Completing an Ironman is not an impossible task – although it might seem like it is, especially if you have to do most of your training indoors. While everything we see when it comes to Ironman marketing is running on hillsides, biking through the streets, and swimming in beautiful open bodies of water, there is a way to train indoors for the length of your program before your race begins.
So while you would ideally want at least a portion of your training to be outdoors to prepare you for the actual Ironman experience, you can prepare your body regardless – even without a vast lake to swim in.
An Ironman is a long-distance racing event consisting of swimming, biking, and running for those unaware. Anyone can participate, so long as you can complete the training to do the triathlon safely and effectively! Known as one of the top-tier endurance races, Ironmans are held worldwide and draw athletes of all types.
Let’s break down each leg of an Ironman (226.3km or 140.6 miles), the distance for each portion, and how you can move your training indoors!
Swim
The first leg of an Ironman is a swim in open water and is 3.9km long, or 2.4 miles. While it’s convenient to practice in a large body of water like an ocean or lake, it’s not always feasible, especially if you’re not in a location where this is available.
Instead, you can train for the swim portion of the race in an endless pool if you want to work out at home or pop by your local fitness center and utilize their indoor Olympic-sized pool to do your laps. A swim bench is also another option if you’ve got access to one!
Bike
The bike leg of an Ironman is 180.2km, or 112 miles long. With this being the most extended portion of the triathlon, having a bike to train on is vital, regardless if you are indoors or out.
There are several indoor bikes from ProForm that are available today, and they can aid in improving your leg strength, endurance, and overall capacity so that you can ride through the miles with ease.
Run
The running leg of an Ironman is a marathon in and of itself. The run is the final leg of an Ironman and is 42.2km, or 26.2 miles long. Being prepared for this portion of the race is vital since you’re coming right off the bike and finishing with a run; your legs will notice the transition.
Practicing for the run outdoors can be beneficial on race day, but you can most certainly do the bulk of your runs indoors on a treadmill. While a treadmill won’t necessarily have you jumping over roots and rocks and working with nature’s natural elevations, you can adjust the intensity and incline on a treadmill at home or your local fitness center!
Bottom Line
Anyone can compete in an Ironman – and if the distances listed above sound a bit daunting, there are also half Ironmans. Whether or not you want to train outdoors or within the comforts of your home gym setup, reaching your goal of completing an Ironman isn’t out of reach.
Consider your surroundings, your training schedule, and what you would find more enjoyable as you progress through your training program in terms of being outside or inside. Either way, you’ll find yourself cruising through the finish line and scooping up the title of “Ironman” at the end!
