FRANKFORT —
Organizers of Ironman 70.3 Michigan are preparing to welcome over 1,500 participants to its Frankfort venue on Sept. 17.
This will be the third consecutive year for the Frankfort venue, which won the gold Global Athlete Choice Award – Most Recommended Race. Rounding out the top three venue awards were Florianoplois, Brazil in second and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in third place.
Although a participant favorite, the rural aspect of the Frankfort location has been a challenge for the race overall, with participants struggling to find enough lodging and dining options.
This has been a factor in the number of race registrations dropping each year since Frankfort’s initial 2021 race.
“While the overall number of athletes participating in the event has gone down each of the past few years, those athletes that have participated have given lots of positive feedback on the event,” said Ironman race director Joel Gaff.
Last year’s event Facebook page, Ironman 70.3 Michigan, provides testament to the above.
The question, “What was your favorite part of 2022 Ironman 70.3 Michigan?”, on the event page garnered many responses from the more than 2,500 followers to the page.
“I think that’s impossible to answer as it was all good. What a wonderful event!” commented Justin-Ashley Huffman.
Heidi Heiar Sutter, said “My favorite 70.3, and I have done eight others.”
Melissa Thompson said it was “an overall great event.”
“The volunteers and community support are amazing. Can’t wait till next year,” she said.
Jodie Romzek said that she appreciates the spectators and the encouragement from them.
“On the back of the run course there is a woman that shouts out every bib number she sees and gives praise and encouragement. She was there last year, too and I just love her. I hope someone knows her to give her that message,” Romzek said.
One thing different about
this year’s race will be the lack of the Ironkids Fun Run.
“Unfortunately we won’t have an Ironkids run at this year’s event,” said Gaff. “The Ironkids run was historically an event that we only held at full Ironman distance events (140.6 miles versus 70.3), and that’s the way things are moving back to this season. I’m excited that we were able to have one last year, but this year we won’t be having one.”
Those participating in the Frankfort venue have an opportunity to qualify for the 2024 VinFast Ironman 70.3 World Championship event on Dec. 14 and 15 in Taupo, New Zealand.
The Frankfort race offers 40 age group qualifying
slots for the world championship race. Last year’s Frankfort participants hailed from 38 different states and five countries in addition to the U.S. entries.
Registration for this year’s event is still open, however the Relay Team category is already sold out.
The cost for an individual is $469, two packages are also available for additional cost, with incentives such as day-of-race shuttle and bike transport back and forth to hotels. Participants must be 18 years of age by race day.
Registration may be completed online at Ironman.com/im703michigan.
The 2023 Ironman 70.3 Michigan event will take place in Frankfort on Sept. 17.
The schedule is subject to change; it was last updated on July 17, 2023. Visit ironman. com/im703-michigan-athletes for more information.
All events take place or begin at Open Space Park, located at 800 Main St. in Frankfort.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 15, 2023
• 2-7 p.m.
Athlete check-in
• 2-7 p.m.
Bike store and tech service and information tent/lost and found, Ironman Village
• 2-7 p.m.
Official Ironman Store
• 3 p.m.
Athlete briefing
• 5 p.m.
Athlete briefing
SATURDAY, SEPT. 16, 2023
• 10 a.m.
Athlete briefing
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Athlete check-in
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bike store and tech service, information tent/lost and found, Ironman Village
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Official Ironman Store
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mandatory bike check-in and timing chip pick up
• Noon
Athlete briefing
• 2 p.m.
Athlete Briefing
SUNDAY, SEPT. 17, 2023 – RACE DAY
• 6-7:45 a.m.
Transition open
• 7:50 a.m.
Pro men swim start
• 8 a.m.
Pro women swim start
• 8:10 a.m.
Age group rolling swim start
• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ironman Village
• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Official Ironman Store
• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Information tent/lost and found
• 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Post-race athlete food
• 2:30-6 p.m.
Mandatory bike and gear check out
• 5:30 p.m.
