How To Prepare For An Ironman Triathlon

[@gtn]

When are you planning to tackle your first Ironman?

[@Codenizer]

The challenge is preparing for the second one 😅

[@williambrazil3760]

Mark's effort in Kona a couple of years ago was amazing, to drink all those beers and coffee while Heather was out running, truly inspiring

[@kvanrooden5771]

I hope to be able to do a quarter of a triathlon this year. That depends on my work schedule. I currently live and work in South America. I train next to my work, mainly outside but also inside. I do a lot of cycling indoors on Tacx neo 2T, because the roads are very bad here and the traffic is dangerous. What I hope to be able to do this year is a quarter triathlon purely for learning and entertainment. I mainly want to gain essential learning benefits from this. Things like, preparation, nutrition during the race, transitions, preparing a checklist, material and the feeling in general, etc. That is my first step in combination with reading, listening, watching other triathletes. This is going to be a big learning process. Exciting.

[@jobanski]

It’ll be a couple years before I’ll start planning.

[@pierce9128]

A 70.3 next year. Does that count

[@atlosass]

10 years ago I couldn't swim a single lap in a pool & since then I've completed 5 iron distance events & numerous shorter ones. I started the journey as a distraction from a running injury that kept me out of run events, but triathlon sucked me in. I'm 52 now & still improving!! I'm grateful for all your videos and inspiration GTN!

[@evertvandenbroeck7115]

This comment inspires me, it would be nice to hear more about your story on how you started swimming, the struggles you had, the quick wins and the downfalls you encountered.

[@Aritul]

This is so encouraging as I can't swim a lap myself.

[@atlosass]

@@Aritul the sheer joy of when it suddenly "clicks" and you can actually swim (without fear of drowning or complete exhaustion) was amazing. Keep at it!

[@oscarcervantes1092]

awesome!

[@hurricane7800]

That’s really inspiring for me! I’m going to be 21 soon and while I’ve been casually doing all the sports for fun since I was a kid, I started having problems with running injuries. To be honest it’s made me scared of making fast improvements, should I go too hard too fast (which I have before). Congrats to you on your progress, and thanks for sharing!

[@mikedickerson3944]

You forgot the 4th discipline of Ironman training: the laundry, the never ending laundry.

[@inz_uzi]

🤣 It's so annoying.

[@t.j.2908]

Lol I feel that my washing is separated into two piles dirty and clean😂

[@Diego-oj5cy]

This video got it all right! Training for the IRONMAN has changed my life in countless ways. My ex called me fat and lazy one day 4 years ago, so I decided to start running to lose weight. 7 weeks later I was running my first marathon (bad idea) and found out about the IRONMAN while looking for motivational videos on KZbin. Since my IRONMAN journey started, I have lost 30 kg, quit alcohol, quit fast food, become vegan and drastically improved my health. I now feel 10 years younger, sleep like a baby and never feel a lack of energy. A lot of training and 2 full distances later, I am starting to believe that I can qualify for Kona one day. If you are still hesitating about registering for an IRONMAN, my advice to you is to go for it, even if you have doubts. Trust me, you will find all the answers along the way, you will learn so much about the sport and specially about yourself. I know it sounds corny, but the IRONMAN really changed my life forever.

[@rakeshsridhar837]

Great to hear your story! I also quit alcohol and became vegan for my IM140.6 training, and it has created a significantly better and fulfilling lifestyle for me.

[@chirantansathish1399]

So glad to hear :) I'm only 18 living in India and recently gone vegetarian and with a desire to go vegan once I move abroad! This was super inspiring and I wish you health and love Diego.

[@aaronbr2001]

@@chirantansathish1399 you can do it!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@KcazNoj]

Great story! You know, I’m a strange way you kinda have to thank your ex. Without her horrible slanders you may never have found the motivation to go on your path! Perhaps you would have through another way, but she definitely sped up the process.

[@lozanodany]

haha running a marathon next weekend with only 2 months of serious training . a bit scared but also excited !

