Ironman began as a relatively small, niche sport back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was the brainchild of a US Navy Commander called John Collins who decided to add swimming and biking to the regular Honolulu Marathon in Hawaii. Since then, it’s developed into one of the most popular – and most challenging – sports on the planet, with thousands of people competing every year.
Of all the sports on offer, the Ironman triathlon is perhaps the most grueling on the mind and body. Athletes have to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 and then run a full 26.2-mile marathon. It’s not for the faint-hearted, and something that seasoned Ironman competitors usually only do once or twice a year at most.
Given that it is so grueling, how should budding Ironman competitors prepare?