Ironman fascination

By Asker Jeukendrup

Over the last few weeks I have watched many competitors finish in Ironman Germany and Ironman Switzerland. Both races were held in wonderful weather conditions and with great atmosphere. I have completed 16 Ironman races so far but these were the first two I have watched from the sideline. Ironman is a fascinating sport! Athletes of all levels participate and set out to break their own personal records or to simply make it to the finish line before the cut off. The journey is quite remarkable, often painful, often emotional, each athlete goes through many ups & downs during the race and crossing of the finish line is unlike any other event. The expression on people's faces tell a great story: it varies from extreme relief that it is over, to incredible satisfaction and pride. Some people cross the finish line and immediately state they will never ever do this again! Others will quite happily sign up for the next event as soon as they have crossed the finish line. The one thing these people have in common is the next day they all want to sign up for the next year.

For many people completing an Ironman is a life changing event and the emotions that go with that are obvious when you watch people finish. There are a few things about Ironman that are unique and that make it very special.

Firstly, it is a sport for all people: it is as busy at the finish line when the first guys finish in little over 8 hours as when the last athletes come in at midnight!

Secondly, Ironman is a lifestyle, it is not just a sport. In order to complete the event people have to make changes to their lifestyle and most of us have to fit in many hours of training with work or school and family. Ironman training also makes people aware of healthy living and nutrition (which is my main interest as a sports nutritionist and Professor of Exercise Metabolism at the University of Birmingham).

I will be writing a few blogs about nutrition and preparation for triathlons in the next few months, hoping that this will help others to achieve their personal goals. I find Ironman fascinating because so many factors determine performance on the day. For the perfect race, everything has to be right from preparation, to nutrition, to equipment, to psychology and it is an incredible challenge to get everything right on the day. Although I have often been called a leading sports nutritionist or world expert, there have been plenty of races where my race nutrition did not work 100% and my search for the perfect race continues.

I have been supported by Skinfit for several years now and apart from the fact that I am extremely happy with the quality of the garments, I also think that Skinfit as a brand really embraces everything that Ironman stands for.

In October I will be competing at Ironman Hawaii for the fourth time, I will be reporting on my preparation, i will posting nutrition information here and on my website www.askerjeukendrup.com and I hope the information will inspire and help you in your preparation for the events you are preparing for.

Asker Jeukendrup is Professor of Exercise Metabolism, Director of the Human Performance lab, Exercise Metabolism Research Group, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham.