By Trisha Harinath
Since its debut in 1978, the Ironman triathlon has evolved into a worldwide test of endurance that pushes the boundaries of the human body and mind beyond any expectation. Athletes across the globe compete in a grueling race that comprises three disciplines consecutively – a 3,8km swim, 180km cycle and a 42,2km running marathon which they have to finish in 17 hours in order for them to be acknowledged as an official Ironman.
Only 12 men competed in the first race which was held in the beginning of 1978 in Honolulu, Hawaii. More than a quarter of a century later, the Ironman series counts for 22 qualifying races and the World Championship in Kona. In this year’s South African leg of Ironman, to be held at the Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth on 5 April, close to 2 000 local and international athletes will compete.
According to Gail Faiers, from Triangle South Africa, the only requirement needed for the Ironman is that entrants need to be 18 years or older. When asked why the Ironman has become so popular, Gail says that this is because people like to set almost impossible tasks for themselves. She goes on to say that competitors also get to meet interesting people from all over the world, and winning participants will get the chance to compete in the Ironman events around the globe.
Although the rewards are extremely satisfying, the physical aspect of the challenge can be rather daunting. Robert Coulson, a six times Ironman, won the challenge in his age group in 2008 and went on to participate in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Asked about the training that is required, Robert says that athletes need to do consistence training. He adds that participants need to put in, at the start, about 10 hours per week and then by their peak weeks they need about 29 hours per week. “It is important to remember that what you put into your training is what you will reap on the race day.” However athletes need to be careful not to over train and must listen to their bodies for signs of fatigue.
The Ironman triathlon has come a long way since its inception and teaches us that we as human beings are capable of pushing our bodies and minds to extreme levels in order to achieve what was once thought impossible. Courage, strength, fitness, discipline, endurance and determination are key to the challenge.