[@BR-gz3cv]

Finishing an Ironman will change you for life. Hard to describe exactly how but for me, it’s a strange blend of absolute confidence combined with respect and humility. Ironman humbles you while it rebuilds you into something better than you thought possible. You’ll also silently chuckle whenever you see a 10k, 26.2, or half Ironman sticker on a car bumper or backpack. Only fellow Ironman finishers know what I’m talking about…

[@pagesculptor]

My family have basically split the year in half. Feb to Aug is my training racing season. Sept to Jan is maintenance training with priority on family, chores, and travel. The dog is the real winner in both scenarios.

[@SBoots29]

A full Ironman is a dream for me. I am 63 and just doing a Olympic distance Triathlon is a happy achievement. Maybe a half Ironman. I still enjoy training and race day. Great video, It keeps me motivated to maybe one day I'll enter.

[@ThumpinRN]

I did my first sprint triathlon on my 61st birthday and my first Full Ironman 18 months later. This year I will be doing my 10th Half Ironman and My 4th Full. (in KONA !) Set reasonable training goals and ALWAYS exceed them. Even if it is just by a small amount but start a mental habit of going farther and longer every time. Much of Ironman is mental. You have to know that you can and will finish. Personally I focus on the swim and the bike. It's easier on my body. I get off the bike with 8 to 9 hours left. Lets me run when I can and walk when I need rest.

[@oliversteiner9019]

Go for it…70.3 isn’t a walk in the park either and more than most people ever achieved. So if you can do Olympic you can do that too. Good luck, don’t overthink it :-)

[@iggalan]

Mark fooling around in the background was a fun touch 🤣 . Right now I am looking at a Half Ironman for next year, and that's still a huge challenge.

[@corey9369]

I really really want to compete an Ironman after I watched a documentary of people competing in Kona. I am just 22 and kinda a recreational runner, this video really come out at a right time. I can see the joy and pride on James face at the end of the video. He must be very happy with his whole traithlon journey. Thanks for the video!

[@oliversteiner9019]

Sign up sir & don’t overthink it because then you won’t ;) Im honest…I signed up around 19/20 and much didn’t happen due to covid then and I did my first 70.3 this March and am up to the Im in Frankfurt in June..training regularly (more or less in the past) since signing up..and I honestly hate every session BUT I would be miserable not going for that goal..so, go for it

[@mario97br]

And? How did it go? :D

[@boogieuhuh]

Prepare money first before you prepare for an Ironman. Because like me, I trained first only to find out I could not afford all the expenses, only the registration which was a month’s worth of my salary.

[@YSRZLELLYS]

save up..

[@nathanmclain9027]

Finally. A realistic commentary in the beginning of a GTN video on just how impactful training for a full distance Triathlon is. I’ve been doing triathlon for 3 years and am training for the IRONMAN FL this year. I’m not a seasoned athlete and I’m struggling to handle the increase in training and changes from the 70.3 distance.

[@Aritul]

Good luck!

[@tinybarabo]

How did it go?

[@notmyrealname6272]

Best video you’ve done James. So natural and enthusiastic (and informative and inspirational too!)

[@KevinHernandez-qz8sb]

Took me a year to do one. Start off from the beginning and work your way up: Sprint->Olympic -> Half -> Ironman. Loved it and became an Ironman but it takes too much damn time to do and retired soon after.

[@corecreekproductions6533]

One year into my triathlon journey, and with a sprint and Olympic distance under my belt, this really helps put things in perspective. This effectively breaks down what the next step is for an Ironman and thankfully helped me realize it’s doable. Thanks!

[@thomask2092]

I just wanna give huge props to James, he stepped his presenting game up massively!

[@FS-td1tb]

Completed my first Ironman this year. Awesome journey. I started out just running, fell in love with it while in military. I then got injured ,my ankles, and took up cycling to replace running and rehab my running legs. While riding I hurt my shoulder. I then decided to strengthen and rehab my shoulders by taking up swimming. I took my baby steps and was able to swim just 1 lap, to 2.4 miles. Then i realized already tried all 3 sports, also saw an Ironman video that inspired me, so I decided to challenge self and might as well put all 3 together. Triathlon and Ironman is now my hobby and love the lifestyle and training daily.

[@gtn]

What an incredible journey! Your motivation must be amazing to continue your fitness despite injury after injury. Have you got something in mind for your next triathlon event? 👀

[@FS-td1tb]

Thank you. I signed up for Ironman California Sacramento 2023. Goal is to maintain fitness, stay healthy and injury free, so I can enjoy training.

