Great day for just blasting away at for most the first race of the year. Started out by hanging with the ORRT out in the parking lot talking race strategies and then went for a good warm up. Starting to get pumped up when race time comes.
Bill Read really puts on a good show and when I run by him while warming up he asked where the Bloomington Police car was this year... I said I don't know did you call, and he said " No" By the way its was 12:54 six minutes till the gun. I located a phone made the call and a short time later there was a Police Officer to lead us.
High fives to ORRT and the horn blows. As we blasted away the first mile Ryan and Mike were still insight, 5:31 What? and with that I know I will be slowing throughout the second mile. Turning around on the Boulevard I got a glimpse of what might catch up. Next thing I know here comes Emily and Carly Pederson. I ride for a minute and it was a nice surge. Mile 2 passes and I hear 11:26 still holding a 5:42 pace. Just then I could feel a pack closing or were they there the whole time, I dont know. Headng back to the east of Croxton I get passed by Doug Rosen and he is the only one I know infront of me now in my age group. Then Seanan and Nikki pull up and I grab a hold and just stay there. The last stretch was nice, a little tail wind for the push home.
I kept telling Nikki it was time to go since we both just got passed. I pushed till the end and came across the line 18:34 good for 3rd in my age group.
I'll take it since speed work has not been on the training schedule. I want to thank Mitch and Ryan for all you do and to the ORRT members everyone had a fast day. Good job
Next for me Boston
Train hard, Train smart
David
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Training now
Well its 5 weeks from Boston and I feel pretty darn good. The miles are back up and the calf is fine. Today I will start out with a fast 3.1 for the St. Pats 5K and then onto 17.0 more at a more manageable pace. Today is my second of 4, 20 milers and I am looking forward to just being outside. The weather still has been cold and that just puts a damper on training. I don't mind running in the cold, but I feel much stronger physically, and mentally when its warmer. Most folks complain about training in the heat, I on the other hand love it hot. Bring it on mother nature...
Swims are going great. I feel that the 4 days a week in the pool have been paying off and the races this year I hope to reflect just that. 3-4 master swim workouts a week and on occasion a Sunday long easy swim have me feeling more confident that my times during the swim portion of my races will dramatically kill the last couple of race swim times.
Biking will pick up and has too. I have been outside 1 time and that was a short ride, about 45 minutes but I did hill repeats. Riding on the trainer a few times a week isn't going to cut it, but the rides I have been doing are all strength rides, pushing big gears at medium cadence rate.
Post race ritual is in full swing today. Eat,relax, get ready and run.
Train hard, train smart
Swims are going great. I feel that the 4 days a week in the pool have been paying off and the races this year I hope to reflect just that. 3-4 master swim workouts a week and on occasion a Sunday long easy swim have me feeling more confident that my times during the swim portion of my races will dramatically kill the last couple of race swim times.
Biking will pick up and has too. I have been outside 1 time and that was a short ride, about 45 minutes but I did hill repeats. Riding on the trainer a few times a week isn't going to cut it, but the rides I have been doing are all strength rides, pushing big gears at medium cadence rate.
Post race ritual is in full swing today. Eat,relax, get ready and run.
Train hard, train smart
Tri Essay
The following essay was researched and written by an Illinois Weslyan student/athlete, Kirsten Pufahl. She contacted the Tri-Shark triathlon club for information for her research entitled " A glimpse into the lives of Ironmen." I met Kirsten at a Thursday night indoor bike session and she was enthusiastic about the research into the lifestyles of tri athletes. She was so enthusiastic she brought along a barrowed bike and joined in on the workout session. By the way, by far the hardest of all of the Spinerval workouts. "Bending crank arms".
She persisted, completed the workout and then continued with interviewing the group. I found Kirsten to be an interesting person and she fits in well the triathlon community. She already has an athletic background being a distance runner for the University and will join the ranks of being called a Tri athlete in June, when she will be participating in the Tri-Shark Classic. The Classic is a sprint distance triathlon which is to be held at Comalara park, and will consist of a 600 yard swim, 13 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run.
