Ironman

The term Ironman comes from the English language and means literally translated man of steel. Because anyone who tackles an Ironman needs to be made of steel. The sportive discipline of the Ironman marks the classic Triathlon route, also known as fulldistance. There the athlete has at first and in this order to swim 3,8 km, then to cover a distance of 180 km on the bike and finally to run a marathon, which is 42,195 km. As if this would not be enough are most disciplines of the Ironman combined with a strict time limit. The taking of the time happens on measurepoints on the course and after each completed discipline.

Those who are not able to stay within the time limit are excluded from the race.

This measure is often considered to be an unnecessary chicanery but in the end it conduces to the health and the security of the athletes. Of course the discipline of the Ironman can also be mastered by women, by now both genders are allowed to participate. Among the most known Ironman competitions are the events in Roth, Frankfurt and of course Hawaii. They are also shown on TV and enjoy a simply unbelievable number of spectators. Triathlon has been increasing its popularity a lot throughout the last years and gradually replaces the preceding marathon boom. Beginners try smaller distances, for example the Olympic distance, which corresponds approximately to one third or one fourth of the traditional Ironman but is not exactly converted. Anyone who wants to tackle an Ironman over the full distance needs to prepare intensely over the course of several months and should follow a dedicated training schedule. Yet in advance there is a medical check and a counseling interview at which the doctor should recommend if the athlet comes into question for the Ironman from a physical point of view. Further attention should be turned to the equipment. One needs a special neoprene suit for the longdistance swimming, goggles, a racing cycle with protective clothing included, clothing to cycle and to walk and suitable shoes.