A Day in the Life of a Training for an Ironman

Welcome to a day in the life of a triathlete! In this video, you'll get an inside look at what it's like to train for and compete in triathlons.
In this video, you'll see what a typical day in my training looks like. I'll take you through my morning swim session and my afternoon bike and run. You'll also get a small glimpse of my nutrition and recovery routines.
I hope you find some inspiration and tips to help you reach your goals. Thanks for watching!

[@bearparts]

For a total newbie, could you explain the bed tent?

[@DanielBro42]

got an answer? im curious as well

[@timotheos4327]

To keep the boogie man out

[@runforestruntv]

An altitude tent. Sleeping at a higher altitude can have a performance enhancing affect.

[@tonyshihoutang6576]

His house got mosquito 🦟 😂

[@massivebids]

​@@runforestruntv😊

[@Shawnreidpottery]

I did Ironmans for a decade, … I’m in my 50’s .. I loved the sport … became demanding on my time , work and relationships . As well , the cost of a coach , clubs fees , traveling, race admissions… became to much especially on my body .. I don’t regret my experiences or the friendships I made.. but … I love my life without the excessive training and the hyper focus on times and thinking about my next training session.

[@AA-vo4ll]

Im just getting into triathlon and dream to do a ironman one day, this is so inspiring and fun to watch! thanks for sharing 👍

[@BenTolliday]

Thank you! Best of luck to you and maybe I’ll see you out there one day!

[@lemaitrethemonk]

I just started training for my first Half-Iron man (my goal is to be ready by summer of 2025, I am going on 50, so it takes longer for me to train, recovery time that is). I have spent the past month pouring over videos for advice and inspiration in regard to the training. Thank you. Also, the face you made at 05:21 and the statement about food is no joke. I did not realize that swimming past 2000m (working my way to 3500m) would make me that hungry, I mean ravenous! Thanks again. Much love, health and happiness to you on your journey to creating the best possible version of yourself...

[@ADuckOnQuack97]

Please make more! Very motivating.

[@mehmetsonmez6360]

I am glad to see one who have everything I dream of. Good luck!

[@reach2prasanna]

I like your whole vibe dude. I'll root for you. Best wishes Ben.

[@swegotech8466]

Ben, that was a very cool video (especially at the end 🥶). All the time I thought "One day I will also do an ironman, just for fun". But when I was preparing for my Alcatraz swim I realized for the first time, that getting in shape for an Ironman is a full-time job. Since then I have the highest respect for the dedication people like you have for their sports. Keep up posting this videos, you got a new subscriber here.

[@BenTolliday]

Thank you so much!

[@Jordinho112]

I want this to. I work as a plumber 12 ouhers a day 5 day in the week…

[@traceywing7587]

Great improvising for the ice bath/ freezer. Love it, thankyou for sharing 👍

[@scottbechtel8944]

Great video and excellent work ... much respect, from a fellow Ironman!

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

Great video, Mom. Thanks for sharing!

[@U4Eye]

Just getting up with the motivation to do exercise is half the battle specially if you're at my age it's 70 and been doing it for a long time but I still enjoy watching others

[@uplatenite8in]

Nope, I could never but mad respect for you Ben.

[@casy6203]

I'm a runner and I was completely surprised how much doing a sport with others really helps! Great job!

[@BenTolliday]

Thank you! Absolutely, training with other people makes it so much easier and a lot more fun!

[@zoltanjanosforgacs]

You are great! 🙂 Keep going! 😊 I respect you a lot!😃

[@salvadortrejo757]

Hello Ben, congratulations for the video, it is very well done and has a very good production, you know, 3 months ago I decided to train for my second ironman and sometimes as a motivation and there is a way to see the routine with a touch of black humor, he ended up telling me that The one who wants to does more than the one who can. I currently work as a cook 10 hours a day in the hot area of ​​a restaurant, I don't have a car so my days of long rides I ride my bike on the bus and without complaining, and to go to the pool the bus always comes on time at 5 14 a.m. as the motto says everything is possible. The Ironman tulsa appointment next May. Greetings.

[@user-rt1er6cp6b]

You are inspiring, never give up💪

[@joesph9748]

Awesome thanks for sharing

[@chrischristoferson1191]

What a beautiful home/ neighborhood.

