“I wonder if they give out medals for coming in last place.” “I knew it! I should have trained on a bike that doesn’t have a broken seat.”
Are some of the thoughts that might come to your mind during an Ironman. But it makes sense, its a long day for sure…
The Ironman race is often seen as the ultimate test of human endurance and willpower. It consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run, all completed in succession and within a 17-hour time limit. It’s a grueling and demanding event that requires months of training and preparation. But for many participants, the question arises: why would anyone subject themselves to such a physically and mentally taxing experience if they don’t actually enjoy the majority of the race.
“I wonder if they will let me swim the last leg in a giant inflatable swan.”
The answer lies in the feeling of fulfilment and accomplishment that comes from pushing oneself to the limit and achieving something that most people consider impossible. The Ironman is not just a physical challenge, it’s a mental one as well. It’s a test of grit and determination, and the ability to keep going when every fiber of your being is telling you to quit.
“I should have trained harder. Like, a lot harder.”
For many participants, the majority of the race is spent in a state of suffering. The swim is often cold and choppy, the bike ride is long and grueling, and the marathon run is a test of mental and physical endurance. When that gun goes the mental battle and the second thoughts start.
“I must have been crazy to sign up for this.”
“I hope my legs don’t fall off before I reach the finish line.”
“I wonder if they serve pizza at the finish line.”
“If I finish this, I’m never doing it again… unless they offer me a free entry.”
It’s completely normal to have a mix of emotions and thoughts, and some of them may even be a bit funny. That “inner bitch” will be challenged, and a lot of us will be looking for a way out.
But despite the suffering, there’s also a sense of camaraderie among the participants. Everyone is in it together, and the shared experience of overcoming the impossible creates a bond that’s hard to explain.
The real reward comes at the end of the race, when you cross the finish line and are awarded with the iconic Ironman finisher medal and hear those magic words “You are an IRONMAN!”.
It’s a symbol of everything you’ve been through and the incredible accomplishment you’ve achieved. The feeling of pride and accomplishment is indescribable, and it’s something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
As we mentioned, doing an Ironman race is a paradox because it’s a grueling and demanding event that requires months of training and preparation and the majority of the race is spent in a state of suffering. But despite the suffering, the feeling of fulfilment and accomplishment is worth all the pain and effort. It’s a test of grit and determination and the ability to keep going when every fiber of your being is telling you to quit. It’s a bond that’s hard to explain and the real reward comes at the end of the race when you cross the finish line and are awarded with the iconic Ironman finisher medal and shirt.
Did we forget anything?
Comment your most embarrassing and pathetic second thoughts that you’ve had during an Ironman event.