[@gtn]

Fingers crossed you're done with getting injured! Let us know how the Ironman goes, good luck with all your training in the lead up! 🙌

[@FS-td1tb]

@@gtn Thanks. Thank you also for your channel. Without knowing, you guys have been my coach and resource.

[@Bethy177]

My first IM this year and despite 6yrs of Tri and multiple marathons, +200km rides and 5km swims in daunted by it. This vid will help people understand the commitment required.

[@gtn]

It's daunting of course, but we're sure you'll smash it! Good luck!

[@rejunofaye]

I love this!! I'm doing my first Ironman in AZ, Nov 2024. I'm a novice and my training has started. I'm so excited!!

[@carlvanmeerbeek7327]

Getting nervous? 3 months to go. Good luck

[@brianradwanski6544]

I’ll add a comment for the pile. This video couldn’t be more spot on. Ironman was my covid project to keep from going mental. At the start I couldn’t swim. I couldn’t bike more than an hour. I had completed several marathons however. I hired a coach. I completely changed my diet. This night owl became a morning person. last year I competed my first 70.3. Last month I completed my first 140.6. It is definitely a lifestyle. But it was also a worthwhile challenge. One learns so much about themselves. My advice is sign up for a sprint first. Make sure you like this because it will consume a LOT of your time. The good news is all the cross training really does help avoid injury. If you’re reading this and contemplating…best wishes on your quest to hear those four words. You can do it. Anything is possible.

[@gtn]

Thanks for the kind comments - well done 🙌

[@deanb61]

My first one was gonna be last year, but unfortunately I was ill a week before, so now it's gonna be this year, age 61 :) For work I sit on my arse all day, so training is probably important :)

[@nicholasaevv]

I have gone from no triathlon to Ironman in about 8 months. It’s a lot of hard work but it is doable

[@nateg5525]

Same here … I guess I’ll find out for sure about the Ironman on April 23

[@mmddqd]

same here, approx 8 months. But I wouldn't recommend it, the risk of injury and burn out is too high.

[@VilyRose]

That’s absolutely amazing! I’ve been weightlifting for over 2 years but I just decided I wanted to do an Ironman in august 2023, do you have any tips?

[@nicholasaevv]

@@VilyRose the biggest thing is to find a plan or a coach and just trust the process

[@mikethomas4423]

Decided yday that I want to do one ..any training/dietary advice would be massively appreciated

[@jobanski]

There is one barrier not mentioned here, and I think it needs a serious spot light session. That is everyone in an iron man race eventually wees on themselves! Whether it’s on the bike, or on foot, you’ve got to let loose the bodily fluids!

[@charlieintampa6769]

I did my first iron distance race 10 years ago in my 40s. At the time I was already getting slower as a runner, broke my kneecap, and my ortho said that that knee will fall apart on me sooner or later. So, before that would happen I signed up for an IM (without ever even seeing a triathlon before). As opposed to Anthony before my comment, I am only slowing down since that first one, which ended up 1:06/ 5:43/ 4:50. Makes me wish I tried this when I was a good runner. Best of luck to all of you out there who are starting on this project!

[@jameswestgate4896]

Haven’t watched a gtn vid in a bit and, wow, James has come a long way as a presenter 👏

[@ejquezad]

I did my first Ironman a year after I did my first Triathlon. I started with a half ironman and after I finished it I said, now the full. I was running marathons including a couple of Ultras before then so I had some endurance already. This year I'm going for my 4th ironman.

[@Cookefan59]

Great video. You guys are just getting better and better. I have been doing triathlon since 2013 but had a few health problems a few years later. I officially returned to this lifestyle about 2 years ago after a 2.5 year break. People ask me what I plan to do when I retire in two years. This. Right here.

[@USMA81]

The key to an IM is training discipline. I was age 62 and never had done a tri (of any distance) nor a marathon when my younger brother challenged me to join him in the Arizona IM. While I had a bit of aerobic fitness going in (biking), I have never been an exceptional athletic. I started training 4 months prior, and stayed healthy during the training. I finished my first full distance in the upper half of my age group, and I beat my brother. What worked? I did the necessary training, even if it was for only 4 months. I was consistent, never missing a training session. I now have done 2 full and two half. I now know it’s better to start 8 months ahead, but 4 months was sufficient for me on my first full at age 62.