Just with the short meetings with Kirsten I have the confidence to say she will complete the race and get a true feel for what a triathlete is.
Enjoy the tri essay:
Tri-Shark Triathlon Club: A Glimpse into the Lives of Ironmen
The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination
. -Tommy Lasorda (Athlete and Sports Manager)
Introduction
Local triathletes are able to find each other, support one another, and come together through the Tri-Shark Triathlon Club. The Tri-Shark Triathlon Club is a Bloomington, Illinois based organization founded in 1994 with 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization status. The club offers various opportunities to its members through networking and providing access to experienced and knowledgeable triathletes. The group also provides group-training opportunities, social events, and hosts two triathlons each year. The organization is comprised of roughly 180 members from around the area who vary in experience, skill level, and age. The club’s mission statement clearly explains their purpose and goals: The mission of the Tri-Shark Triathlon Club is to promote all aspects of the multi-sport lifestyle. The club serves athletes of all ages and abilities in Central Illinois by educating and informing, organizing multi-sport competitions, and coordinating group workouts. We seek to provide a fun and supportive team environment that assists each member in achieving their personal goals. (The Tri-Shark Triathlon Club Website: http://www.tri-shark.org/TriSharkClub2/)
I utilized the Tri-Shark Club as a lens to look into the lives of triathletes, specifically those who have completed an Ironman or are in the process of training for an Ironman. The Ironman triathlon is the pinnacle of triathlon competition. It is sponsored by the World Triathlon Corporation and consists of a 2.4 mile (3.9 km) swim in open water, 112 mile (180 km) bike, and 26.2 mile (42.2 km) marathon run.
While working with Tri-Shark members Ryan Case, Mitch Slater, and Dave Quinn, I uncovered substantial truth opposed to the myths of the Ironman. These three triathletes shared their experiences and what it takes to undertake the task of training for and competing in an Ironman triathlon. Amongst the physical demands of the sport, Case, Slater, and Quinn addressed the issues of weather, time commitment and balancing various life obligations with training, and expenses as we discussed what was involved in being or becoming an Ironman.
Assumptions and Early Hypotheses
Before conducting research through literature review, participant-observation, and personal interviews, I had my own assumptions and hypotheses about Ironmen. I learned many of my beliefs were typical connotations attached with the Ironman triathlon and its participants. I am glad I have gained the truth about the sport and its athletes through working with a select few of them. The Ironman triathlon is often portrayed as and thought of as an impossible feat that only Herculean men attempt. Mitch Slater immediately corrected this idea. He stated, “The most common misconception is that it takes a Herculean effort to finish an Ironman.” Slater went on to explain that if you put in the effort and time and are disciplined, almost anyone can complete an Ironman. He finished this idea off by describing the ability to finish the race as a mindset more than athletic ability. This statement also proved my second assumption to be false. I had always believed that Ironmen were the most athletic and strongest people in the world. Research and literature review further falsifies this idea. Jayne Williams’ book, Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body you Have Now, explains how people can go from out of shape, undisciplined, and unprepared to racing a triathlon, possibly reaching Ironman level competition. Williams recounts her own epiphany with the idea of training in her not-so-lean body after watching a friend during a triathlon. She thought, “Hey, I could do that…he’s a real human being…” (Williams, 2004).
I have to admit, I also always believed Ironmen were a little crazy to train so intensely in three sports (swimming, biking, and running) while still maintaining their everyday obligations, such as work and family. I try to imagine the agony of an Ironman triathlon, and I can’t. I cannot comprehend the reality of physically exhausting my body by swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles in the cutoff of 17 hours. After thinking about all of this, I always thought it was a task people intended to tackle once in their lives, but I learned the contrary. Many who compete in Ironman competitions come back again and compete multiple times. It becomes an addiction. As Kara Douglass Thom observed in her compilation of first time Ironman experience stories, “Of all the Ironman athletes I talked to while compiling this book, not one of them said they would never do another. Not one. The compulsion, I believe, isn’t in the exercise; it’s in the emotion” (2001). Upon working with Case, Slater, and Quinn, I realized they weren’t crazy at all; they are all extremely dedicated, motivated individuals with a continuous ultimate goal in mind. This is a passion of theirs and through Tri-Shark they are able to encourage and support one another in their individual endeavors. Gordon Byrn and Joe Friel emphasize the “power of belief and the share of mind” in their book, Going Long: Training for Ironman-Distance (2003). The support system these athletes find in each other allows them to believe and share their minds.
