DoSomeTalking

(Cont. from Ironman post no. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)

There are, to date, 28 Ironman Events around the world. Some are part of the 70.3 Series (AKA Half-Ironman. Marketing is something, isn’t it?) and the rest Full Distance Ironman Races. The race, like usual Triathlons, consists of the three - Swimming, Cycling and Running. Let’s let the pictures do the talking:

As you can see here, early in the morning people tend to behave in strange ways. Minutes before throwing themselves one on top of the other like fish in a net, they find time to dance. Actually, judging by the way they seem to move, individual sport was a wise choice.

As foretold. Sardines. This is the only time one is able to swim in “Floors”. And you’ll always find yourself in a middle floor for some reason. You won’t be actually pushing water - you pull on other people’s suits. It’s actually a good idea to find some strong athlete right after the start and hold to their ankle throughout the swim. They won’t notice. Trust the experienced.

This is the bike transition area. This is where you leave your bike, shoes and the rest of the gear.

Once finished with the swim, you’ll be pulled out of the water by volunteers, washed and helped out of the suit.

You’re then aided getting dressed and applied creams more common in certain clubs in San Francisco. You’ll find yourself in the same tent, naked, with other men and women. And trust me - some of the sights there are not for the faint hearted.

The bike bags (Running bags look the same. Only by the time you’ll be getting there, the rack might look a bit different - almost empty, that is).

The Nice Ironman is considered to be somewhat of a challenge. And no. Not because it’s hard concentrating in riding and running along the Riviera’s beaches. It’s the hills.

Small hills.

Tiny.

120km of tiny hills (followed by 60km of Wooooohhhha!). Some still wake up in the middle of the night, hands shaking, searching for an easier gear.

That’s the right angle of the course. But make no mistake - the view is SPECTACULAR! No less. Not that you’ll have a chance of seeing it, due to the blackout you’ll be fighting caused by lack of oxygen.

Some say Ironman is not an event of endurance or strength, but of the ability to eat. And drink. It’s not trivial, but the trick is stuffing yourself with liquids, gels and bars.

Another thing many don’t like speaking of is the fact that yes - when you drink sometimes you have to “free” yourself from excessive fluids. And no. Stopping is not a good idea (pace and stuff). So you just go.

Only liquids dude! What did you think?! Ohhh!

It’s not so bad, but it sure feels funny, (”stays” in your shoes, for example), and you don’t want to talk about it later, so don’t ask!

In this picture you can see a pair of bike that was guarded at the transition area by two ill-tempered-ex-KGB-looking blokes. The effort on the rider’s face is caused by forces better known to fighter pilots as “G”.

This is the run. Don’t feel bad if this is the point of view you see the course. It’s very natural, at this stage of the race.

Some events give colored bands for each lap you finish in the Marathon. A universal rule says the runners around you will always have more bands than you, no matter what stage of the run you’re at. Same rule applies at the last lap as well, when you don’t see anything.

Here’s an answer if you were wondering how come all finishers are sticky and smell funny (no, it’s not because of what was written above! We agreed not to talk about it, didn’t we?!).

In France, no matter what you’re doing on the Riviera, you’re expected to dress fashionably.

If you’re not a pro, and only do the Ironman for the sake of finishing, you can always feel comfortable with knowing the guy arriving first is younger. That’s why he’s there and you have only one band on your hand. The participant’s band. You’re still on the bike.

If you’re planning on doing the Nice Ironman, a result like this would be very discouraging. There’s a time limit (Cut Off) of 16 hours (17 in some Ironman events), and those finishing later will have to do it all over again. Not immediately, that is.