The Ironman is considered one of the world's toughest single-day sporting events, and sometimes it seems bigger than life. It attracts people of all ages, from all walks of life, some competing for a specific time and others just attempting to finish. Athletes must complete a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run to earn the right to call themselves an Ironman -- and every year thousands across the globe do just that.

You are a triathlete. You may have only done a few sprint events, or you could be a long-time veteran of Olympic-distance racing, but the distinguishing factor is that you haven't gone long yet. You know some people that have done an Ironman, and you figure that if they could do it, so could you. When people ask you if you have ever done that crazy race in Hawaii, the Ironman thingy, you respond, "No, but maybe someday." If this describes you, then maybe it is time to consider following through with that dream.

There are many reasons why you may want to do an Ironman. Perhaps you feel that the distance is better suited to you, as you are not a speed demon. Maybe you like the fact that the swim has less importance and that the bike takes on a much greater role than in short events. You might be bored by doing the same races year after year, and you are looking for a new challenge. Or it could be that you just want to shut up that training partner of yours that keeps telling you his Ironman stories. The reason doesn't matter as long as you are motivated to do the training.

Gearing up to go long

The first thing you need to do is to have a complete physical, especially if you are over the age of 30. Ironman training will probably be more taxing than what your body is used to, and it is a great idea to know how everything is functioning going into it. Once your doctor has given you the go-ahead, it is time to let your significant others (spouses, kids, etc) know what you are up to. Preparing for an Ironman requires a substantial time commitment, and there are likely several other people whom will have to make sacrifices to help you. You must consider the impact of training on others in your life and work to ensure their long-term support of your goals. It is important to remember that the entry fee you paid means nothing if it is ruining your marriage, health or job.

Once you know you are physically capable and that you won't be looking for a new family because of your Ironman dreams, you need to decide which Ironman you are going to do. Assuming that you are reasonably fit (i.e., you haven't just taken two months completely off), you will need at least 14 weeks to prepare for the event. The good news is that you will probably be forced to get at least that amount of training in because most Ironman events fill up well in advance. The bad news is that you may have to enter up to a year in advance just to get a guaranteed start in one of the official WTC Ironman events. Pick a course that is suited to your abilities and that will keep you motivated during your training. Do some investigation into the course profiles on the Internet so that you don't register for Lake Placid if you hate hills.

Note: Be prepared for the cost. Entry fees for Ironman events run several hundred dollars, and when you add in all the other associated costs you will have a sizeable bill.

A plan of attack

Now you have selected your Ironman, you will need to plan out your race schedule. You should incorporate at least one half-Ironman distance event into your schedule as well as some short course events. The half will test your fitness and help you to get a feel for what a long race is going to be like, while the short course races will keep you sharp. If it is possible, I also recommend including a trip to watch an Ironman event in your schedule. Not only will this give you some insight into the event, it will also provide you with a great source of inspiration for later training sessions. Another option for some people is doing a marathon in the off-season to prepare for the one in the Ironman; however, you don't have to do this to have a great first Ironman.

As I mentioned above, you don't have to worry about completely sacrificing your short course racing while preparing for your Ironman. In fact I believe that you should still do a few of your favorite short course races and use them as speed sessions. The theory "If you go long, you can't go fast" is no longer popular, and these events can be great to use as sharpeners before your big day. In addition, you may even set some new PRs, as many athletes have discovered that long course training can give them added strength and mental toughness.

After setting out your race schedule, the next step is to plan your training program. You should write out your goals and figure out a periodized training plan. If you don't understand what that means, then you have several options: join a training group that has members who are training for an Ironman; talk to an experienced triathlete about what they have done; consult a triathlon book; or hire a coach. I have seen athletes attempt to tackle an Ironman by just doing long training sessions without setting out a specific plan. This method is fraught with error and can lead to disaster. There are precise energy systems that need to be worked for certain amounts of time, and a training plan is the only way to achieve this.

An important fact to consider when designing your training program is the amount of time you realistically have to train. Many of the daily duties of life limit our training time. There is only so much time in a day, and it must be shared between work, family or relationship obligations, training and rest. Don't lose sight of your priorities along the way. Having people who believe in what you are doing will make crossing the finish line that much sweeter, even if it means a slightly slower time.

Putting in the time

Once you have your training plan you can start your Ironman preparation. There is no secret formula that will allow you to finish an Ironman without putting in at least a minimal level of work. The reality is that you will have to commit to training a certain amount of time in the pool, on the bike and on the run. Your level of dedication to your training can dramatically affect your progress. Strong commitment assists in establishing crucial mental components such as desire, determination, passion and self-motivation.

Using your workouts to rehearse and reinforce your mental strength and skills greatly enhances your opportunity for success. The Ironman is known as the "longest day" and having strong mental preparation will make it much easier when things get difficult on race day. Realize though that you need to enjoy the journey. Finishing an Ironman is truly an incredible accomplishment, but if you don't relish the process of getting there then you haven't maximized the experience.

Nutrition