Reading literature on triathlons and Ironman triathlons helped formulate many of my questions and inquiries. I found a pattern in the emphasis on discipline, commitment, time management and the difficulties of balancing other obligations with training. These issues and topics were prevalent while talking with my own consultants. It was very obvious these are some of the main concerns Ironmen deal with. Addressing these themes also lead to discussions involving weather and training difficulties and the expenses of the sport, which are also other key matters of triathlons.
Ethnographic Methods
Throughout my research I employed various ethnographic methods. I used participant-observation the most with the Tri-Shark Club. I believe I was able to gain a true insider’s point of view by using participant observation. It allowed me to witness what the members of the group were explaining to me. It was the best way to understand what I was being told.
Every Thursday night, the Cases host a trainer ride in their garage. Any Tri-Shark member is welcome to join as they set up their bikes on trainers to make them stationary. Case projects a Spinervals workout video on the wall as the group’s evening workout. The Cases’ host these workouts throughout the winter and colder months of the year, as athletes are unable to bike outdoors due to weather restraints. I sat in on these workouts every Thursday and participated in the last one I attended (Figure 2).
While I observed the biking sessions I was able to ask questions and informally talk about triathlons, training, Ironmen, and any tangent that arose. I gathered a bulk of vital information during these sessions. I also understood the depth of the workouts a bit more once I joined in and could barely walk the following day due to soreness. However, it was worth it as it showed I was serious to experience it myself. I also joined Quinn in the Shirk pool during one of his Sunday swim training sessions. Once again, I realized the commitment these athletes have, as I was exhausted after 15 minutes (Figure 3).
As a distance runner, I understand the concepts of these athletes, such as determination, drive, focus, etc., but to apply all of these aspects to three separate sports is what amazes me.
I chose to work with and interview Case, Slater, and Quinn for various reasons. I chose to contact Case because he is the President of the Tri-Shark Club. I figured he would be able to provide me with the information I needed or help me find other contacts if he was unable to help. Fortunately, he was willing to help my cause and informed me of the biking sessions, answered my questions and emails, allowed me to interview him, and provided support for my project. Another reason I chose to work with Case was because he has completed one Ironman. Slater was at the first biking session I attended and seemed willing to participate in my research as well. He attended every biking night I went to and also answered all of my questions and allowed me to interview him. He is also in the process of training for his first Ironman. Quinn was my last consultant as I met him at the last biking session. He was also a big help with my research. I interviewed him along with Case and Slater, talked with him about his Ironman finisher pictures, and worked out with him. He is also an Ironman, as he has completed two, and is in the process of training for his third race.
I conducted most all of my interviews at the Cases’ house during and after biking workouts. During the workout, the interviews were much more informal. We talked and discussed a variety of topics as I allowed tangents to take their course. After bike workouts, I focused on more specific questions I had and took notes and wrote down quotes. On a typical Thursday night bike session I spent about 2-3 hours with the group. The use of Quinn’s archival finisher photographs (Figure 4) provided further insight, as these are some of the most meaningful pictures he has. I also reviewed the pictures I took and ideas that I thought would be useful in this photo-essay with the group. I opened the floor for suggestions and ideas from the group and made sure my ideas were on the right track.
Presentation of Data
Along with the physical demands of the sport, Case, Slater, and Quinn addressed the issues of weather, time commitment and balancing various life obligations with training, and expenses as we discussed what was involved in being or becoming an Ironman.
