Things I learned on the way to completing an Ironman

Little things I found out while training for an Ironman Louisville -

Swimming:

People have varying opinions about whether or not shaving your legs makes you a faster cycler, but the consensus is that it does help your swimming. In doing my first Ironman – I went all the way and shaved. It didn't make me feel any faster, but it did make me awful uncomfortable as the hair grew back. It itched everywhere.

Wetsuits really do help you float. It's like wearing a bunch of inflatable floaties all over your body. It's hard to sink. As such, I can understand why some feel that wetsuits can take away from the grueling experience of completing an Ironman. On the other hand, I'd hate to swim in 75 degree water without one. They do keep you warm.

Pam sprayed on the ankles right before you put on the wetsuit, really does make it easier to take the suit off layer.

In the Ironman, it's about form, not how quickly or hard you swim.

Biking:

You don't wear anything under the cycling shorts – wearing underwear or something else could cause chaffing. Feels weird at first but you get used to it.

Cycling is a very expensive sport.

On the long Ironman course, most don't stop to use the restroom. They just use some of the water on their bike to wash off afterwards – if you know what I mean.

Aero bars can really make it easier to ride long – but they are not easy to get used to.

Clipping off your peddles (before you fall) is a learned skill. And by learning, I mean you have to fall a few times before you get the hang of it.

It doesn't matter how much you train, if you can't find nutrients that your stomach can keep down – it's going to be an even longer and more painful event than you imagine.

Unfortunately, the only way you can find what nutrients your stomach can handle is by doing 5 or 6 hour bike rides, while experimenting with intake, and then going for a little run afterwards.

Running:

You should put on the triathlon suit and model it for your kids and just let them get the giggling out of the way (same thing for cycling gear).

How well you can run a marathon, has nothing to do with how well you'll be able to run a marathon after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112.