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Now the Ironman world championship in Hawaii is televised and viewed by 50 million people. According to USA Triathlon, NBC's coverage of the big race has earned six Emmy awards since 1992.
Josh Hernandez of Ironman North America says, "People who participate want to push their personal limits, and want to do this by finishing, arguably the toughest sporting event out there."
He's collected a colorful wardrobe of inspiring stories. People like Scott Johnson, a 33-year-old who's finished 15 triathlons since his double lung transplant. This Saturday, along the coast of Florida's Panama Beach City, Johnson will finish his first ironman triathlon.
Beauford began training for Ironman Coeur D'Alene in Idaho last month, an early start for a June event. He just ended a six-month recuperation period
after knee surgery. He was injured not in a race, but while playing basketball. The turn of events will add another four months to his training. He devotes 10 to 20 hours each week to training.
Beginner triathletes need not panic. Training programs put your experience and fitness level above all else.Triathlon coaches and online training programs can offer rookies quality assistance for a price.
Online coaching sites save you money, while giving you access to valuable resources and interactive coaching. Beginner Triathlete, www.beginnertriathlete.com, offers a six-month subscription for $25.The cost of a personal triathlon coach is steep, starting around $225 per month, and there is usually a start-up fee.
The sport of triathlon demands plenty of equipment. Vickers says quality is key. He always encourages people to deal with a local bike shop to ensure
you receive the support needed in selecting a bike that fits.Triathlon-specific bikes typically start at $2,000. If purchasing a new bike is improbable, local cycling clubs usually sell their used equipment.
Quality footwear, as well, is well worth the money. Bike shoes for triathlons are designed for fast, easy transitions. Look for a pair that is easy to put on and is secured by a single Velcro strap. Most bike shoes cost upwards of $100 and, like the bicycles, can get quite expensive.
A wet suit may be worn, depending on the water temperature at each race. Triathlon-specific wetsuits are available for about $250.
Profile of a triathlete
Kai Sun Luk has a runner's glow. All smiles and lean muscle, Sun Luk, a Hong Kong senior in architecture, talks about running in China and competing in triathlons here in the states.
His has been a five-year endeavor, one that began in high school under the encouragement of his track coach.
that he needed to finish up before all his tests start. The tests and studio time, he complains, rob him of the precious sleep necessary for training.
Balance, according to Vickers, is highly important to triathlon training on any level. "Balance your life; make sure you keep time for family, friends and other interests. Otherwise, triathlon can become a negative instead of a positive," he says. "People tend to get very nervous and apprehensive, or cannot get over 'the hump,' and think they will never do a triathlon. Anyone can do a triathlon."
Sun Luk recently ran in the Shawnee Mission Triathlon, his sixth triathlon. Last year at the same race, he finished third. It was his last race of the season. He explains
Sun Luk trains daily for an hour and a half, usually with two friends. He prefers to run with company. He loves drinking milk ("Oh yeah, Kai loves milk," his friend confirms). When recalling his highest placement, he confidently says, "First." Then, maybe a bit embarrassed, he explains he was the sole competitor.
Beauford has his sights set on competing in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. He'll have to finish the qualifier in Coeur d' Lane Ironman in less than 10 hours to qualify. After racing in the World Championship, he says he'll have sufficiently scratched his Ironman itch.
Training for beginners
There are basic training guidelines for which you need not pay, Mike Vickers, Lawrence resident and co-author of Swim, Bike, Run, a training guide for "serious, but not professional" triathletes, is a competitive cyclist and former triathlete. He says beginners should schedule a minimum of two workouts in each discipline per week.
Use time, not distance, as your guide.
Adjust it according to the distance you plan to compete. For sprint distance training, plan to spend eight hours per week. For an Olympic course, 12 hours.
Training for an Ironman requires around 15 hours each week. Vickers says to watch for difficulty sleeping, lethargy, irritability and loss of appetite, which are signs of overtraining. To avoid it, take a break from training every month.
Also, balanced nutrition will be crucial to your progress and energy level.
"But triathlon's addicting," he says before he mentions the 2008 Olympic trials.
"We'll see where life takes me."
For membership and additional triathlon information, visit USA Triathlon at www.usatriathlon.org.