Weather
All mid-westerners know the weather is very unpredictable throughout the year. However, Case, Slater, and Quinn don’t let that stop them from training. All three men agreed training for an Ironman should consist of at least one year of training. With that in mind, they are bound to run into trouble with the weather and their desired training. Therefore, they act accordingly. They are able to get their bike workouts in with trainer rides in the garage, indoor swims in hotel pools or the Shirk center, and run outdoors or indoors depending on the severity of the weather. Case explains, “We get a maximum of 6 good months of training weather in the Midwest. We spend 4 months in the garage and complain about the weather…but we’re each other’s support group” (Figure 5). Furthermore, Case explained the consequences of wind, cold, snow, and ice in conjunction with triathlon training. Slater and Quinn also gave insight about the harsh mid-western weather. They discussed the inability to practice swimming in open water during the majority of the year. They resort to pool swimming for that portion of their training (Figure 6).
Juggling Time
The time commitment attached to training for an Ironman was by far the biggest issue of the sport. Case described it as “a full-time job, you need to learn how to juggle everything.” Slater explained the difficulties of finding a balance between hours training and the rest of life such as work and other social obligations. Quinn is also very familiar with this issue as he balances his training regime with his work as a Bloomington Police Officer and as a husband and father of three. He stated, “It [training] takes time away from family life…you have to get your schedules down, you get up at 3 a.m. if you have to so you can still be there for your kids.” Learning time management is a major skill necessary for balancing all of these things. Also, having a plan and schedule allows these athletes to accomplish what they need to do. Case and Quinn exemplified this idea as they fit a run in after a Thursday night bike workout (Figure 7).
Expenses
Being a triathlete and competing in triathlons can also get very expensive. There are a lot of things that are easily forgotten when taking into account the expenses of the sport. Starting with the necessary gear, Slater listed off the minimum requirements along with some optional gear: goggles, swimsuit, wetsuit, tri shorts, swim cap, bike, helmet, shoes, bike pump, spare tires, bike shorts and jerseys, maintenance fees, race belt, and water bottles. Fees for pool usage and/or club membership also need to be taken into account. Slater also explained that the quality and level of equipment also plays a role in how expensive the sport is. For example, a person can use more basic bike but it can be specialized with things such as pedals and tires. There are also options regarding low to mid to high-end quality and accessories, so it does vary from person to person. Slater mentioned the most common bike used in Ironman competition is between $2,500-$3,000.
The costs don’t end there however. There are registration fees, hotel rooms, travel costs, and food. Case and Slater estimated a conservative cost of the weekend of an Ironman race to be between $1,000-$2,000. This also takes into account unexpected costs, such as finisher’s gear with the Ironman logo and race information on it, and other costs such as family or spouse travel and room and board.
General Data
Aside from the pressing issues of Ironman, Case, Slater, and Quinn had some other information to add to the proper portrayal of the sport and their relationships with each other. All expressed the family type atmosphere of the triathlete community. Everyone knows everyone’s families; it is a family atmosphere. The members also hang out with each other and drink beer together on occasion. Slater emphasized, “[Training, Ironman, Competing] is not part of your life, it’s a lifestyle commitment.” He continued to say the members have such a good relationship with one another because they have like minded characteristics and like to live an active lifestyle. Quinn’s statement supports Slater’s testimony as well. He states, “Tri people associate with other tri people. The triathlon community is supportive of everyone who comes in, it’s not like other professional sports…pro triathletes will talk to you
about anything, which is the biggest difference between triathletes and some other athletes.”
I also inquired about the trend of getting a tattoo of the Ironman logo after completing and Ironman. Case declared after completing an Ironman it is “a rite-of-passage” to get the emblem tattoo and he has an appointment to get his done (Figure 8).
Data Analysis
The data I collected from my studies refutes my preconceived beliefs about Ironmen. My misconceptions were proved to be false through literature review and first hand experiences while working with the members of Tri-Shark. I think the ideas I had prior to this research were produced solely on advertisement and marketing in magazines and the media. The Ironman is viewed in a very different light when receiving information from second hand sources.