[@kennyevans3317]

Hey, Ben. Great video! Really caught my attention when I saw the expressway signs! :) I live near Atlantic Station, home of the LA Fitness whose pool is never open and former member of Northeast Athletic Club which recently closed permanently! Where have you been hiding Dynamo?! 🙂I am a 3x IM finisher, total old man age grouper and borderline Clydesdale (haven't been heavy enough yet!). I'm up at 4:15a now about to go Zwifting, so I can relate. Again, well done on the video and the fitness!!

[@nahuelfernandez4190]

Amazing content man!! Earned yourself a new sub 👍

[@dijanavolkmer8002]

Hi :) This idea with the freezer is really cool. Makes all those products that are always pushing out as an ad on social media look ridiculous.

[@cnavarreteaedo]

Nice video Ben, u got a new follower, from Chile. Cheers!!!

[@jong3397]

Great video, but are you aware of the research showing that regular ice baths inhibit some of the training/recovery benefits during the adaptation phase and may also mask early signs of injury if used too often? May want to research and determine when to best utilize cold/ice plunge.

[@NatanJara]

Very cool video, much respect.

[@SpiritandTruth72]

Nice video. Motivational, Thanks.

[@davekeating2897]

Good stuff Ben! Can’t believe you can stay so long in that freezing water

[@maxmeier532]

A cold tub is what will kill Joe Rogan eventually, I am convinced. Vasospasm apocalypse with a heart attack after a heavy work out and hot sauna. If cancer from all the supplements and exogenous hormones dont take him out first.

[@vitordan2668]

very cool !! i am from brazil and i like a lot to learning about traning

[@lukewedgwood229]

I found it weird that there was no mention of going to work at some point. This lifestyle looks expensive, but I can't imagine spending so much time training if I had a full time job. Do you live like this all year round?

[@aleksandraojdana1814]

can you also share a video 'how to get money for Ironman lifestyle ?'

[@jamessturgillii9987]

I worked with a woman who took a 6 month sabbatical from work just to train. Wild.

[@damienroy5846]

I don't see how you can possibly train for an Ironman and work full-time.

[@barbpatcarson1277]

@@damienroy5846 I work rostered rotating shifts in the OR. Only part time but have done 26 Ironman events. Started when I was 50 when I was doing 8 shifts a fortnight. Now down to 5 a fortnight. It is doable.

[@airkrd]

@@damienroy5846 It's definitely possible to work full time and train for Ironman...you just have to be disciplined. I get up early, 5AMish and get a work out in. I do my long workouts on the weekend; long ride Saturday morning, and long run Sunday. Ultimately, I train from 10-12 hours average a week all while working a full time job (45-50 hours a week). Despite all the training, I still have quality time with my family and manage to find time to read a book or play a video game.

[@skillergameshd6380]

Great video!👌

[@neeraj701]

I go swimming right after a workout in the evening. it relaxes muscles and soreness.

[@stefankurzeder1563]

good, honest, entertaining video. Thanks!

[@BenTolliday]

Thank you so much!

[@DaveHebert400]

The chest freezer is quite possibly the cleverest idea I've ever seen. I don't know if my wife will let me copy it but holy cow, do I want to!

[@canada9699]

Omg your amazing! I do the ice baths everyday , I loved the idea of a freezer how do you do it ? Is it plugged? Is it dangerous???😮

[@maximilian_de_luxe]

Cool video : ) Thanks from Stockholm, Swe. Hehe! How long is your total workout this day? You start early, and all done by... 3PM? Ish? Thanks again Maximilian, ultraman athlete : D

[@GallowsPole805]

What’s your caloric intake per day during your highest volume phase of training? How many meals? Are you receiving massage and/or chiropractic treatments regularly too? Nice elevation sleeping tent. Sponsor hook you up with that or own it?

[@nadiaujovich7989]

What did you take for breakfast? Or just coffee? I recently moved to Spain, I am originally from Argentina. Still try to get up in the morning around 5 30 am, but I am finding it really difficult. Your video is awesome

[@kraut51]

Great video.

[@henrique09br]

Very nice video. I liked your rotine. The only problem with this video is the imperial system. No one outside the states understand the measurements.

[@chloeledieff1462]

I am 15 and so far I’ve done a half marathon. I got 11th place and finished in 1:41:55. I hope to do an Ironman one day, but there’s a lot of work to do!

[@neikomandeno6074]

😮

[@casy6203]

My advice would be to start saving money because it's start getting pricey!

[@michaelgernatt5621]

How did you convert the chest freezer into a cold tub? Would love some recommendations there.

