How fit do you need to be to do an Ironman Triathlon? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of an Ironman one day and you’re starting to think about it a little more seriously. You love the idea of the challenge but you’re not sure if you’re ready. You’re wondering how it’s possible to manage the training and how you’d fit it all in.
I’ve worked with people from all fitness backgrounds tackling an Ironman in many different ways. This includes coaching triathletes who have trained over several years and slowly built the fitness and confidence to step up to the Ironman Triathlon distance.
It also includes coaching people who have gone from zero triathlon experience to an Ironman in 9months.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this but it’s OK for some people.
And it’s amazing what you can achieve when you put your mind to something.
I’ve also worked with people who had all the skills, experience, fitness and strength to complete an Ironman but still didn’t have the confidence that they could.
There are no hard and fast rules about how fit you need to be before you start training for an Ironman Triathlon because everyone is different.
But here are some suggestions of what a good level of fitness, experience and skill would be helpful before signing up for an Ironman. You don’t need to tick all these boxes but at least some of them are a good place to start from.
Current Fitness
It’s really helpful to have some base fitness already. A great place to start trainin
g for an Ironman is to be capable of swimming 1 mile front crawl non-stop, running 6-10miles and riding 40-60miles.
Triathlon Experience
Do you have experience racing triathlon at different distances? The ideal starting point would be to have completed a half Ironman Triathlon already. But some experience of any distance triathlon will stand you in good stead for an Ironman.
Swim, Bike, Run Distances
Having already completed the individual distances of each of the three disciplin
es at some point in time already is really helpful. This means that you’ve already swam 3.8km, you have experience of riding 100miles or you’ve run a marathon. None of this is essential BUT it goes a long way to building your skills and confidence to complete an Ironman. It’s not a hard and fast rule but ticking off at least one of these helps.
Training for an Event
Experience training for an event of any distance such as a half marathon or long bike ride is a big advantage. This is so you understand how it feels to be slightly under pressure and how it feels to consistently build up training over time. It also gives you experience of the training process and knowing how your body responds.
Training Consistently
A history of training regularly 4-6 days a week consistently for 12 weeks or more. It takes a lot of physical fitness and preparation to complete an Ironman. To get the best out of yourself its recommended that you have a base level of fitness before you start. It also takes a lot of time, planning, organisation, kit and mental focus to be able to train consistently 4-6 days a week. If you’re already used to doing this then it really helps with starting an Ironman Training Plan.
Injury Free and Healthy
Good general health and well being and currently injury free. If you’re currently managing an injury signing up for an Ironman and starting at training plan is probably going to be a bit messy. If you’re currently experiencing high stress levels for whatever reason then adding in some challenging Ironman Training is going to add to your overall stress. So take stock of your general health, get your injuries looked at and assess your currently mental readiness for the challenge.
Available Time
Do you have enough time in your life to commit to the training? Do you have the time to train 4-6 times a week around family and work commitments? Can you fit a 3-5hour ride at the weekends during the triathlon season.
Swimming Skills
The Ironman swim is a long way in open water. Already having some experience swimming in open water will mean there’s one less thing for you to learn about. I’d also make sure that you’re comfortable swimming in deep water and have the ability to tread water, float and swim on your back. These are essential safety skills for any triathlete and open water swimmer.
Swimming Confidence
Be totally honest with yourself. Is there anything you’re scared of that could cause you to panic (waves, weed, fish, mud, deep water etc)? If so, then your safety in the water is at risk. Make it a priority to pro-actively address these issues.
Cycling Skills
How are your bike handling skills? It might seem basic but some simple skills you need to be safe on the bike is the ability to take one hand off the handlebars to reach for a drink or signal to traffic and being able to look behind you for traffic comfortably.
Can you fix a punctures?
You don’t need to be a super mechanic but you do need to be able look after yourself out on a bike ride and during a race. An essential skill here is the ability to fix a puncture. On a training ride you might ring a friend to pick you up but you won’t have this option in an Ironman Race.
How many can you tick?
If you can tick at least half of these boxes then you’re probably in a good place to sign up for your first Ironman. If you’re not there yet then make a plan and start ticking them off.
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself signed up!! And get in touch for a training plan!
If you’re still not sure then book in for a FREE “Let’s Chat” and I can help you figure out if you’re ready for an Ironman.
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