I believe the members of the community I worked with portray “typical” members of the community as a whole. They all expressed similar ideas and beliefs, which were in conjunction with my secondary literary sources. However, there are characteristics that do separate this group from mainstream America. As discussed earlier, the amount of dedication, time management, focus, and determination these athletes put on the table greatly exceeds that of a mainstream American. These athletes have gone though things that have changed the way they think or feel about things and many mainstream Americans will never know what it feels like to do what these community members have done. These community members have many positive attributes and high character qualities that separate them from mainstream America. If you ask me, that is definitely not a bad thing.
I feel the members of this group pass on these characteristics through support and encouragement. They don’t discriminate against the inexperienced triathlete or the person who is experimenting with the sport. Through their guidance and assistance, the community naturally draws people in. People are in search for the relationships that develop within this community. I can personally say this is true. After working with the Tri-Shark Club, I will be competing in my first triathlon this summer with the help and support from those I worked with on this project. I admire the work these individuals put in day in and day out. It might not take a Herculean effort to complete an Ironman, but it takes a hero in my book to accomplish the tasks these athletes undertake daily.
Conclusion
At the beginning of this project I set out to uncover the aspects of the Ironman that are not necessarily publicized. I wanted to know who did them and why and what challenges they faced. I learned that they are everyday people. Slater even described them as the Ironmen next door. They don’t consider themselves indestructible, but real human beings, not much different from anyone else. I feel I accomplished my goals in what I wanted to learn about Ironmen and exceeded them. The members of Tri-Shark I worked with were extremely open and also interested in what I was doing as well, which helped a lot with my research.
The only bias I can think of that may have entered my research is my background of distance running. I am familiar with the concepts triathlons embrace, but in a different way. Even though running is incorporated into triathlons, it is still a different sport and I needed to remind myself of that on occasion. Overall, I don’t think this bias affected the research much, if at all. It may have provided me with further inquiries as my training is in only one aspect of their sport.
While I am happy with my findings and the information I gathered, I didn’t quite get to everything I would eventually like to learn. I think for future studies, it would be interesting to look into the male to female participation and the various levels of triathlons. There is a wide range of the sport and it encompasses a variety of people. I would like to learn more about people’s motivations and reasons for getting involved with triathlons.
Work Cited
Byrn, Gordon and Joe Friel. (2003). Going Long: Training for Ironman-Distance.
Boulder: VeloPress.
Thom, Kara Douglass. (2001). Becoming an Ironman: First Encounters with the
Ultimate Endurance Event. Halcottsville: Breakaway Books.
Williams, Jayne. (2004). Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body
You Have Now. New York: Da Capo Press.
She persisted, completed the workout and then continued with interviewing the group. I found Kirsten to be an interesting person and she fits in well the triathlon community. She already has an athletic background being a distance runner for the University and will join the ranks of being called a Tri athlete in June, when she will be participating in the Tri-Shark Classic. The Classic is a sprint distance triathlon which is to be held at Comalara park, and will consist of a 600 yard swim, 13 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run.
Just with the short meetings with Kirsten I have the confidence to say she will complete the race and get a true feel for what a triathlete is.
