Zero to Ironman. Again.

I’m pretty sure it’s like having a baby. 

[Did I just liken competing in one of the worlds toughest triathlons to having a baby?! Oops...]

The satisfaction it gives you afterwards outweighs the pain. Eventually. Maybe.

You forget the dark damp early winter mornings at the pool, the extreme coldness you feel in your feet and hands after five hours on the bike on a February morning, the crazy thought of lake swimming at the start of April because the race you chose is at the start of summer...

I do like to set myself one big challenge a year and for next years challenge I’m revisiting an old flame.

In 2011 having never completed a triathlon and not even owning a road bike I decided to take on ultra endurance sports biggest challenge - The Ironman.

The Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim (often in the sea), 112 mile cycle and a 26.2 mile run. Done one after the other. On the same day. 

I brought a bike, took advice on how to swim, read the books and followed a time-friendly plan which saw me training for up to 20hrs per week and arrived at the start of Ironman France uncertain of what would happen... 

I crushed it! Finishing Ironman France in 12hrs 43mins, I was immensely satisfied with my efforts and decided to leave it there. Crossing the finishing line of Ironman France was the culmination of an amazing six-months training and was most certainly one of my proudest moments, but the training was so tough I decided despite the vast expense of buying a bike, wetsuit and copious amounts of lycra never to do it again.

Therefore I haven’t sat on my bike since that monumental day. It’s laid dusty and dormant in my garage since I pulled it out the bike box and put it back together. My wetsuit has taken pride of place at the back of my wardrobe alongside the pair of trousers I’m never going to wear, but can’t throw away. And my tri-suit? I’m not really sure wear that is!

However, after a mug or two of idea juice in Pret, I somewhat conveniently forgot the reasons why I vowed not to do it. I remember the euphoria, the carnival atmosphere you get at this race, the cool stash. I remembered the feeling of crossing the line, the feeling of knowing you are the fittest you have ever been and the feeling you have done something quite incredible. 

The race itself is alright (I guess if you take the time to prepare properly...), but the training for this race is brutal.

Swim, bike, run, swim, bike, run, swim, bike, run... To get good at three different sports takes time. Training takes up to 20 hours a week. But, like my hero The Rock says, ‘there’s great value achieving the goal. But the greater value is in the struggle and hard work to achieve it..’ 

There really is no glory without sacrifice.

I guess it’s this final point which makes Ironman an incredible race. When my friend Nikki told me she was keen to do it, I was keen to share her journey. The hard work, sacrifices and struggles make it an amazing accomplishment and that feeling is totally worth it.

I guess I’ve just got to remember this in the next couple of months!

Let my journey to Ironman Lanzarote begin...

7 Reasons To Exercise Other Than A Smoking Hot Body

Did you know there are actually more reasons to train than looking better naked? Check this out...

Clarity & Concentration

You have to be in shape to think! Ok, you don’t have to, but research says it helps. If your body is struggling to keep up with the energy demands of the day then imagine what your brain is doing? By increasing your stamina with exercise you can improve the way you think.

Reflection

Reflection is the better part of a champion! Exercise, albeit exertion, gives you a chance to unwind. Doing something more physical allows your mind to reflect and can give you a sense of perspective. This can give you solutions to mental challenges.

Enjoyment

If you like what you do it won’t seem like a chore! Ok, not all exercise is created equal, some types are more efficient than others. Depending on the results you’re looking to achieve will depend on what you choose. This being said enjoying what you do is important. Engage yourself in the process and you will love it.

Better Sleep

Getting moving can be the catalyst to better sleep. It might be the extra exertion, the calmness and satisfaction from exercise or simple distraction from daily life. If you want to sleep better take some exercise.

A Longer Life

People who exercise live a longer healthier life than those that don’t. However, rather than counting the years in your life, it might be worth considering the counting the life in your years. Being healthier as you get older will give you opportunities to enjoy your life and take holidays when you’re old and grey.

Stress Relief

Life is challenging. In this part of the world you can expect a certain amount of hustle and bustle. Taking time out to exercise can offer welcome relief. Again, this can provide a distraction and focus of day-to-day life.

Increased Self Confidence

Getting fit boosts happy hormones, strengthen posture and makes you feel much better about yourself. This coincides with an increase in self-confidence. People with greater self confidence have a better experience of life.

Improved Fitness

Do I need to elaborate on this one?? Improving fitness without the goal of weight loss is a great reason to exercise...

Look Good Naked in Fifteen Minutes

I’m ecstatic to read Arnold Schwarzenegger is endorsing my simple fitness message.

Working with busy people who are looking for a time-friendly fitness solution I started recommending just a fifteen minute daily exercise habit.

Introducing the simple do-at-home bodyweight workouts to be done before breakfast has been somewhat of a revelation. 

Even my busiest clients can set the alarm a little earlier and to quote The Terminator, “Start with 1%. Pledge to spend 15 minutes each day on your health.’ Simple, eh?

But is fifteen minutes really enough? Yes. Sure, if you did a little longer you could get greater benefits, but the reality is most people don’t do anything so it’s a great place to start. And with my simple bodyweight routines you can do this at home before work in your pajamas.

What to do? You could start with my Five Alive workout. 

Five Alive

• 5 Press Ups
• 5 Squats
• 5 Spidermans (on each leg)
• 5 Lunges (on each leg)
• 5 Burpees

Repeat this five time...

By contributing just 1% of your day to your health and fitness you will be surprised at the results.

Keep me up to date with your progress on Twitter @SteveKeywoodPT or on Facebook here.