[@siming6]

I’ve been preparing (loosely) for six month now with average 10 hr a week. 6 months from my IM Maryland race now. Time to kick it up to 15-17 hrs a week. Thank you for this video!! Time to go baby!!

[@valrandazzo103]

How was the race? I was visiting in Cambridge by chance this weekend and I’m now feeling inspired!

[@user-qq4fj5te9g]

Lake Placid in July this year! My first one. I did 5 70.3 in the last 3 years leading up to this and now I thought I'd dare to sign up and train for a full. It does take a lot of time out of your daily life and I am only at the base building part ;). And yes, so much laundry and time for eating and soft tissue work and PT and trying to not get injured. That part, takes much more time than I expected....Loved this video! so spot on. Good luck to everyone daring to do this and congrats to all who have already accomplished it! Hope I will be part of that group at some point in my life, too!

[@erwindegraeve8733]

Nice video, i was firstimer in Hamburg yesterday 10:58

[@jakubkolomicenko5838]

In a nutshell what you need: time, money and support from the family. Once you have this, the training is the easy part..

[@adityakedar6052]

Today, as fate would have it, I twisted my leg and stumbled upon the Ironman event happening right here in Goa. Taking it as a sign, I'm making a promise to myself: one day, I’ll be the one crossing that finish line.❤

[@oscarcervantes1092]

Im just getting started with a sprint triathlon and my life is changing. I love it!

[@jonelleainsworth3873]

I have done 14 Ironman so far, Busselton West Australia and Cairns Qld. Everytime after I wanted to sign up next day for next year. Busselton has smooth clear water and flat ride and run. Hot weather but very popular, so get in early. Cairns also beautiful hilly coatline and nice run along the park.

[@rmjames83]

The little Easter eggs of Mark being a bit of a clown in the background made my day!! Awesome vid guys!!!

[@coboisarapatanas]

If the goal is to finish I think from sofa to Ironman you need minimum is an 8 months of hard work. That will need minimum a 10 hour training weeks. In my opinion that’s enough to finish. I did a lot of over distance swims, never an 180k bike ride and the longest run was a 30k run. And you will a good amount of money to do an Ironman. Having said it took me 2 years of half iron, 12h to 15h week, to do a 10h21m

[@imchicho4930]

I'm on the path to this crazy challenge for the first time June25th is the date! Thanks GTN for the content and advice!

[@jeromeibanez2891]

How did it a go?

[@imchicho4930]

@@jeromeibanez2891 thanks for asking went amazing. Half Distance total5:09 S:32 B:2:46 R:1:43 Full Distance total11:29hs S1:14 B:5:58 R4:11

[@jeromeibanez2891]

@@imchicho4930 Awesome stats! I just did a 70.3 in Maastricht, took me 7 hrs to finish

[@imchicho4930]

@@jeromeibanez2891 congrats first time is about finishing, then with experience you can cut the time ;)

[@AMIsmail22]

Good luck mate

[@IB66145]

Loved the positivity and realistic tips, thank you. I have CFS and am looking to turn my fitness around with baby steps into more triathlon type distances building up to the IM. This gives me great hope

[@tinyrunner88]

Great info and loved Mark's cameos in the background! : D

[@toncsiacs3032]

Thanks for the great, grand, summary! Iron distance has been on my mind for a long, long, time. I recently made the commitment (in time and $$$) to learn (and practice) swimming technique. Looking forward a year or two for that Iron distance race… we’ll see. You’re absolutely right about it being a lifestyle; very difficult with work and family obligations.

[@tulsa6969]

I finished Ironman Tulsa this past may. Get a coach!! I couldn’t have done it without my coach.

[@rc198028]

These are great videos. Simple, clear and zero fluff. Thanks.

[@adamfergie87]

I'm booked in for my first ironman in July 2023. I've run marathons and up to 100km. Based on this I thought ironman would be comfortably doable. I honestly believed the cycling would be easy. I'm 4 months into training and still feeling like the cycle is going to finish me off. Its taken me by surprise just how hard the swimming and cycling is.