Enjoy the tri essay:
Tri-Shark Triathlon Club: A Glimpse into the Lives of Ironmen
The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination
. -Tommy Lasorda (Athlete and Sports Manager)
Introduction
Local triathletes are able to find each other, support one another, and come together through the Tri-Shark Triathlon Club. The Tri-Shark Triathlon Club is a Bloomington, Illinois based organization founded in 1994 with 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization status. The club offers various opportunities to its members through networking and providing access to experienced and knowledgeable triathletes. The group also provides group-training opportunities, social events, and hosts two triathlons each year. The organization is comprised of roughly 180 members from around the area who vary in experience, skill level, and age. The club’s mission statement clearly explains their purpose and goals: The mission of the Tri-Shark Triathlon Club is to promote all aspects of the multi-sport lifestyle. The club serves athletes of all ages and abilities in Central Illinois by educating and informing, organizing multi-sport competitions, and coordinating group workouts. We seek to provide a fun and supportive team environment that assists each member in achieving their personal goals. (The Tri-Shark Triathlon Club Website: http://www.tri-shark.org/TriSharkClub2/)
I utilized the Tri-Shark Club as a lens to look into the lives of triathletes, specifically those who have completed an Ironman or are in the process of training for an Ironman. The Ironman triathlon is the pinnacle of triathlon competition. It is sponsored by the World Triathlon Corporation and consists of a 2.4 mile (3.9 km) swim in open water, 112 mile (180 km) bike, and 26.2 mile (42.2 km) marathon run.
While working with Tri-Shark members Ryan Case, Mitch Slater, and Dave Quinn, I uncovered substantial truth opposed to the myths of the Ironman. These three triathletes shared their experiences and what it takes to undertake the task of training for and competing in an Ironman triathlon. Amongst the physical demands of the sport, Case, Slater, and Quinn addressed the issues of weather, time commitment and balancing various life obligations with training, and expenses as we discussed what was involved in being or becoming an Ironman.
Assumptions and Early Hypotheses
Before conducting research through literature review, participant-observation, and personal interviews, I had my own assumptions and hypotheses about Ironmen. I learned many of my beliefs were typical connotations attached with the Ironman triathlon and its participants. I am glad I have gained the truth about the sport and its athletes through working with a select few of them. The Ironman triathlon is often portrayed as and thought of as an impossible feat that only Herculean men attempt. Mitch Slater immediately corrected this idea. He stated, “The most common misconception is that it takes a Herculean effort to finish an Ironman.” Slater went on to explain that if you put in the effort and time and are disciplined, almost anyone can complete an Ironman. He finished this idea off by describing the ability to finish the race as a mindset more than athletic ability. This statement also proved my second assumption to be false. I had always believed that Ironmen were the most athletic and strongest people in the world. Research and literature review further falsifies this idea. Jayne Williams’ book, Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body you Have Now, explains how people can go from out of shape, undisciplined, and unprepared to racing a triathlon, possibly reaching Ironman level competition. Williams recounts her own epiphany with the idea of training in her not-so-lean body after watching a friend during a triathlon. She thought, “Hey, I could do that…he’s a real human being…” (Williams, 2004).
I have to admit, I also always believed Ironmen were a little crazy to train so intensely in three sports (swimming, biking, and running) while still maintaining their everyday obligations, such as work and family. I try to imagine the agony of an Ironman triathlon, and I can’t. I cannot comprehend the reality of physically exhausting my body by swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles in the cutoff of 17 hours. After thinking about all of this, I always thought it was a task people intended to tackle once in their lives, but I learned the contrary. Many who compete in Ironman competitions come back again and compete multiple times. It becomes an addiction. As Kara Douglass Thom observed in her compilation of first time Ironman experience stories, “Of all the Ironman athletes I talked to while compiling this book, not one of them said they would never do another. Not one. The compulsion, I believe, isn’t in the exercise; it’s in the emotion” (2001). Upon working with Case, Slater, and Quinn, I realized they weren’t crazy at all; they are all extremely dedicated, motivated individuals with a continuous ultimate goal in mind. This is a passion of theirs and through Tri-Shark they are able to encourage and support one another in their individual endeavors. Gordon Byrn and Joe Friel emphasize the “power of belief and the share of mind” in their book, Going Long: Training for Ironman-Distance (2003). The support system these athletes find in each other allows them to believe and share their minds.
Reading literature on triathlons and Ironman triathlons helped formulate many of my questions and inquiries. I found a pattern in the emphasis on discipline, commitment, time management and the difficulties of balancing other obligations with training. These issues and topics were prevalent while talking with my own consultants. It was very obvious these are some of the main concerns Ironmen deal with. Addressing these themes also lead to discussions involving weather and training difficulties and the expenses of the sport, which are also other key matters of triathlons.