[@frankfang2146]

Like how tidy your place is❤

[@slavasss2189]

U r lucky to have in us pools which works at early mornings...probably 24*7.... its a problem to find a big pool in west europe at all. I not even mention working hrs, which are short, especially on week ends its half day only

[@juancarlosvaleron4850]

@BenTolliday, what are some good pairs of running shoes you own ?

[@anetajaszkowska495]

love it

[@iama5556]

Great life style daily training …one thing surprised me about the freezing water in the freezer …maybe need more safeties informations how it works in case of electrocution I don't think I'd immerse myself in a freezer full of water and plug into the mains ...I think that with training and the potential danger of electricity I can easily make a return trip to the sun.

[@jacekc6525]

great video

[@joaquinparedesmuller4631]

Keep going! New suscriber, grettings from argentina! 🙌🏼🇦🇷🫡

[@Yooper05]

was I the only one to notice him crawling out of a tent on his bed? Great video!

[@josedaniel9263]

Good video ! 👍

[@allpixphotographyandvideop8010]

most recomended to do the same streching both in the start and the end of each practice

[@khanhkeria5102]

Is the cabinet for you to take a cold shower is a dedicated cabinet or is it a food storage cabinet?Thanks

[@julianbauer-ze3kg]

Great video Ben! What bike simulator is this?

[@BenTolliday]

Thanks! It’s called Zwift - absolute game changer!

[@4EntertainmentOnly]

get used to the cold water. it takes about 7 days for body to adapt weather/environment

[@kenbobcorn]

As someone who is new to this channel can someone explain to me what his background is? His profile mentions he is a fitness enthusiast, but he has the faculties and the resources of a professional athlete. Nothing I've found shows me he is a professional athlete. Does he do this part time or am I missing something?

[@albertosalash.3834]

Ben Tolliday ranked 3rd in age group M18-24 and 21st overall at the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii 2022.

[@lloydjones4643]

Hey mate great video, how do you keep the water in freezer from freezing? I saw you had something dangled in the freezer what was that?

[@BenTolliday]

Thanks! I have a fish tank filter that keeps the water circulating and also I have a temperature controller that switches the freezer on and off to keep it from freezing!

[@aribork1]

Excelente 👏👏👏👏👏💪🙂👍

[@Fp-ph7qs]

Inspiring video, thanks for sharing! About the swimming, is there a benefit to breathe on the same side rather than alternate?

[@BenTolliday]

Thank you! I guess it would probably be better to alternate breathing on both sides but I rarely do haha. I am sure there is a benefit in terms of having a more well rounded stroke if you breath on both sides though!

[@robtodd4726]

So many privileged kids would be sitting on the couch. Kudos to you and keep working hard!!💪

[@erdogan_bora]

Can you tell us why you use a bed like this?

[@bekhzodalimukhamedov]

What it’s called white band watch on your wrist?

[@thisisgokhancelik]

beautiful life

[@victorvitorino8620]

Muito bacana seu conteúdo ! Oss Brasil !

[@jasongreulich6799]

How did you convert that freezer? I want to do the same. Thanks man!

[@BenTolliday]

I followed this super helpful guide! sciencebackedhealth.com/chest-freezer-ice-bath/

[@cwr8618]

Good video. But a little more details on what your doing would be nice. I.e. on the bike - what type of distance, pace, alt change, etc. where does this ride fit into the overall picture. Just more situational awareness for the viewer

[@BenTolliday]

Thanks, will do!

[@my.pariasi4820]

💪💪

[@andresvelasco707]

Made a 70.3 in Colombia a few years ago, never again, spent the whole time obsessed with times, weight, fasting, suffering pain, injuries... Life is way more fun than being a triathlete

[@ChristianMatthew315]

maybe you were focused on the wrong things...

[@janinaziegler3981]

What’s the thing you sleep in. Special Hightech recovery tent?

[@jamieneiderhauser8386]

I think it's an altitude tent. They allow you to sleep at high altitudes at home. The best understanding I found was this "Sleeping at Altitude, or “Living High, Training Low” is the most widely used technique for pre-acclimatization and improving endurance sports performance. Combined with our low-oxygen air generator, our altitude canopy enables individuals to sleep at simulated altitude at home or on the road. This training technique has now been used within elite sport for over a decade, and is widely considered to be the most effective method to pre-acclimatize to altitude."

