Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Swim
The Ironman Triathlon, which is your Fear Factor?
What scares you most about your race ironman next? What's your fear factor?
As fit as a person is going to the first career Ironman, the fear is a factor in the equation as the big day creeps ever closer.
So cool and confident as many participants may appear, there is almost always something that fills them with a certain amount of apprehension and anxiety.
For many, the fear factor will be widespread insecurity in which they wonder what they have obtained the land itself. Its almost like diving off a high cliff. Once you are committed, there is no back. After all, everyone in your circle of family friends and work colleagues know all about it. For months, they watched as you went into the preparation Ironman. How can you possibly turn and face people who have supported you as you prepare for the ride of your life?
Well, some people can and do turn out. I remember a story in the early '80s that took place at Ironman Hawaii.
As the story goes …….. In conclusion the swimming part of the race and all the swimmers were off course, it was discovered that a person was missing. In other words, someone who was not signed on to swim had arrived. Apparently they searched the entire course with divers searching for the missing swimmer and fearing the worst.
As it turns out, never missing swimmer had entered the water. He decided he could not do it and left the transition area and went to breakfast at a local restaurant. When he returned to his art, he asked someone what all the fuss was about, then, both for the relief of all concerned, the mystery was solved. A lesson here — If you ever decide give up an Ironman race, be sure to let the organizers know as soon as possible! They care about you and safety of their own.
It seems that swimming is particularly daunting for many first time Ironman athletes. People have been known to be on the beach in tears, unable to cope with the swim even long after the gun has sounded. Some were persuaded by volunteers in the water and ended up doing very well. Typically, only a few hundred meters in swimming your nervousness will disappear and you'll settle in the race.
In my first Ironman in Hawaii, I'll never forget the incredible euphoria in the tent of transition, after bathing. More than anything, I think it was relief, because for many, myself included, a very big hurdle had been cleared. As far as I was concerned that day, there was nothing that would prevent me from crossing the finish line, once I won the swim. There was no doubt the path of water from my fear factors.
I believe that most who are considering their first runner Ironman. Moreover, well everyone has biked at one time or another in their life, but few really had the opportunity or reason to swim in open water. So it is logical that a lot of first time Ironman triathletes will be extremely apprehensive about the Ironman swim.
I suppose some might be afraid of the bike. Maybe steep hills or bike around so many others will cause some concern. At least on the bike and run you have complete control. You can just stop or slow down. I think it's fair to say that in swimming, since you're half miles out into the open sea, you're pretty much committed.
Personally, I think much of the fear factor grows all out of proportion as the race nears. Ironman preparation is much more than swim, bike, run. You should also prepare yourself mentally.
When you start having doubts about his ability, or when fear of failure begins to haunt him, it's time to step back and consider how far you came.
It may not seem that on race day, like you're surrounded by hundreds of athletes, but in the grand scheme of things, few people in the world will never try what you're about to do. Believe in your training, their preparation and skill. When the fear factor is huge as the race nears — regardless if your swim or bike or simply afraid to fail — remember:
There are hundreds of other athletes who will feel the same way on the morning of the race. This is one of the things that makes Ironman so amazing. It's all on the same journey together. The goal is common. It is this spirit that united help calm the fear factor and take it throughout the day. You'll understand what I mean as your first Ironman race day goes on.
There will be several thousands of volunteers and thousands of spectators and more friends and relatives who play an important role in their incredible journey.
They will be behind you when your fear is greater, your inspiration when you doubt your strength and when you get tired.
You are really amazing just to reach the start line of an Ironman Triathlon. Just to have gotten this far is a resounding success, so how can you possibly not?
You erased the doubts that you had once you even find yourself on the beach at Ironman morning waiting for the starting gun. You is in the best condition of his life and has the admiration of everyone around her how to prepare for the greatest experience of your life.
If you are about to try his first Ironman, the Kona Iron Gods, who haunt the scorching lava fields of highway smile K. King upon you very soon and welcome the most amazing family in the world.
About the Author
Are you a beginner triathlete or novice Ironman? My name is Ray and I’ve created a site called “Ironstruck” and its full of training and racing tips that may help you in realizing your triathlon goals. http://triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com
Ironman Triathlon