be afraid to take the time to do the necessary research. You can look up the best or easiest Ironman for beginners, but that doesn’t always mean that’s the best or easiest Ironman for you. Some steps to help you decide which Ironman triathlon is the best for you:
We are often asked the question: “How long does it take to train for an Ironman?” The answer is always the same: “It depends.”
Some people say you should give yourself a year to properly train for an Ironman. Given that most Ironman races require you to sign up a year in advance (as we said earlier), it’s not a bad idea to start out with some easy base/foundation training shortly after signing up. This will also help you to capitalize on your sky-high motivation—there’s nothing like signing up for a race to get you inspired to get moving!
If you’re someone who’s already fit and active with experience in at least one of the three sports, then you’ve certainly got a head start on training for an Ironman. For those with a solid base under them already, a 20-week Ironman training plan is a good idea, at the very least. And when we say solid base, this typically means you’re comfortable swimming for an hour three times a week, you’re riding three times a week, and you’re running three or four times a week.
But if you’re new to swimming, cycling, and running, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the race. How long? At the very least, a first-timer should follow a 24-week Ironman training plan, as it will give an athlete time to get accustomed to the three sports (and juggling all of them with life) while gradually building the fitness required to cover 226 km.
There is no hard and fast rule on how many hours per week it takes to train for an Ironman. Everyone is different and has different commitments and schedules, so be flexible with your training and fit it in around your work, family, and social commitments. One of the biggest mistakes newcomers can make is trying to pack as much training into their week as possible. To create more hours in the day, they sometimes wake up earlier or go to bed later, completely overlooking the fact that recovery time—and sleep—is one of the most important elements of Ironman training. It’s not the training sessions that will make you fitter and faster, but the recovery and subsequent adaptation from those sessions that’ll really see you making the gains.
With this in mind, take a long, hard look at your average week and be realistic about how much spare time you have to fit in swim, bike, and run workouts. If you think that number is close to 10 hours, start out with six to eight hours and see how that goes. There are many accomplished age-group athletes who have achieved great things on 10 hours of training a week or less.
You’ll hear experienced Ironman athletes and coaches agree on the golden rule of Ironman training—consistency is king. While it can be great to knock a key workout out of the park, it’s better to hit all of your workouts consistently than to nail one and have to skip the next three or four days because you’re feeling wrecked. Meter your energy and commit to your Ironman training plan over the long term, so that you are able to gradually build your fitness. If you ask any experienced triathlete about how they train for an Ironman, they’ll tell you the boom-and-bust approach can often lead to injury, burnout, and loss of motivation and enjoyment.
At the very least, it’s a good idea to follow an Ironman training plan (read on for some of our favorites). These are tried-and-true schedules that thousands of athletes have followed to arrive at the start line happy and healthy. Trying to make your workout schedule on the fly, especially if you have little or no triathlon experience, can quickly become overwhelming—and worse yet, it can lead to injury, burnout, or a really bad race experience.
But what if the training plans available don’t fit with your schedule or needs? You might prefer the individualized advice you get from a triathlon coach, who can give you specific advice on how to train for an Ironman. In addition to writing workouts just for you, a coach can answer all your questions about training for an Ironman, what to expect on race day, and how to troubleshoot any issues (like injuries) as they arise.
If you have access to a local triathlon team or a good group of training buddies, you can also ask for their advice on training and racing. Training buddies make your training and your overall experience far more sociable and enjoyable—and triathletes love to share their knowledge with newcomers.
It is always a good idea to follow a structured training plan that has been designed by a coach with many years of experience. Well-structured Ironman training plans will factor in periodization, which is the term given to the many phases of training in any given year. Typically, these are structured as follows:
Beginner Ironman training plans should take into account the fact that you are new to the sport and build volume slowly. As already outlined above, be sure to choose a plan that suits your time commitments, and make sure it’s well balanced. If you are a weaker swimmer but an experienced runner, don’t shy away from spending more time in the water and less time out running, although be aware that learning to run off the bike is very different from standalone running and can take time to get used to.
Knowing what you need for an Ironman race is no small question. Did we mention this sport is extremely gear-heavy? Perhaps the best piece of advice we could give you to begin with is that you don’t need everything straight away. Let’s break it down into three categories: basic, intermediate, and advanced.
Wetsuit
You’ll need a wetsuit not only for warmth but for increased buoyancy, which leads to speed.
Swim cap
A swim cap will keep your hair from flying everywhere while you swim, but it’ll also keep you warm, and for 99% of Ironman races, you’ll need to wear one on race day.
Goggles
Triathlon swimming goggles typically have more visibility and protection for open-water swimming.
Trisuit or tri top/shorts
Tri-specific clothing will have padded shorts and material that you can wear the entire race without changing if preferred.
Bike
While you don’t need a tri-specific bike, at the Ironman distance a tri bike will be faster, more comfortable, and recruit muscles that won’t interfere with your run.
Helmet
All Ironman events require a helmet on the bike—more expensive helmets will be lighter, more ventilated, and/or more aerodynamic.
Sunglasses
While not required, sunglasses will let you see better and protect your eyes on the bike. A good pair will be ventilated enough to let you wear them on the run as well.
Run shoes
In iron-distance racing, some people prefer lightweight run shoes, while others prefer more substantial trainers. Either way, you need shoes that will withstand the rigors of Ironman training kilometers.
Race belt
A race belt will help you on race day by keeping your number on your at all times from the bike to the run (depending on the rules) without wasting time pinning it to your clothing.
Anti-chafe lube/cream
In Ironman racing, anti-chafe lube is essential. Use it in places where you contact the saddle, where your body has natural creases, or where friction is possible.