Awards ceremony and 2024
VinFast Ironman 70.3 World Championship slot allocation/ rolldown ceremony
The Slot Allocation/ Rolldown Ceremony will begin immediately following awards. Athletes must be present to claim their slot
• 6:30 p.m.
Volunteer banquet
opportunity for an extra weekend of profit.
Frankfort and the surrounding area is no stranger to an influx of visitors.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day — and then again during fall color season — the village swells to an exponential number of people. The lakeshores, beaches, hiking trails, restaurants and shops provide a draw to the area. For the past two years, Ironman 70.3 Michigan has brought thousands of participants and spectators to the area in September, during a time when typically, the visitor numbers are beginning to wane. School is back in session for most states near Michigan, so family trip action has slowed.
What effect does the influx have on these local businesses? There are challenges, but for the most part the businesses dependent on tourist dollars have welcomed the
A quick search for hotel availability the night before the race, finds all hotels in Frankfort, Beulah, Honor and even Empire, completely booked. Some hosts of rustic cabin and camp opportunities through AirBnB and Hipcamp still report availability.
“We love Ironman at Honor Motel,” said owner Kate Theobold. “Normally, September reservations are beginning to drop off a bit, but race weekend is full.
People begin making their reservations for next year as soon as the race is over. The racers are great guests, just super nice people.”
Local athlete Andy Johnson is a two-time local organizer for Ironman and a registered participant for 2023.
“The overall impact of race weekend on our area tourism is hard to quantify, since many of the participants fall in love with our area and bring their families back during other times of the year. I’ve
seen Ironman 70.3 stickers on out-of-state cars in April,” he said.
Establishments serving food, from restaurants to ice cream shops, do their best to order enough stock and secure extra staffing for the weekend. The staffing can be a particular challenge due to the date, as college students who often fill those positions have already left the area.
Cory Bissell, owner Kilwin’s of Frankfort, said he’s learned from previous Ironman events.
“The past two years have taught us to stock up on grab and go goodies like our giant turtles, caramel corn and brittles. We’re busier at night,” he said. “On race day, families shop during the race and the athletes fill the store for hours after dinner. The excitement in the air is contagious to our staff. It’s great to hear how many participants have grown to love our area and have visited and trained here
Continued on Page 6
before and after the event.”
Another logistic factor for local staffing, and also those trying to get to work who are not in any way affiliated with the race effort, is the difficulty of road closures throughout the race day. Roads will completely closed or partially blocked along the route from 7:30 a.m. until roughly 3 p.m. on Sept. 17. Local officials work to raise awareness of the impending road closures through doorto-door mailings, flyers, social media and print media ads. Distributed information shows maps of closures, and encourages local residents to car pool, arrange alternate routes and transportation modes if possible.
Area guests who have not received the road closure notifications and have booked stays during race weekend have sometimes been unpleasantly surprised by the lack of access to Frankfort for nearly an entire day, and the challenge of finding ways to bypass the town to enjoy recreation in other areas.
For some businesses, the race makes opening too difficult.
With part of the race route closing M-22 at the base of Point Betsie Road, the Point Betsie Lighthouse simply closes for the day.
“While we do close on race day, we have several participants and their families come out on race wing days, as they arrive and also as they depart the area,” said Point Betsie Lighthouse executive director Casey Ottinger.
Steve Christian, owner Dinghy’s Restaurant and Bar in Frankfort, said that he found athletes weren’t “interested” in restaurant
meals or beverages.
“The spectators provide a bit of a boost, but opening up an additional day was a loss for us,” Christian said.
“I see the primary benefit as gaining exposure for racers and spectators that might not have visited Benzie County and once they see what a neat town Frankfort is, they will be back on another trip. We’re happy to have the race back in Benzie County.”
Despite the challenges, most residents remain enthusiastic and are inspired by the race itself.
