ARRIVING, YOU SEE THEM, the Iron People, cycling on Kona’s Queen K Highway in one-piece triathlon suits and aero helmets, these pilgrims’ ceremonial clothes. The Ironman World Championship is the hardest major race in the world: 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride, 26.2-mile run, all in the shadeless tropical heat. Yet the event is filled with unlikely apostles: mothers of young children, three-limbed amputees, octogenarians, all ticking Kona off their otherwise divergent bucket lists because of a fascination for what’s difficult. Because marathons have been ruined by people who think it’s fine to walk. Because life is too easy and Everest is too far away.
The Ironman was not supposed to be for everybody. It was supposed to be for nut jobs. Twelve people finished the first, in 1978. Fifteen people competed in the second. Then, in 1982, Wide World of Sports aired pretty, limby, 23-year-old Julie Moss stumbling like a newborn giraffe across the finish line—muscles spent, personifying the limits of what’s possible—and the race jumped. These days, each of the 27 worldwide Ironman events sells out in minutes. Ironman Asia-Pacific sold out in five. The inaugural Ironman U.S. Championship (in New York City and New Jersey) sold out in just over 11. The 60,000-plus race slots available in 2012 won’t begin to slake the demand.
The 1,855 berths at the Ironman World Championship are the most coveted. The event takes place in early October on the kona—translation: leeward—or dry side of Hawaii’s Big Island, in the mellow tourist town of Kailua-Kona. The swim is out and back from Dig Me Beach, a horseshoe of sand just off Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona’s main street and the course’s finish line. Both the bike and the run take turns through town, then head north on Queen K Highway, just inland from the island’s west coast, where the monotony of the black lava fields is broken only by racers’ names spelled out in small pieces of white coral. Athletes qualify for Kona by placing at the top of their age groups in earlier Ironman races, but the organizers do make a few exceptions. Two hundred people win slots through a lottery. Four buy auctioned spots on eBay. (Highest bid in 2011: $60,100.) The pro field includes 51 men and 33 women. Hopefuls crave slots at Kona like sinners aching to be saved.
“I needed this,” racer 1136 told me on Wednesday, three days before the Saturday race start, as we were standing in the lobby of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, the de facto race headquarters. “I needed to become the plot.” To reach this point, she’d paid the $650 registration fee plus a hefty scrip in tears—a job quit, a 401(k) depleted, a marriage strained—all for the chance to cover 140.6 miles over 10, 12, maybe 17 hours and end just a few yards from where she’d started, back on Alii Drive, just past the big banyan tree.
The Ironman, in his elected habitat, is not hard to spot: he has a visor, shaved legs, no body fat, compression socks, very little clothing, maybe a tattoo of the World Triathlon Corporation’s copyright-protected M-dot logo. The Ironwoman—though in the vernacular, she too is an Ironman—is not a cougar, exactly, more like a cobra: ripped, sinewy, focused, sometimes hissing, “We can do whatever you need to do, honey, after my bike is racked.” Most arrive nearly a week early to acclimate and bask, turning Alii Drive into Burning Man for Type A++ folks, the ultimate active vacation for people who like their daily workouts detailed (3 hr bike, including 6x12 min @ 95+ RPM, HR zone 3), each training session captured, quantified, uploaded, and analyzed, all the better to achieve. Must-do items before the event include the Underpants Run (ostensibly to make fun of Europeans, who once roamed the island in Speedos, but clearly a chance to strut disrobed), a swim out for a free cup at the Coffees of Hawaii catamaran, trolling the expo, maybe scoring a little cattle colostrum (yes, colostrum, the hyper-nutrient-rich liquid from a mammal’s breasts after pregnancy, to boost the immune system and abet recovery), and generally reveling among other people who understand what the hell you’re talking about when you say nutrition is the fourth discipline of triathlon and who don’t think it’s weird that you’re strolling around wearing your heart-rate monitor and not much else.
THE DAYS LEADING UP TO the race are a frenzy. By Thursday, Alii Drive is choked with a thousand-plus hardbodies shopping for skin suits, Garmin watches, Reynolds wheels, and PowerTap power meters. The Iron families descend on Lava Java. The Iron Prayer services start. (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.) That morning, Dave Scott, six-time Ironman world champion and coach to Ironman queen Chrissie Wellington, drives his son, Drew—who is 21 and for two more days an Ironman Kona virgin—north along Queen K Highway and inland up to Hawi to scope the bike course.
“In here keep it smooth, relax your toes,” Scott Sr. says as we pass the airport, eight miles outside town.
A little later: “Here you’re 20, 40 miles into the race, and the novelty of being in an Ironman begins to wear off.”
In Hawi—a spacey metropolis of about 1,000 people, with avocados for sale in self-serve baskets by the side of the road—the highest point of the race, Scott overshoots the turnaround. (“I haven’t been up here in a long time.”) His phone is ringing nonstop: athletes stressing over minutiae, his teenage daughter, his sister, his ex-wife. “I’m going to die of a heart attack from emotional distress,” Scott says a few hours later as he parks in town. And this is even before the welcome banquet begins behind the King Kam hotel, a sort of revival meeting for endurance freaks, with fire-eaters, hula dancers, and blaring rock anthems. The World Triathlon Corporation is hell-bent on inspiring. It’s as if Disney took over AA. The emcee calls Ken Glah, who’s competed in 27 consecutive Ironman Hawaii races, to stand for the crowd. Soon after: Lew Hollander, on his 22nd Kona start, at age 81.