Ethnographic Methods
Throughout my research I employed various ethnographic methods. I used participant-observation the most with the Tri-Shark Club. I believe I was able to gain a true insider’s point of view by using participant observation. It allowed me to witness what the members of the group were explaining to me. It was the best way to understand what I was being told.
Every Thursday night, the Cases host a trainer ride in their garage. Any Tri-Shark member is welcome to join as they set up their bikes on trainers to make them stationary. Case projects a Spinervals workout video on the wall as the group’s evening workout. The Cases’ host these workouts throughout the winter and colder months of the year, as athletes are unable to bike outdoors due to weather restraints. I sat in on these workouts every Thursday and participated in the last one I attended (Figure 2).
While I observed the biking sessions I was able to ask questions and informally talk about triathlons, training, Ironmen, and any tangent that arose. I gathered a bulk of vital information during these sessions. I also understood the depth of the workouts a bit more once I joined in and could barely walk the following day due to soreness. However, it was worth it as it showed I was serious to experience it myself. I also joined Quinn in the Shirk pool during one of his Sunday swim training sessions. Once again, I realized the commitment these athletes have, as I was exhausted after 15 minutes (Figure 3).
As a distance runner, I understand the concepts of these athletes, such as determination, drive, focus, etc., but to apply all of these aspects to three separate sports is what amazes me.
I chose to work with and interview Case, Slater, and Quinn for various reasons. I chose to contact Case because he is the President of the Tri-Shark Club. I figured he would be able to provide me with the information I needed or help me find other contacts if he was unable to help. Fortunately, he was willing to help my cause and informed me of the biking sessions, answered my questions and emails, allowed me to interview him, and provided support for my project. Another reason I chose to work with Case was because he has completed one Ironman. Slater was at the first biking session I attended and seemed willing to participate in my research as well. He attended every biking night I went to and also answered all of my questions and allowed me to interview him. He is also in the process of training for his first Ironman. Quinn was my last consultant as I met him at the last biking session. He was also a big help with my research. I interviewed him along with Case and Slater, talked with him about his Ironman finisher pictures, and worked out with him. He is also an Ironman, as he has completed two, and is in the process of training for his third race.
I conducted most all of my interviews at the Cases’ house during and after biking workouts. During the workout, the interviews were much more informal. We talked and discussed a variety of topics as I allowed tangents to take their course. After bike workouts, I focused on more specific questions I had and took notes and wrote down quotes. On a typical Thursday night bike session I spent about 2-3 hours with the group. The use of Quinn’s archival finisher photographs (Figure 4) provided further insight, as these are some of the most meaningful pictures he has. I also reviewed the pictures I took and ideas that I thought would be useful in this photo-essay with the group. I opened the floor for suggestions and ideas from the group and made sure my ideas were on the right track.
Presentation of Data
Along with the physical demands of the sport, Case, Slater, and Quinn addressed the issues of weather, time commitment and balancing various life obligations with training, and expenses as we discussed what was involved in being or becoming an Ironman.
Weather
All mid-westerners know the weather is very unpredictable throughout the year. However, Case, Slater, and Quinn don’t let that stop them from training. All three men agreed training for an Ironman should consist of at least one year of training. With that in mind, they are bound to run into trouble with the weather and their desired training. Therefore, they act accordingly. They are able to get their bike workouts in with trainer rides in the garage, indoor swims in hotel pools or the Shirk center, and run outdoors or indoors depending on the severity of the weather. Case explains, “We get a maximum of 6 good months of training weather in the Midwest. We spend 4 months in the garage and complain about the weather…but we’re each other’s support group” (Figure 5). Furthermore, Case explained the consequences of wind, cold, snow, and ice in conjunction with triathlon training. Slater and Quinn also gave insight about the harsh mid-western weather. They discussed the inability to practice swimming in open water during the majority of the year. They resort to pool swimming for that portion of their training (Figure 6).