“Ironman brings out the best in people,” said Johnson. “We’ve had volunteers say working Ironman was the most meaningful thing they have ever done as a volunteer. That’s not saying they are going to train to race themselves, but they are impacted by seeing people work so hard on personal goals, and also how supportive community members are of the athletes.”
The 2023 Ironman 70.3 Michigan event is set to take place on Sept. 17 in Frankfort. About 1,500 competitors are expected for the triathlon, which includes swimming, running and biking.
The 2023 swim start and finish is located right next to the transition area on Betsie Bay. This one-loop swim course is entirely within protected Betsie Bay.
The bike course will travel along highway M-22 and surrounding roads in Benzie County.
The bike course features two out-and-back sections, largely on M-22. There are a few hills, but much of the course is rolling or flat.
Turn by turn directions
• Exit transition and turn right onto Main Street
• Right turn onto Lake Street (M-22)
• Left turn onto River Road
• Turn around just west of the alpaca farm
• Right turn onto M-22
• Left turn onto Main Street
• Right turn onto Seventh Street
• Seventh Street becomes M-22
• Right turn onto Esch Road
• Esch Road becomes Indian Hill Road
• Turn around just north of Saffron Road
• Indian Hill Road becomes Esch Road
• Left turn onto M-22
• Continue straight at Seventh Street to the dismount line
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The 13.1-mile run is made up of two out and back loops that will take place on paved trails and roads around Betsie Bay, between the city of Frankfort and the village of Elberta.
The run course is pretty flat, and athletes will be able to see and feel the energy from the transition area and finish line even when they’re on the far side of Betsie Bay near Elberta, which should provide a cool experience on race day.
Turn by turn directions
• Exit transition and turn right onto the Betsie Valley Trailway to begin lap 1
• Continue straight onto Waterfront Drive
• Left turn onto Second Street
• Right turn onto Father Marquette Circle
• U-turn on Father Marquette Circle
• Left turn onto Second Street
• Left turn onto the paved path along the water
• Left turn before the wooden deck
• Slight right turn into the parking lot toward Centre Street
• Right turn onto Centre Street
• Left turn onto Furnace Avenue
• Furnace Avenue becomes Frankfort Avenue
• Left turn onto the
shoulder of M-22/Lake Street
• Continue along the shoulder of M-22
• Left turn onto Main Street
• Left turn onto Ninth Street
• Right turn onto the gravel path
• Continue straight onto the Betsie Valley Trailway
• Continue straight past the transition area to begin
lap 2 • After completing lap 2, continue straight past the transition area
• Continue straight onto Waterfront Drive
• Left turn onto Second Street
• Right turn onto Father Marquette Circle
• Father Marquette Circle becomes Main Street — Continue straight onto Main Street to the finish line
• Right turn onto Waterfront Drive
• Continue straight onto the Betsie Valley Trailway
• Right turn onto the shoulder of M-22/Lake Street
• Right turn onto Frankfort Avenue
• Frankfort Avenue becomes Furnace Avenue
• Right turn onto Centre Street
• Right turn onto the paved path in front of the picnic pavilion
FRANKFORT — The Ironman 70.3 Michigan triathlon will be returning to Frankfort in September, and with the athletes, staff and supporters also come road closures and delays.
“Ironman 70.3 Michigan is one of the most beautiful races on the Ironman 70.3 circuit,” reads the Ironman 70.3 Michigan website.
“The race will showcase Frankfort and Benzie County to several thousand amateur athletes.”
However, sharing the road with athletes on Sept. 17 means there will be delays in travel.
“Because of the high volume of athletes that will be on the roads, delays in local travel along and near the route on race day should be expected,” the website reads. “We recognize the potential inconvenience this may have on your travel plans.”
The following roads will be closed on race day, Sept. 17.
• Main Street in Frankfort will be closed from Michigan Avenue to Third Street from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Main Street in Frankfort will be closed from Seventh Street to Ninth Street from 5-11:45 a.m.
The Ironman 70.3 Michigan website shows that the following roads will be open, but to expect delays during the time in which athletes will be using the road in “high volumes.”
