The Ironman Triangle.

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2008-09-02 10:22 AM

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Master
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Atlanta, Ga
Subject: The Ironman Triangle.
This hit me while I was spectating at Ironman Louisville this past weekend.

There are really three things you need to do, to truly take in the Ironman experience, and in my opinion, only then will you have a full understanding of what it means to live, breath, and be an Ironman.

1. Train for, race, and complete an Ironman. Obvious, but the most difficult.. therefore, it's number one.

2. Watch / Spectate / Support a Ironman. Have an emotional attachment to the race, whether friends or family are racing. It's a long day, a logistical challenge should you choose to be an active spectator rather than passive. It's also where you really see what the athletes are putting into the race. It an experience unlike any other in all of race spectating.

3. Volunteer. This is a more intimate aspect, and a place where you can not only participate, but you can give back, and really have an impact on individual race outcomes. Each cup of water you hand out, is literally a lifeline. Even if you are behind the scenes, you are helping an athlete and truly being part of the race.

I have yet to volunteer, but that is certainly in my future. So, I have yet to complete the 'Ironman Triangle'.. (I made up the term, but it fits). Let's just say that watching the event, put my own race into much greater perspective. It also allowed me to see amazing commitment and determination.

As a spectating side note.. after your friends and family have finished.. don't just hang around the finish. Go back out on the course if you can. About a mile before the finish. Watch those who are really hurting, really determined, really close to completing their dream, but not quite there yet. There may be no better vantage point, than mile 25 of the run, in the dark, late into the evening. You want to see something that will stay with you for a long, long time, then do that. I could still be standing there right now, in total awe.


2008-09-02 11:52 AM
in reply to: #1643127

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Subject: RE: The Ironman Triangle.
Great post.
2008-09-02 12:08 PM
in reply to: #1643127

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Austell, GA
Subject: RE: The Ironman Triangle.

What an amazing view?  As I was finishing my second lap of the run, I could see the determination in my fellow triathletes.  I could also see the desperation in some of the others eyes as their personal goal was slowly becoming unreachable.  It's tough to come so far and not make the cutoff.

I've completed one side of the Ironman triangle and soon will view Ironman Florida as some of my friends complete their first.  The third part will be to volunteer at IMKY next year as Aimster takes on the heat and the course.   

2008-09-02 12:10 PM
in reply to: #1643127

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Master
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Alpharetta, GA
Subject: RE: The Ironman Triangle.
Agreed, great post. Way to bring more perspective to the race..
2008-09-02 12:19 PM
in reply to: #1643127

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Champion
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Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: The Ironman Triangle.

Good post Ron.  As an Ironman Triangle completer (or just a professional IM traveler), I would add a few things. 

There is a difference between spectating and jockstrapping an athlete.  Do both.  Spectating is just being out on the course, cheering and enjoying it.  Jockstrapping is waking up at 3:30 am with an athlete.  It is going to bodymarking with them.  Being there for them all day.  It is retrieving their gear.  It is tough but a very rewarding experience.  

Stay at the finish line until midnight. That final 30 minutes is very inspirational.  The countdown and screaming at the top of your lungs for someone is a blast.  

Starting around 9 pm, go on the run course and walk with athletes.  They need companionship.  Just talk to them.  Mentally help them through a half mile. 

Provide a gimmick, costume or source of entertainment for the athletes.  It helps to just laugh while on the death march. 

If you volunteer, I recommend being a finish line catcher. You see the athlete is his or her most euphoric moment.  And you catch them when they collapse.  

If you can't commit to volunteering, you can always pick up trash.  Last year at IM FL, I was hanging out just past an aid station.  I probably picked up 500 cups.  This year I was amazed at how clean Louisville was the next morning.  It is someones job...but I was in a position to help.  

Very few ever beleive me when I say that spectating or jockstrapping is just as exhausting as the Ironman itself.  I can train my body to do 140.6 miles.  My body isn't trained for standing and moving around for 20 straight hours.  It hurts (still recovering from IM Lou).  But it is worth it.  

2008-09-10 4:02 PM
in reply to: #1643513

Expert
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Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: The Ironman Triangle.
Indeed great posts.

Having completed one, spectated one, and recently been an "IronSherpa" at IMLou, I can appreciate it even more now. (Volunteering is next year). To Dollar's point, I found being an official "IronSherpa" fun yet challenging at times. It can definately be demanding. My feet hurt worse that day than competing at IMFL! With this said, I still highly recommend it!


Tony

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