Comments
Should have done this in the 80s-but decided to have a career and a family instead at that time. Have done two-will do at least one more at 60 but I don't fit the "profile" anymore. Maybe I never did-can't be that self-serving and unbalanced as many are. Quit a job and go into debt for an IM? I would love to talk to that person when they are in their 60s and still have them tell me it was still worth it. Crossing an IM finish line was NEVER an important feat for me when comparing it to other accomplishments in my life. And if it is for some, then I feel sorry for those people.
Flag ThisRacing an ironman isn't all that difficult. The real challenge is to do it while maintaining balance and thats what the majority of age groupers do. I raced in kona 99 and 2000 with a career and young family. An age grouper can have a respectable day in Kona on 15 hours a week of training. I don't know anyone who quit their job to race or who's family was left devastated. These stories are rare, and general hype. The true backstory is that families are inspired and stronger for the effort.
Flag ThisThe best story I've read about IMWC for a long time. Thanks to EW for bringing a fresh perspective and sublime writing to the subject, and infusing a little loving understanding into the whole "obsessive" theme.
Flag ThisMarino didn't come in 36th. He did not finish and Julie dibens didn't blow up and cramp, she has a debilitating foot injury.
Flag ThisThanks for capturing the pain community that is Ironman. I had a blast running it as a lottery slot winner. It is truly worth every penny I spent, and 2012 will be about paying it all off.
Flag ThisSure, ironmen and women and fantastic athletes, and completing the race is a significant accomplishment, but, wow, what an artificial "hardest race ever." Me personally, I'd much rather go for a nice long run/walk in the woods to find out what's inside of me...and actually enjoy the world around me at the very same time.
Flag ThisIt surprises me that 3 of the commentors find the need to detract from the accomplishments of these racers. Sure, you may not personally find the race difficult or demanding or worthwhile, but to those that raced they did. You shouldn't belittle that accomplishment. Each person has a story or a reason for competing. You may not personally agree with their reason or their desire, but you shouldn't feel the need to disrespect what they are doing. Appreciate the accomplishment and congratulate them. This world that you think "they" should enjoy would be a lot better off.
Flag ThisHey Jon E, why not go for your long walk now?
Flag ThisHa, great comments. I have never heard a conversation about Ironman that didnt spark some heated debate. I have finished this race 5 times, and I think the article that Elizabeth Wiel wrote was one of the best I have ever read. She really captured the atmosphere of Kona during Ironman week. Athletes that compete in Ironman have very diverse backgrounds and demands on their schedules. Some are juggling careers and family and some are not. I did Ironman when I was single and had no kids and had a job that was very flexible. At the time, it was just my lifestyle. Now that is behind me, but I wouldnt trade those memories for anything. You either get Ironman or you dont. Congratulations to all of the newly crowned Ironmen and Ironwomen.
Flag ThisAs a racer for the last 23 yrs, 11x IM and now being on the other end of things as the organizer of the Toughman Half in NY, I have to say that watching athletes cross thr finishline is the most fulfilling thing to be part of. This is something that is the same for the first and last participant. Even more so is the growth of kids triathlons which will be the soccer of the next generation! Dr. Richard Izzo www.Toughmantri.com www.Toughkidstri.com
Flag ThisMeh... I have a bud who has completed Kona a few times now. (2003 and 2009) and he asserts that its like a difficult 50 Mile Ultramarathon. Ironman can't compare to the difficulty of 100 mile races like The Hardrock 100 or Leadville. I watched a seasoned Ironman athlete CRUMBLE at Leadville this year. And then there's other events like Triple-Iron-Mans.. Ultraman Hawaii.. all tougher then Kona. Just more hyperbole to blow smoke up everyones rears... in order to fuel the athletes "look at me!"
Flag Thisthe most difficult event is the one you just finished...! That's the part I don't "get" I guess. The "look at me" part. I went on plenty of 26+ mile runs in the mtns and even 40 with a double canyon crossing, and 120 mile bike rides with friends, without crowds, aid stations or a t-shirt at the end. Those are the most memorable for me. I don't walk around wearing IM gear nor do I talk about those races at work. No one cares. It's just for you. Now, get out there and enjoy. And the article is written by someone who has just recently been bitten by the bug. If you have been racing for 30+ years, there's really nothing new here.
Flag Thisthe most difficult event is the one you just finished...! That's the part I don't "get" I guess. The "look at me" part. I went on plenty of 26+ mile runs in the mtns and even 40 with a double canyon crossing, and 120 mile bike rides with friends, without crowds, aid stations or a t-shirt at the end. Those are the most memorable for me. I don't walk around wearing IM gear nor do I talk about those races at work. No one cares. It's just for you. Now, get out there and enjoy. ALL ALONE! And the article is written by someone who has just recently been bitten by the bug. If you have been racing for 30+ years, there's really nothing new here.