The website also notes that roads intersecting the affected roads could have “limited access” during the times athletes are expected to be using the roads.
• Main Street eastbound from Ninth Street to Lake Street (M-22) from 8-10:45 a.m.
• M-22 southbound from Main Street in to River Road from 8-11 a.m.
• River Road eastbound from M-22 to Higgins Road from 8-11 a.m.
• River Road westbound from Higgins Road to M-22 from 8-11 a.m.
• M-22 northbound from River Road to Main Street from 8-11:45 a.m.
• Main Street in westbound from Lake Street (M-22) to Ninth Street from 8-11:45 a.m.
• Seventh Street northbound from Main Street to James Street from 8:25-11:45 a.m.
• M-22 northbound from James Street to South Shore Drive from 8:25 a.m. to noonp.
• M-22 northbound from South Shore Drive to Crystal Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
• M-22 northbound from Crystal Drive to Platte Road from 8:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
• M-22 northbound from Platte Road to Aral Road from 8:45 a.m. to 1:10 p.m.
• Esch Road eastbound from M-22 to Indian Hill Road from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
• Indian Hill Road southbound from Esch Road to Saffron Road from 9 a.m. to 1:25 p.m.
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• Indian Hill Road northbound from Saffron Road to Esch Road from 9:10 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.
• Esch Road westbound from Indian Hill Road to M-22 from 9:15 am. To 1:35 p.m.
• M-22 southbound from Aral Road to Platte Road from 9:15 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.
• M-22 southbound from Platte Road to Crystal Drive from 9:30 a.m. to
2:30 p.m.
• M-22 southbound from Crystal Drive to South Shore Drive from 9:40 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
• M-22 Southbound from South Shore Drive to James Street from 9:50 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Seventh Street southbound from James Street to Main Street from 9:55 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Frankfort/Furnace Avenue all lanes from M-22
to Center Street from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For complete course information, visit ironman. com/im703-michigancourse.
Friends and family of Ironman 70.3 Michigan are encouraged to spectate portions of the race.
Open Space Park is where event organizers say the best view of the swimming portion of the triathlon can be found. Athletes will be entering and exiting the water from the Betsie Valley Trail on the waterfront.
Event organizers suggest lining Main Street, in Frankfort, between Seventh Street and Lake Street (M22) to catch a glimpse of athletes as they begin the biking leg of the triathlon.
The running portion allows for many viewing positions; but event organizers recommend any portion of the Betsie Valley Trail, as well as on Second Street in Frankfort and Elberta’s Waterfront Park.
Event organizers say the event finishes on Main Street near the Lake Michigan Beach in Frankfort, and spectators have space to cheer on the athletes between Michigan Avenue and Second Street.
K en grabOwsK i
For hear St Michigan
FRANKFORT —
Frankfort and the surrounding area is no stranger to an influx of visitors.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day — and then again during fall color season — the village swells to an exponential number of people. The lakeshores, beaches, hiking trails, restaurants and shops provide a draw to the area.
For the past two years, Ironman 70.3 Michigan has brought thousands of participants and spectators to the area in September, during a time when typically, the visitor numbers are beginning to wane. School is back in session for most states near Michigan, so family trip action has slowed.
What effect does the influx have on these local businesses? There are challenges, but for the most part the businesses dependent on tourist dollars have welcomed the opportunity for an extra weekend of profit.
A quick search for hotel availability the night before the race, finds all hotels in Frankfort, Beulah, Honor and even Empire, completely booked. Some hosts of rustic cabin and camp opportunities through AirBnB and Hipcamp still report availability.
“We love Ironman at Honor Motel,” said owner Kate Theobold. “Normally, September reservations are beginning to drop off a bit, but race weekend is full. People begin making their reservations for next year as soon as the race is over. The racers are great guests, just super nice people.”
Local athlete Andy Johnson is a two-time local organizer for Ironman and a registered participant for 2023.