[@desireedrescher9074]

Just saw this. Tell me how it went 😍

[@adamfergie87]

@@desireedrescher9074 it's now 6 days away and I feeling far more confident despite tendonitis from all the cycling.

[@desireedrescher9074]

@@adamfergie87 Good luck! Sending you all my love, you got this!!!

[@suttonfarms2343]

I just love this channel! Keep up the good work. 😄

[@BruceWayne-us3kw]

The Ironman is called the ultimate test of endurance for a reason.

[@savagepro9060]

This should be followed by : How To Repair After an Ironman!

[@effectusfitjameswaggitt]

Awesome video, thank you for putting this out, I’ve signed up for my first iron man. It is in September 2023 in Italy. I’ve already started my training but this video has really helped.

[@gtn]

Best of luck! We're sure you will smash it 🙌 Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and enjoy the experience 💪

[@effectusfitjameswaggitt]

@@gtn thank you will do! Really looking forward to it!

[@Witold07]

Last year I did the 4th Half of Ironman. This year (from January to September) I have divided the plan for the entire Ironman into three parts. I have allocated 2/3 months for each discipline (in the meantime combining them all). At the moment, I can swim 3.8 km without any problems (without neoprene wetsuit). Until the end of June, I want to ride 180 km without any problems (in the meantime I do tab training; swimming-cycling and cycling-running). Since July, I have been adding marathon trainings. This is how I planned my preparation for Ironman. P.S. I was translating "google translator" so some phrases may not come out correctly.

[@jmfelectrical8225]

Great video, the only thing i would comment on is the equipment side particularly the reference to old trainers. Old trainers are, well old and the biggest problem with this hardcore training is injury, so buy the best shoes you can get and get a professional to advise on fit. Bike wise, you will need to train at some stage on the geometry that you intend to use, and again bike fit is crucial so a decent saddle and some clip ons to keep cost down.

[@becmango]

One of the most useful videos I've seen recently! Great topic!

[@MrEsPlace]

The diet has been SO HARD! I miss junk food so much. You're right about how a big workout takes two days practically. A 10 mile run will certainly zap your energy for the rest of the day too.

[@steala72]

If you train 15 h/week your aiming for a time under 1 h. I train 5-6 hour a week and did my first Ironman under 12 h.

[@NonAstrologer1]

Ironman California 2022 for me. Hopefully the weather will be nice this year!

[@Ianshrew]

Great video - just booked my first Ironman- UK Bolton for 2023! Time to get structured and start the build. Keep the videos coming 👍🙃

[@mario97br]

And? How did it go?

[@ianjones7486]

A great summary. Ironman is different, especially when jumping from Olympic distance where the focus is all on speed. Some very good advice here.

[@gtn]

Thank you!

[@JayJay-mr1nr]

you, good Sir said it so well. It is a 'whole crazy idea'

[@runfrankfurt]

I am a Marathon runner (no Triathlon experience yet) who just signed up for his first Ironman in July 2023. 😬 This video came in handy, thanks. It is a bit scary, but I am super motivated to take on this challenge. 😝

[@georgemarko8403]

More power to you brother! Awesome 👍. I am a bodybuilder and a street workout guy. 6'6" and 250lbs or 198cm and 112kg. 36yrs and I'm gonna do my first marathon next year in april. I'm not a runner so you can maybe give me some advice? Thanx.

[@jessegeleyns388]

@@georgemarko8403 hey I know you didn't ask me, but I have done a multitude of marathons and honestly, just start with a comfortable distance first, get efficient at that, keep pushing your distance bit by bit. Once your body can handle half marathons, I believe the remainder of training is still important however definitely more of a mental game. Train 3-4× a week and you'll be good 👊🏼 always try give your body the time to digest food prior, nothing worse otherwise 😂 most importantly, enjoy it 🤙🏼

[@georgemarko8403]

@@jessegeleyns388 Thank you very much!!

[@AnaFerreira-nn3qm]

😂 Mark on the background is priceless

[@Payote88]

Just finished my first sprint triathlon yesterday I came in last in my age group but not overall. I think I’ll set a goal to do a half Ironman in one years time and a full Ironman two years from that water a few Olympic triathlons sprinkled in 3-4 times a year. At the very least I’ll see improvements! Oh and no I didn’t train for yesterday’s event at all! I was on a 70’s model 10 sited Peugeot and bought running shoes the day before the event! I learned a lot, the hard way. Don’t do what I did obviously.