Flag Thisthe most difficult event is the one you just finished...! That's the part I don't "get" I guess. The "look at me" part. I went on plenty of 26+ mile runs in the mtns and even 40 with a double canyon crossing, and 120 mile bike rides with friends, without crowds, aid stations or a t-shirt at the end. Those are the most memorable for me. I don't walk around wearing IM gear nor do I talk about those races at work. No one cares. It's just for you. Now, get out there and enjoy. ALL ALONE! And the article is written by someone who has just recently been bitten by the bug. If you have been racing for 30+ years, there's really nothing new here.
Flag Thissorry about the reposts...
Flag ThisIt saddens me to see that there are always people who put Ironman down when there is a great article written about it. I am training for Ironman Lake Placid right now. The training is allowing me to learn more about myself and bringing my wife and I closer together through her endless support. As stated before, whether its a walk in the woods or an ironman, just let people feel good and proud about their accomplishments. P.S. if you have ever seen a double amputee cross a finish line you would understand that Ironman is about alot more than just type A athletes living an all consuming life.
Flag ThisIt saddens me to see that there are always people who put Ironman down when there is a great article written about it. I am training for Ironman Lake Placid right now. The training is allowing me to learn more about myself and bringing my wife and I closer together through her endless support. As stated before, whether its a walk in the woods or an ironman, just let people feel good and proud about their accomplishments. P.S. if you have ever seen a double amputee cross a finish line you would understand that Ironman is about alot more than just type A athletes living an all consuming life.
Flag ThisSometimes being with 1500 others who understand and struggle to achieve a personal triumph is invaluable. Each athlete has a unique goal, but all seek. To become a better human is not selfish. When you're ready to drop your head, but see another even worse off and try to rally to send them a couple of encouraging words. To bond with others in this way builds community. If Ironman isn't your route to fulfillment, then find one that is. There is enough judgment in the rest of society, come to Ironman simply to revel and cheer the human spirit.
Flag Thisi did kona this year and it was the toughest ironman i've done (completed 4 others). the course isn't that difficult, but the heat/wind/lack of shade all catch up to you during the day. i thought i had conserved my energy well on the bike, only to puke 6+times on the run. i probably made some nutritional mistakes, but it was still a tough day. as for the amount of training, i dont' really buy into the need for 15-20 hours/week. my average number of training per week for the past few years has been 9-12 hours/week, depending on how close you are to the race. that's just as much as some people spend going to the gym. i just choose to swim 2-3x/week, bike 3-4x/week, and run 3-4x/week....not all sessions are difficult either..lots of recovery sessions!
Flag ThisI LOVE Ironman distance and triathlon...have been competing for thirty years! But I have to say the sport has changed. The athletes have changed. Thirty years ago we were all on road bikes without all the bells and whistle gear and we bonded just fine. But the difference is that we all had jobs/careers/other interests that kept us grounded in reality. For IM to be the "end-all"...? At my last IM I had to chuckle at the egos strutting around in their "kits" the day before the race. There is a LOT I admit I don't understand about the sport today. Don't want to. Prefer the "old school" days-but still willing to get out there and compete with the youngsters. Me I build community in my special ed. classroom full of kids with varying degrees of autism and race for Challenged Athlete's Foundation. To each their own, but make it count for something. Or not. Choices.
Flag ThisJoel above says that Racing an ironman isn't all that difficult. An age grouper can have a respectable day in Kona on 15 hours a week of training." Please define "racing" and "respectable". How many hours is a respectable finish? 10? 11? 12? 13? 14? There is a big difference between COMPETITIVE age groupers finishing in 10 hours and ones that are just "racing" and finishing in 14 hours. You are not going to be competitive unless everything in your life is dialed in and focused on achieving your high goal.
Flag ThisI agree with the comment of Leslie. Although i enjoyed the article very much, I was surprised to see those factual errors.
Flag ThisThe Ironman corp really is only driven by money, period. Kona has long been taken advantage of from this group. Very sad. No new parks, no new kids facilities, no new swimming pools, no libraries. Just more Ironman events!
Flag ThisA little late to post, but triathlon today is what running became 15 years ago - a participation sport. I've got news for you, if you walk the last 5 miles of your marathon, you didn't "run" a marathon. You finished. Same with triathlon. I've got to sign up for races 6 months in advance to make sure I'm not shut out by the "participators" who can't swim, bike 16 mph, and think running 10:00's at the end is great. The organizers have got to start giving the *athletes* some favor in the entry process. I don't care for what "triathlon" has become at all.
Flag ThisPlease, please, please just keep your mouth shut if your comment starts with 'I used to race back in the..." "It has changed so much since..." I wasn't alive then, but I race today and I love the community of people I have met through triathlon racing and training. People cheer for me and I cheer for people that I have never met because of the common goal of taking on a difficult task. I also love the fact that people want to crush, win and beat their fellow competition because I unfortunately grew up in an era when everyone got a trophy, everyone played and nobody kept score - empty accomplishments. There is nothing empty about winning your age group or placing in the top three of a triathlon.
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