[@danielecaracappa9615]

I love athletic guys ❤❤❤

[@IvanPanic-fk5gc]

Why you sleep sleep in the tent in the room 0.39 s in the video.... what do you achieve with that?

[@sports.mind-insight]

Hello ben ..i am from india ..as a beginner how we start training for triathlete

[@sethhammitt]

what camera do you use? Also great video!

[@BenTolliday]

Thanks! Sony A7s III and GoPro hero 11.

[@U4Eye]

You getting into that freezer was like a little baby I've seen tons of guys just get in there and do it without crying

[@jonro608]

What type of stationary bike do you use?

[@BenTolliday]

I use my triathlon bike on a wahoo kickr!

[@connorjhusk]

Beast

[@danielkelleher3853]

Can you please talk more about the freezer and how you did this?

[@jbouchan]

Interested in knowing more about this too.

[@juancarlosgomezfranco366]

Can you please provide more info freezer?

[@tuanlequang9005]

You're doing great, Ben.

[@BenTolliday]

Thank you!

[@sidorenko]

So many toxic comments. Great video and great motivation.

[@SuperAgannon]

😤💪

[@kienjack4827]

cool

[@thanhhtungg3815]

nice video

[@harryl9yearsago788]

Whats the tent bed thing for ?

[@BenTolliday]

It is an altitude tent which simulates sleeping at a higher altitude with less oxygen! It's supposed to help with endurance!

[@orlov_alex]

So, when do you work?

[@pedrodepaiva1555]

coooooool!!

[@danielwaite6559]

what is that thing your sleeping in?

[@jejedjorkaeff2379]

Nice video but it seems i am the only one wondering what kind of bed is that ?! :D

[@jonpaul4831]

What watch do you use?

[@BenTolliday]

Right now I use the Garmin 945!

[@Totalavulsion]

Nice life balance

[@badmess8184]

👊✊

[@Dennis-lk2ed]

@benTolliday why do you sleep in a tent on the bed?

[@nuttallbwfcuk3925]

What’s your day job?

[@TamaEnergy]

I'm training for a 70.3 while working as a fully time doctor and its rough man

[@thisthat5874]

No one cares

[@pricejoss]

@@thisthat5874 Cleary you do enough to leave a comment

[@neerajasurve1996]

​@@thisthat5874 if you don't care then why waste your time commenting?

[@thisthat5874]

@@pricejoss 🥰

[@thisthat5874]

@@neerajasurve1996 🥰

[@angles4066]

Can I tour you house omg this is amazing

[@jonpaul4831]

How many showers do you take on a day like this?

woow

[@brynsquires6996]

I’m sure different people prefer different things but there’s a lot of evidence from sports medics saying that regularly taking ice baths decreases muscular hypertrophic growth

[@tijsvandevelde8067]

You are right but the goal for a triathlete isn't muscle hypertrophy especially when running muscle growth is not that important

[@mateacannavino9762]

What is the tent you were sleeping in?

[@BenTolliday]

It's an altitude tent to simulate sleeping at a higher altitude than where you actually are!

[@BenTolliday]

Not this one! I’m sure there are things like that but this one is meant for replicating a higher altitude so less oxygen in the air.

[@tkwhawaii]

come train in Kona!

[@emm1986]

Hey in one of you RF vids you told us if we had any questions. Well I have one. It is how do dive in 9ft and 6 inches😅

[@emm1986]

Vids

[@BenTolliday]

haha carefully!

[@emm1986]

@@BenTolliday well can you teach me pls

[@MiroGor]

For what this bed tent is used? :)

[@BenTolliday]

It’s for replicating sleeping at a higher altitude which is supposed to increase endurance and performance!

[@MiroGor]

@@BenTolliday Many thanks for your answer 👍

[@loooo69k]

Keep the bugs out

[@satoshi_yukamoto841]

WTF - what the hell is the bed tent can someone explain?

[@sarabailey5566]

Why do u sleep in a tent

[@AC-Later84]

I think it’s an oxygen tent, good for recovery etc.

[@BenTolliday]

Yea it’s an altitude tent! Sleeping at a higher altitude is good for building endurance!

[@sarahsaville6829]

Altitude tent. Increases red blood cells.

[@danielevangelistacamilo7541]

Love your video!@@BenTolliday May I please ask what brand??

[@Seetheebebe]

Thank you! I was like wtf, why is no one asking about the tent 😂