Water bottle(s)
Iron-distance training and racing require lots of hydration. Be sure to get a hydration storage system that lets you take more than you think you might need.
As above, plus:
Bike shoes
Cycling-specific shoes and tri-specific shoes will attach to your specialty pedals and allow better power transfer and comfort. Tri-specific shoes will have features like quick on-and-off, drainage, and more.
Transition bag
A transition bag will help you organize all of the gear listed here while you’re both training and racing. Better organization means less chance of forgetting something when it matters.
Tri saddle
A tri-specific saddle will be shaped in a way that best fits a triathlete’s position on a bike with aero bars.
Indoor bike trainer
Unless you live in a place with year-round good weather, an indoor bike trainer is an essential way to get in quality workouts when the weather is bad or the conditions are unsafe for riding outside.
Smartwatch
Today’s smartwatches will not only track time and distance, but also help prescribe workouts, give biofeedback, track sleep, connect to your bike, and give pool and open-water swimming data.
Aerobars
These specialty handlebars place the rider in a more aerodynamic and (ideally) more comfortable position for long-distance training and racing.
Bike hydration system
Typically located between the aerobars, inside the frame, or behind the saddle, a bike hydration system will allow you to carry more fluid in a way that’s easy to reach and won’t affect bike handling.
Aero helmet
An aero helmet will simply reduce the drag as you race on your bike—assuming you can hold the proper aero position for the great majority of your race.
Race wheels
These aerodynamic, carbon wheels will not only allow you to ride faster but can also increase comfort—depending on the rim depth and hub/spoke construction.
Cycling or running a power meter
During training, a cycling or running power meter will help you get the most objective training data—regardless of conditions or terrain. While racing, they can help you with pacing and properly doling out your effort.
Knowing how to eat for Ironman training can be a daunting task: you’ll be training a lot, which is going to make you want to eat a lot, which is definitely not the best way forward. You’re certainly going to be hungry, especially if you are increasing your activity levels above what you’re used to. But that doesn’t mean you should eat everything you’re craving. Food is fuel, and when you’re training for an Ironman, you’ll want to put the best fuel in your body.
The key to fueling for Ironman training is to make sure that you are taking in the right quantity and quality of food and drink to execute each workout. While there are definitely different schools of thought regarding how much of each macro-nutrient (protein, carbs, fats) you should eat for Ironman training, the general consensus in Ironman nutrition plans is that triathletes should eat a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fat to stay full and well-fueled for as long as possible.
The most important meal is the one you eat after longer, harder training sessions, as it sets the stage for the next workout. Take in 20-30g of protein in the 30- to 45-minute period after completing a workout (known as the “recovery window”) when your body is more receptive to fuel. This helps your body to repair the muscles as well as mitigate the effects of stress hormones, which are elevated during exercise. Miss that recovery window and you can often pay the price later, finding yourself reaching for quick sugar fixes and/or less healthy options.
Aside from maximizing that recovery window, as outlined above, athletes should fuel throughout the day with lean proteins, good fats, a wide range of colorful fruits and veggies, and complex carbs (e.g. potatoes, rice, whole grains) during meals and snacks. Hydration around the clock—not just during workouts—is absolutely essential as well. Be sure to sip on water and/or an electrolyte beverage throughout the day.
As you train, you’ll discover adjustments you need to make—taking in more or fewer calories, alternating between water and sports drinks, or using different electrolyte tablets or powders. This brings us to the golden rule of Ironman race nutrition: Never ever eat anything new on race day. Too many athletes have had their races derailed because they suddenly decided to drink more than their gut could handle, or to eat a new energy bar they bought at the pre-race expo. Set up some key workouts several weeks out from your Ironman race, and do a thorough test of your Ironman nutrition plan, eating and drinking as you plan to on race day. This will give you valuable information and feedback on what works and what doesn’t.
Training for an Ironman isn’t for everyone, but for those who choose to take on the challenge, the experience of training for and racing 226 km can be life-changing. It’s not easy, to be sure. You’ll probably make a mistake or two along the way (we’ve all done it, don’t worry). But you’ll also meet new people, see new places, and achieve something many people would never even try, much less do. When you cross that finish line and hear the announcer proclaim, “YOU are an Ironman!”—well, it’s a pretty spectacular feeling. But don’t take our word for it. Try it for yourself, and send us a selfie with your finisher medal when you do.
Stuart has competed in triathlons from Sprint to Ironman distance. As a qualified Triathlon Australia, Australian Athletics Run Coach, and a certified Ironman coach, he is aware of the importance of balancing training with lifestyle, thus complementing other important aspects of an athlete’s life (family, work, study commitments, etc.).
Contact Stuart at rdytotri@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadyToTriTriathlon/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readytotri_bne/
#readytotri_bne #retreatcafe #redcliffecycles #maowconsulting #monrofamilybowen #infinitnutritionoz #inspireathletic #burpengarydental #triathloncoach #runcoach #personaltrainer #ironmanu #ironmancoach #coachme #tricoach #triathlon #swimbikerun #ironman #triathlete #running #triathlontraining #run #cycling #bike #swim #ironmantri #training #swimming #fitness #anythingispossible
If you’re ready to take your training to the next level with dedicated triathlon coaches who want to see you succeed in your chosen event, get in touch with ReadyToTri. With over 12 years experience as athletes ourselves, and 5 years helping athletes prepare for their triathlon, we’re the support system you need to reach the next level.
To get started with a top-class triathlon coach in Brisbane or beyond, contact ReadyToTri today.
"*" indicates required fields
Helping people compete in triathlons and running events so
they can become confident, healthy, fit, and a role model.
© 2022 ReadyToTri | All Rights Reserved.
Developed by Rise SEO - Web Design & SEO Brisbane