“You wouldn’t even make the start line of an IronMan”

Pre-Covid I was getting bored, which is rarely a good thing for people like me, and so I needed a new target. 

Something hard, something that would keep me focused for a year or so, and something that might impact my life long-term.

And thanks to a friend, who won’t even remember their comment, that target hit me right between the eyes one sunny afternoon.

“You wouldn’t even make the start line of an IronMan” he said.

And so I drew breath, and entered…

My plan – ‘Enjoy Race day’.

With some basic fitness, and a strong mind I knew I’d be able to complete an IronMan, but to ‘enjoy the day’, was my real goal.  Most laughed at this suggestion, and I was told I was treating it far too casually but I remained true to my path, I was going to ensure I enjoyed the day.

You’ll get plenty of free advice when you start on your IronMan journey, but IronMan is not a war or emergency situation and so comments like ‘no pain no gain’, and ‘just get through it’ are just to be ignored.

I wasn’t going to ‘die trying’, nor was I even going to offer a predicted finish time to anyone.

My training plan was simple.

Avoid injury, stick to the schedule, eat well and enjoy race day.

I also saved all thoughts about the finish line until I got on the start line – it was the perfect plan.

Another mental aid I used during training was that this wasn’t a one-ticket ride.  It was just the start of something new.  This mindset allowed me to live a healthier life during training, rather than obsess, and so I never really got too stressed on any individual session, nor did I need to sweat the bad training sessions. 

Nothing really matters when you’re focussing on the journey, so I tried not to focus on the destination.

I knew by being on this path more generally I’d get fitter, lose some weight, get a holiday with the Mrs, and would achieve smiles with the miles.

Professional Advice

On my own I can make odd decisions, and so I reached out for some professional advice before training really began proper.

Steve Smith, an 11 time IronMan, was my goto man.  He introduced me to his coach Roman. We spoke once and I immediately signed up on a monthly retainer allowing him to track my progress whilst setting weekly training plans. The schedule grew in ‘blocks’, that started with a few hours a week, and grew into 12 hours, 6 days a week, and occasionally twice a day. Having Roman on my side was hugely relaxing.  I never stressed about getting to the start-line, I knew I just needed to focus on each day.

I also engaged with Justyn who met with me weekly with a focus on injury prevention, flexibility, endurance and Peter Andre.  Truth be told, it seemed a little soft and woolly at the time, but it was solid advice.  I’ve grown weekly with these guys on my team and total respect to their knowledge – I’d recommend their services.

Justyn also introduced me to things like warming up, stretching, slowing down and yoga, and Roman had me race without food!

Nuts! (No nut)

Never underestimate the value of professional advice.

“Stick to my plan – Don’t compete, just complete” Roman

“I’m not even going to say good luck – Now onto finer things” Justyn

I stuck to their plan….

Enough pain for everyone.

If you’re reading this then take confidence that pretty much anyone can do an IronMan.

You just need to break the exercise down into weekly bite sized chunks.

In fact, the exercise and training is the easy bit.

The real challenge is doing it whilst being a good husband, father, brother, son and friend whilst also earning money, getting sleep, doing the chores and this thing called life.

IronMan divorce is a real thing, and I can see why.

Can you imagine how date night goes when you’re up at 5am to lake swim, then off on a 5 hour bike ride and then tag on a 1 hour run before doing the chores, football run and shower?

There is a reason my top tip is in bold… you’ve been warned!

My top tips for anyone doing their first IronMan

1. Get permission from your loved ones – it will impact them far more than you think.
2. Buy low-cost kit first, then upgrade when you know what you need/like.
3. Book races into your training plan, so each race is just a training session – it takes the pressure off everything.
4. Tell everyone you’re doing an IM – it’s annoying, but people asking you about your training will allow you to stay focussed.
5. If you feel rough, take a day off, rest is as important as exercise.
6. IM is just a day of exercise, stop overthinking it.

Kudos to Steve, Roman, Justyn and my brilliant support team and family!

Sorry, what was that? I wouldn’t make the start line? How about the finish line!!

Check out my IronMan hat!