Are you an "Iron Dad?" If so, we want to talk to you!

Judging by the username, I'd have to guess Duke.

Count me in as interested, but I'd also like to know the university that is conducting the study.

I'd be interested in it as well.

X2.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for the overwhelming positive response.  You guys are fantastic!  I have received about 25 responses already.  I have not had a chance to reply to everyone yet, but I promise I will get to you all.

The Blue Devil reference is for the Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils.  Duke was a good guess, though!  This research is a joint effort between Central Connecticut State and University of Florida.  This work aims to understand how you, the Iron Dad population, do what you do.  I am an Ironman competitor myself.  I have a full time job at a university and a husband but no kids.  While training for my first IM, I began to wonder how parents negotiate training and racing.  I have had the honor of speaking with a number of Iron Dads already to hear your stories.  It has been so rewarding to learn about the variety of occupations and lifestyles that interview participants have.  Everyone has something unique to talk about. 

The final question in the interview guide is for participants to share words of advice with fathers who are considering Ironman.  The advice I have received to date is very pragmatic and intelligent.  I look forward to sharing my findings with the BT community.

So, again, thanks so much for the resounding support you all have given towards this project.  I am working on replying to personal messages to set up interview times.  I will get to everyone as soon as possible.  Upon completion of the research, I will share my findings with you all.

Rock on with your bad selves, Iron Dads!  You are all an inspiration to me.

Diana

Your the ones that ALLOW us to become IRON Dads!!!!

Iron Moms, we have not forgotten about you!

Iron Moms and Iron Dads face their own unique challenges.  These unique challenges stem from, among other things, societal expectations surrounding parenting roles, body and pregnancy, and social construction of gender norms.  We want to hear from both Iron Moms and Iron Dads, but for now, wanted to focus on one group at a time.  

There is also a very practical reason for studying one group at a time.  Since making the post regarding Iron Dads, the project has received about 30 responses.  This response is awesome!  Coordinating interviews and synthesizing information takes time.  I don't want to leave people hanging waiting for a response. Eventually, the project will grow to include Iron Moms and Iron Couples.  I love my work.  It's awesome to study a population that I love - Ironman triathletes! 

Also, as a side note, a few people have asked if this is an academic study.  The answer is yes.  I work for and represent Central Connecticut State University.  I hope to find a home for this work in both academic and non-academic outlets.  Naturally, I will be sharing my findings with the BT community first!  Thanks again for reading, everyone.

I'm a stay at home Dad with two boys as well. I wouldn't trade it for anything but it does make training tough sometimes. 

IMLP 2008 & IMWI 2010 finisher, IMKY 2012 & Bone Island Full 2013 participant list member.  I'm interested.