When putting an Ironman in perspective, it may help to use landmarks and other interesting analogies to get you over the hump. It seems like an intimidating task and merely 3 months ago I would have laughed at the thought. But after finishing an Olympic triathlon I started to believe. Granted, it’s roughly a quarter of the distance, but feeling your body move through the seemingly impossible gives you a great boost.
Ironman Wisconsin starts and finishes in Madison, but I thought it would be fun to breakdown the distances in another way. Let’s start with the swim.
I’m a huge Badger fan and I got to thinking about what it would be like if they installed a one lane lap pool along the sidelines at Camp Randall stadium. In essence, while you’re sitting in the stands, sneaking hits of Whiskey from your flask and watching the Badgers beat up on Ohio State, you could track me real-time as I blasted back and forth for 42 lengths of the football field then back to the 24 yard line before stripping from my wetsuit to an ear shattering ovation after swimming 4,224 yards. If things were going right, I’d be done by halftime and unfortunately miss “Jump Around” at the end of the 3rd Quarter.
Then I’d have one of the Badger trainers pull my bike from the tunnel and tear out of Camp Randall on my way to I-90, heading south toward my hometown of Beloit, and home away from home, Rockford, IL. I’d wave to old friends at the Flying J truck stop and more fans as I screamed past the famous Clock Tower Resort on my way to O’Hare Airport. I’d actually stop about 21 miles short of O’Hare, but magically be transplanted to the runway with zero exertion of energy. One of the many fine baggage handlers would deliver my transition bag, let me change in the break room, and I’d be back on the road with fresh Yankz in my Pearl Izumis.
The run would wind right through the energy of downtown Chicago. I would admire the skyline for miles before I was actually under it, then look up at the buildings and get dizzy as usual. After I hit downtown, I would turn up the pace and roll through Cabrini Green completely unnoticed because pale white guys run through the area at will. As darkness fell I would be winding through the notorious South Side with no more than Gu for ammunition and my sights clearly focused on the finish line at Midway Airport.
So there you have it. Visualization is a powerful tool. When you have perspective, mountains don’t seem as tall, oceans aren’t as deep, and Ironman’s aren’t as daunting. But to be honest, I’m not sure this exercise has helped.
| Race name : |
Ironman Wisconsin |
| Date : |
9/8/2013 |
| Address : |
Madison, Wisconsin |
| Country : |
United States |
| Race type : |
Triathlon (Full Ironman) |
| Organization : |
World Triathlon Corporation |
| Website : |
http://www.ironmanwisconsin.com/ |
| Description |
Swim 4224 yards Bike 112 miles Run 26.2 miles |
| Taking place in Madison, the race features over 45,000 spectators lining the course through Wisconsin farm land and downtown streets of Madison. The finish line is the most recognizable of all the US Ironman events; it is located in front of the Wisconsin state capitol in the heart of Madison. |
I mean, I actually sorta look like a triathlete in this picture. And, I just love the one below because of the bridge in the background. But, what I would like to know from fellow racers and/or bike experts is what is wrong here? I got this bike fitted back in the fall, but feel like my back should be flatter. It “feels” fine, but 25 miles is much different than 112. I want to make sure I’m in the optimum position. All feedback is welcome. 