[@marcuswills6569]

Interested in peoples perception of an Ironman (or full distance Triathlon) and the training plan in terms of what it takes, yes its long but ultimately done in lower zones. I personally find sprint and standard distance training/racing hurts a lot more as your HR will be up at threshold and above for a long period of time.

[@Mourik131]

I will go for a 70.3 Ironman my first in June. I’m totally out of shape have not swim in ages. But not scared of the swimming or the cycling. I’m scared about the 21.1 km running. Man that is a long distance.

[@McStoolio]

First thing, sit your family down and explain to your kids why you can’t afford the family holiday this year. Then show them your new kit and Ironman entry cost… 😂

[@beakeman9531]

I did a half Ironman 2019. Prepping for a full ironman now in August. Hope i dont die.

[@Nat-DAVID]

One word to describe what an ironman is= DETERMINATION

[@hurricane7800]

“Buying free speed which is generally made of carbon” **shot of tri bikes** GTN, that has to be one of your best moments so far 🤣

[@felixortiz6735]

excelente tu video...muchas graciasss💯💯💯y lo mejor es ver a mi isla amada en todo tu video lanzarote (costa teguise).... gracias nuevamente

[@KorbinKorbinGutierrez]

When are you planning to tackle your first Ironman?. When are you planning to tackle your first Ironman?.

[@baaart333k]

Great vid ! Thanks gtn team !

[@kvanrooden5771]

I am Kimmo, 52 years old. I have trained a lot all my life. Strength training, cycling, running and swimming have always been an essential part of this. Now I think it would be really nice to combine all of this. I took three years to build a solid and acceptable foundation for a triathlon competition. I have been following you on KZbin for quite some time and I am constantly learning. I have a question to tackle things in a more structured and efficient way. Are there any books that can help me with this? There is so much information, but I try to absorb the most relevant information. Thank you in advance, keep up your beautiful KZbin channel and thank you in advance. Kind regards Kimmo (Dutch).

[@jimjamthebananaman1]

Don Finks books are a good start for half Ironman and full Ironman distances.

[@kvanrooden5771]

@@jimjamthebananaman1 Thank you very much for your response. I have seen on the internet that Don Fink has published a nice list of interesting books. I will definitely work on this, thank you very much for the help. Kind regards Kimmo

[@mikelalberdi3380]

Such a good channel GTN. You are really helpful guys. Thanks a lot.

[@gtn]

Thank you Mikel, we're glad we can help!

[@PaintrainX]

Running is the limiting part of triathlon. Everyone is able to build up endurance for the swimming and cycling without getting injured. But running long distances is not for everyone. If you're not able to build up running to complete a marathon in 4 hours, you shouldn't even start to attempt doing an ironman. Gotta be realistic about that.

[@YSRZLELLYS]

yes you can.

[@DanielMooreDJ]

This is my 6th and final year of university. Hope to get a full time job when I graduate so I can eventually afford to do one

[@ryan_the_red_4907]

Excellent video, solid advice

[@scottgregerson3522]

Excited for the season!!! Bring on the IM vids!

[@DriftLibrary]

Start small, don’t expect results outside of your ability to avoid injury 😊

[@markwilson4535]

Big fan of the second hand market - be careful obviously but there are some great opportunities on ebay, FB etc.

[@PaulRivett-n6t]