“The overall impact of race weekend on our area tourism is hard to quantify, since many of the participants fall in love with our area and bring their families back during other times of the year. I’ve seen Ironman 70.3 stickers on out-of-state cars in April,” he said.
Establishments serving food, from restaurants to ice cream shops, do their best to order enough stock and secure extra staffing for the weekend. The staffing can be a particular challenge due to the date, as college students who often fill those positions have already left the area.
Cory Bissell, owner Kilwin’s of Frankfort, said he’s learned from previous Ironman events.
“The past two years have taught us to stock up on grab and go goodies like our giant turtles, caramel corn and brittles. We’re busier at night,” he said.
“On race day, families shop during the race and the athletes fill the store for hours after dinner. The excitement in the air is contagious to our staff. It’s great to hear how many participants have grown to love our area and have visited and trained here before and after the event.”
Another logistic factor for local staffing, and also those trying to get to work who are not in any way affiliated with the race effort, is the difficulty of road closures throughout the race day. Roads will completely closed or partially blocked along the route from 7:30 a.m. until
roughly 3 p.m. on Sept. 17.
Local officials work to raise awareness of the impending road closures through door-to-door mailings, flyers, social media and print media ads. Distributed information shows maps of closures, and encourages local residents to car pool, arrange alternate routes and transportation modes if possible.
Area guests who have not received the road closure notifications and have booked stays during race weekend have sometimes been unpleasantly surprised by the lack of access to Frankfort for nearly an entire day, and the challenge of finding ways to bypass the town to enjoy recreation in other areas.
For some businesses, the race makes opening too
Continued on Page 12
K en grabOwsK i
For hear St Michigan
FRANKFORT — The challenge of recruiting 1,000 volunteers to assist in putting on a large event can be a daunting task for a volunteer coordinator.
It’s a challenge Ironman
70.3 Michigan volunteer coordinator Janice Davidson doesn’t shy away from because she has faced the same one for the previous two years and been successful both times.
Davidson said in early August that she had about 30% of volunteers needed for the Sept. 17 event in Frankfort, but she is confident organizers will reach their goal over the next several weeks.
“We have about 300 signed up right now and need 1,000 volunteers again this year, so we obviously need lots of help,” said Davidson. “Since we are only at 30% right now, we are definitely looking for some more community support.”
When you have an event that includes about 1,500 competitors, it takes a lot of volunteers working
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difficult.
With part of the race route closing M-22 at the base of Point Betsie Road, the Point Betsie Lighthouse simply closes for the day.
“While we do close on race day, we have several participants and their families come out on race wing days, as they arrive and also as they depart the area,” said Point Betsie Lighthouse executive director Casey Ottinger.
Steve Christian, owner Dinghy’s Restaurant and
in a variety of manners during, before and after the competition.
Davidson said they are getting help already from some groups like the Benzie County Central Schools basketball and volleyball teams, which have stepped up to volunteer.
Varsity basketball coach Jeff Nordbeck and
Bar in Frankfort, said that he found athletes weren’t “interested” in restaurant meals or beverages.
“The spectators provide a bit of a boost, but opening up an additional day was a loss for us,” Christian said. “I see the primary benefit as gaining exposure for racers and spectators that might not have visited Benzie County and once they see what a neat town Frankfort is, they will be back on another trip. We’re happy to have the race back in Benzie County.”
Despite the challenges,
volleyball coach Corey Bechler said they have each recruited 45 players, coaches, family members and others to man a pair of aid stations.
“Last year was our first year doing it as an organization, and I just know some other teams like our cross country and volleyball teams have done it,” said Nordbeck. “Ironman does offer grants
most residents remain enthusiastic and are inspired by the race itself.
“Ironman brings out the best in people,” said Johnson. “We’ve had volunteers say working Ironman was the most meaningful thing they have ever done as a volunteer. That’s not saying they are going to train to race themselves, but they are impacted by seeing people work so hard on personal goals, and also how supportive community members are of the athletes.”
to help with a little money to put back into your program, so we applied for a grant as it is a good way to bring some funds to our program.”
