Blog: Ironman-ing with 'The Wonder Steed'
Athletes from around the world filled Tempe Town Lake, swarmed city roads and shut down several streets Sunday as they swam, biked and ran their way through the Ford Arizona Ironman competition.
The annual race consisted of a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride and finished with a 26.2-mile run to cross the finish line. This was the third year the Ironman has taken place in Arizona, and drew a crowd of thousands of athletes and spectators alike.
Training for an Ironman is extremely intense and shouldn't be taken lightly, said Ashley Robota, a 2007 ASU graduate and former cycling and triathlon club member.
"Training can range from a seven-hour bike ride to a two-hour run," Robota said. "In one week, training can total anywhere from 16 to 18 hours."
Robota added that anyone is physically capable of participating in an Ironman, but it's the mental training that is most important.
"It takes a lot of determination, mental strength and dedication," Robota said. "I wouldn't recommend anyone to jump into training without doing a junior Ironman before."
Robota has three points that she tells everyone to follow if they intend on participating in an Ironman: maintain a healthy diet, acquire a good coach and surround yourself with supportive teammates.
The event requires multiple volunteers. Kinesiology sophomore Jeff Baker has volunteered at many races and worked the finish line at Tempe Beach Park on Sunday.
"After the participants cross the finish line, a lot of them are in pain," Baker said. "Before the participants realize the pain, though, they are ecstatic."
Many of the participants complain about hurt feet, knees, and joints, Baker added. Most of the pain that is felt in the race is during the transition from one event to the next, Robota said.
"After you get out of the swim, your body feels drunk almost because you have been lying horizontally and rocking back and forth," Robota said. "To try and run after that is a lot harder than you would think."
The winner of Sunday's Ironman was Jozsef Mayor, who completed the race in eight hours, 34 minutes, and 19 seconds.
Robota said the race, which had more than 2,000 participants, has continued to grow every year. For these participants, all the work is worthwhile, Robota said.
"Once you see the finish line and your heart's pumping, crossing is so fun, and you have a sense of accomplishment," she said.
Reach the reporter at: kelsey.tomlinson@asu.edu.