my first ironman was on the first weekend in October... on January 1st I started training. 9 months was all I needed. I came from a cycling background, so I had a few 100 mile rides at 15mph average on my CV, but that was it. Hadn't swam for 20 years, and hadn't ran more than an (unbroken) 5km in my life. Plus I was 3 stone (20kg) overweight. My main problem with 'training for an ironman' is that most training programmes don't 'use the clock'. Pick the right Ironman and you have 17.5 hours... not 13. Learn to swim, ride, and run (or walk), at a very steady pace. You don't need a sub 90 minute swim. You don't need a 18mph average ride. And you don't need a 5 hour run. All nonsense. Granted there are cut-offs... but if you're honest with yourself, and realise you're not quick, again, use the clock for each section. Lastly, transitions... enjoy them. No need to ruch through them. You might be doing a 16 hour ironman. Like an extra 5 mins here and there will matter? my ironman, transition 2, i had a quick shower, sat and ate a sandwich, then headed out for the jog / walk. I think it clocked in at 17 minutes. But like I care, I'm an ironman. To finish, just don't be scared by aggressive training sessions. All I did was swim twice a week, ride twice a week, and went out for a jog / walk twice a week. Every month I upped the distance, and that was that. No brick sessions, no 3 mins in the red zone, then 1 min in zone 2. Just stay active, and stay going out there and doing distance. I completed the 2016 Barcelona Ironman. It's now time to go again (Austria 2025), and i'll be taking my own advice to enjoy the journey, and guarntee a finish. The only thing I'll change? I've picked a swim not in the sea... swimming 4km in salt water aint happening again whatsoever! made me sick, and I swear the salt burnt my mouth. Lake swims only now! ps. If you want to do your first Ironman with a guarantee of quality, do Copenhagen. supported two mates there in 2022 and every single aspect of the event and location was incredible

[@jamesmckenna5993]

Started triathlon last year doin another Olympic distance in September. Running a half marathon in October . Work crazy shifts 12 hours days and nights .. the plan next year is to do the 70.3 and work on my swimmin and eventually man up and go for the big one 🤣

[@TrkJustin]

Never done serious swimming or running, but want to do a half ironman this summer. Great challenge

[@josephsantangelo2801]

I’ve done one 70.3 race. I had 3 goals: don’t die, have fun and finish under the time limit. I accomplished all 3 goals. Full Ironman one day I suppose.

[@Ergustavinho]

@james Your best video! Amazing how you improved

[@franciscotorres4321]

Great video! Thanks! I'm getting ready for an IM in april. My biggest worry is the nutrition during the race. Do you have a video about that?

[@marcuswills6569]

Plenty of GTN videos on nutrition, but the answer is always .... "it depends"

[@elsaborio]

Loved this video!!

[@The_classicnoob]

Excellent James.. brilliant ...

[@gtn]

Thanks Thomas!

[@MrWessel007]

This is a great video.

[@gordongraham]

Loved this :)

[@brianschalme1457]

To hear Rick Reilly call your name and say “YOU ARE AN IRONMAN”!

[@FunkyFaulc]

I think you should make "Goober Mark" a regular character. ;)

[@karysoram8166]

Good video and content, but definitely some conflicting information. It seems most of the tips here are for competitive athletes (e.g. 15 hours training per week), tri bike is needed etc etc. Might be worth adding in tips for other levels of athletes in future videos.

[@inatcikurdela1224]

Anybody can finish ironman. Training just reduce the pain and torture. Basically total pain and torture is the same. It is just how much of it you want to get during training and the race changes.

[@jenniferhamlet4838]

I thought I would do one Ironman in 2016, have done 6 and probably not done😂😂

[@runningwithsimon]

Curious if you can comment on how much training/adapting would be need from moving from ultra background (multiple sub24 100 miles) to completing an ironman (time isn't really an issue for my first). Swimming is the big question mark for me - comfortable in the water but never really swam laps.

[@Justjames89]

I am hoping 2025 for my first iron man

[@garethnixon8041]

My main issue is the bike. I have done two full outlaw events, which has a so called easy bike and I can do that in 7 30, how do I get to do say Wales or Bolton especially when I live in Lincolnshire which is flat. My swim is around 90 minutes. Thanks guys Gareth cotton man nixon

[@dtg5909]

Great video.

[@gtn]

Thanks!

[@na-dk9vm]

Would I be right in saying that to do a full Ironman, you need be be at the level of ""Athlete"" fitness wise?? I've a full coming up next year, and that's the level of fitness I'm telling myself I have to be at- an "Athlete".

[@JohnHarryShaun]

I wish I stumbled over this 10 months ago instead of with only 10 days before my first iron man distance.🤨

[@georgejohnson6743]

Ironman Cork Youghal Ireland First one

[@jasonree]

While inspirational and have considered many of what you suggest, I reached the conclusion that I don’t have an iron man in me…. But the more I watch the more I think maybe….

[@desroin]

I think I'll take an everyones distance Triathlon first ^^'