Nordbeck said last year his group manned a run station, which was called Aide Station No. 1.
Bechler said that his group will be manning an aide station for the bicycle
portion of the competition.
“We have been doing it for several years and the girls really seem to enjoy doing it as it’s a great community service,” said Bechler. “It’s a lot of fun and I think it is a cool adventure and situation for the girls to be a part of.”
Davidson said those individuals or groups who have an interest in
becoming a volunteer should visit ironman.com/ volunteer and go to the Michigan event. Volunteers are needed for several days before and even the day after the event.
“We are going to need volunteers for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for everything from registration to picking up trash and recycling after it is over,” said Davidson.
Davidson said she is pleased to see many returning volunteers from the first two years.
“We are glad to have them back and 90% of the captains I am working with have done it in the past,” she said. “A specific area we need right now are motorcycle volunteers that can lead the athletes and the criteria there is they need to be able transport someone or a second seat.”
She said there are no age restrictions for volunteers; everyone is welcome. Some volunteers donate one day and others work several days of the event.
“We can’t do it without them,” Davisonson said.
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Anyone who visits the website and still is unsure where they can help should email Davidson at im70.3michigan@ ironmanvolunteers.com.
She pointed out that volunteers will be spread through a wide area
in Benzie County, and Ironman is flexible in placing volunteers near the events they prefer.
Nordbeck said last year his girls basketball team was assigned to Aide Station No. 1 in the running portion.
“Because they circle
around in the running part of it, I think they went past our station five times,” he said. “We broke up into two groups with a morning and afternoon session, but some of us stayed all day. There were players, moms, dads, brothers, sisters and friends all helping out along with a few others who volunteered for station one.”
He said they had to work both sides of the roadway because runners circled around on the route.
“We had tables set on both sides of the road so the runners didn’t have to cross paths,” said Nordbeck. “I would say we were there from 7 a.m. in the morning right on up to 5 p.m. that afternoon. It’s a long day,
but a fun one.”
He said the day before, they picked up everything needed for that run station like bananas, granola bars, water and other such things.
Nordbeck said to make it fun, the team chose a
theme for how everyone in their group dresses for the event.
“Last year we did a Fourth of July theme with lots of red, white and blue and this year the girls are looking at a ‘Barbie’ theme (from the movie),” he said.
Bechler said his team enjoys being a part of the event, and just like the basketball team it is a group effort of team members, family and friends.
“We take moms, dads, friends, boyfriends and anyone who wants to volunteer,” said Bechler. “I think we are going to be over by M-22 by Loon Lake where we will be handing out water during the bike portion.”
Davidson said organizers show their appreciation with a special gathering after the event for the volunteers.
“All volunteers receive a T-shirt and we do feed them, so whether you are at a station or a different post there will be food for you,” she said. “We do offer a volunteer banquet, we do awards and give away a lot of prizes.”
I was a competitive swimmer through high school, college and post college years. I, because it was quick and easy, was a sprinter. The idea of swimming 500 yards as fast as possible seemed just weird and a lot of hard work. I stuck with the 50 and 100 yard races.
It was around my mid 20s that I also find myself becoming a cyclist. It was my friend Teresa Brown that said, “Hey, you should come cycling with us.” So, I did.
I showed up with my mountain bike, hat backward and an Ozzy Osbourne T-shirt on to a pack of cyclists that were
on expensive bikes, proper helmets and cycling gear that was probably worth more than my beat up Jeep Wrangler I had at the time.
We rode and I kept up. Well, that’s what I told myself. In reality, they slowed down. But I did the 30 miles.
Brown, who I later realized had a plan, said I should get a bike. I did. Then, “Hey, you should get some running shoes.”
I now owned a bike I probably couldn’t afford, and running shoes that cost more than weekly groceries.
Brown: “Hey, you should do a triathlon.”
I was now signed up for my first triathlon and it was amazing. It was a short sprint — see sprint note
above — and the adrenaline rush that came with it, the camaraderie of others and the type of people racing was brilliant. There is no discrimination in triathlons. Just people that want to race and cheer on others.
Over the next several years I trained up to doing my first half Ironman — 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike then a 13.1 run — in Miami.
I also was married and working. But, I still found the time to train. Some years I would do one race, others I would do more. But, the possibility of doing a full Ironman — 2.4 miles swim, 112 miles on the bike and a 26.2 mile run — never occurred to me.
We all have our reason to push ourselves, especially
when it comes to doing a full Ironman. For me, I was in my 40s, I had just gone through a divorce and I found myself eating out every night. Living the dream, right? No. My fridge was filled with leftovers and I had one question, “What can I do to get back on track.”
I signed up for a full Ironman and it was the greatest decision.
For the next eight months I trained every day but not in distances, rather, time slots. My training schedule looked like the following:
Monday: run for 30 minutes, ride for one hour, swim for 45 minutes;
Tuesday: run for 45 minutes, swim for an hour, ride for 2 hours;
Wednesday: run for one
hour, swim for 34 minutes;
Thursday: ride for two hours, swim of one hour;
Friday: ride for one hour, swim for 45 minutes, run for 1.5 hours.
The weekend was where the distances come in on the bike (basically because of time). I would ride for four to five hours and build distances each time. One weekend 50 miles, the next it could be 60 miles, up to 80 mile rides. One specific gas station in Illinois that was on my route knew I was training and would allow me to fill up my water bottles and keep snacks there for me.
As each week passed, my time duration would increase so I would capitalize on my own training and not become
stagnant with a set distance. I was competing with myself, instead of simply making a certain distance.
Although the training was intense, it was the moments of being tired and having to convince myself to buck up and get out there that were challenging. For example, if it was raining, I ran in the rain. If I was tired, I got on the bike and put the time in.
In addition to the physical training, there was also diet: When to eat and what to eat, and what to eat during long rides. Just as important: How to keep yourself hydrated correctly during workouts — I spent many hours reading books and watching interviews on YouTube.
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This wasn’t a sprint.
I completed my Ironman in Coeur d’Arlene, Idaho in August of 2016. Arriving there and seeing the thousands of racers and more than double the amount of spectators was thrilling. I arrived a few days prior to drive the 140.6 mile course that I had 17 hours to do from start to finish. I knew there was a 3,000-plus foot elevation gain but driving it made me feel like it was triple that.
But, in my mind, there was nothing more I could do. I put in the many hours of training and there I was.
During the race you really are on your own and with your thoughts. The training kicks in and you fall back on it.
I completed the 2.4 mile swim in less than an hour and, if you’re currently
training for your first full, be prepared to get kicked in the water. Comes with the territory.
My bike was packed with several bottles. One with salt tablets, one with plain water, one with electrolytes and an empty cage to rotate drinks out at the food and drink stations. I also cut up 23 pieces of protein bars. What I would do is place one in my mouth under my tongue and slowly eat it and I replenished it every five miles so I was constantly fueling my body the entire ride.
I completed my ride in about 10 hours.
Now, to run a marathon. This is where the spectators become your extended family. Nothing but motivational signs, people ringing cowbells and strangers telling you, “You can do it.”
To me, this was the best part. Again, there’s no discrimination during a
triathlon — just people making sure you’re good.
I finished my race in 16 hours. Once I ran down the shoot, I got my medal and I ate the greasiest slice of pizza and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is my story of doing an Ironman. If you’re training, don’t stop. If you’re thinking of competing in one, or just a sprint, you become part of a community that will support you — you make lifelong friends.
Feel free to email me with any questions at darren. iozia@hearst.com.
Lastly, will I do another Ironman? Yes I will.
Darren Iozia is the editor of the The Pioneer in Big Rapids, the Lake County Star and Herald Review, all sister publications to the Manistee News Advocate and Benzie County Record Patriot.