Juggling Time
The time commitment attached to training for an Ironman was by far the biggest issue of the sport. Case described it as “a full-time job, you need to learn how to juggle everything.” Slater explained the difficulties of finding a balance between hours training and the rest of life such as work and other social obligations. Quinn is also very familiar with this issue as he balances his training regime with his work as a Bloomington Police Officer and as a husband and father of three. He stated, “It [training] takes time away from family life…you have to get your schedules down, you get up at 3 a.m. if you have to so you can still be there for your kids.” Learning time management is a major skill necessary for balancing all of these things. Also, having a plan and schedule allows these athletes to accomplish what they need to do. Case and Quinn exemplified this idea as they fit a run in after a Thursday night bike workout (Figure 7).
Expenses
Being a triathlete and competing in triathlons can also get very expensive. There are a lot of things that are easily forgotten when taking into account the expenses of the sport. Starting with the necessary gear, Slater listed off the minimum requirements along with some optional gear: goggles, swimsuit, wetsuit, tri shorts, swim cap, bike, helmet, shoes, bike pump, spare tires, bike shorts and jerseys, maintenance fees, race belt, and water bottles. Fees for pool usage and/or club membership also need to be taken into account. Slater also explained that the quality and level of equipment also plays a role in how expensive the sport is. For example, a person can use more basic bike but it can be specialized with things such as pedals and tires. There are also options regarding low to mid to high-end quality and accessories, so it does vary from person to person. Slater mentioned the most common bike used in Ironman competition is between $2,500-$3,000.
The costs don’t end there however. There are registration fees, hotel rooms, travel costs, and food. Case and Slater estimated a conservative cost of the weekend of an Ironman race to be between $1,000-$2,000. This also takes into account unexpected costs, such as finisher’s gear with the Ironman logo and race information on it, and other costs such as family or spouse travel and room and board.
General Data
Aside from the pressing issues of Ironman, Case, Slater, and Quinn had some other information to add to the proper portrayal of the sport and their relationships with each other. All expressed the family type atmosphere of the triathlete community. Everyone knows everyone’s families; it is a family atmosphere. The members also hang out with each other and drink beer together on occasion. Slater emphasized, “[Training, Ironman, Competing] is not part of your life, it’s a lifestyle commitment.” He continued to say the members have such a good relationship with one another because they have like minded characteristics and like to live an active lifestyle. Quinn’s statement supports Slater’s testimony as well. He states, “Tri people associate with other tri people. The triathlon community is supportive of everyone who comes in, it’s not like other professional sports…pro triathletes will talk to you
about anything, which is the biggest difference between triathletes and some other athletes.”
I also inquired about the trend of getting a tattoo of the Ironman logo after completing and Ironman. Case declared after completing an Ironman it is “a rite-of-passage” to get the emblem tattoo and he has an appointment to get his done (Figure 8).
Data Analysis
The data I collected from my studies refutes my preconceived beliefs about Ironmen. My misconceptions were proved to be false through literature review and first hand experiences while working with the members of Tri-Shark. I think the ideas I had prior to this research were produced solely on advertisement and marketing in magazines and the media. The Ironman is viewed in a very different light when receiving information from second hand sources.
I believe the members of the community I worked with portray “typical” members of the community as a whole. They all expressed similar ideas and beliefs, which were in conjunction with my secondary literary sources. However, there are characteristics that do separate this group from mainstream America. As discussed earlier, the amount of dedication, time management, focus, and determination these athletes put on the table greatly exceeds that of a mainstream American. These athletes have gone though things that have changed the way they think or feel about things and many mainstream Americans will never know what it feels like to do what these community members have done. These community members have many positive attributes and high character qualities that separate them from mainstream America. If you ask me, that is definitely not a bad thing.
I feel the members of this group pass on these characteristics through support and encouragement. They don’t discriminate against the inexperienced triathlete or the person who is experimenting with the sport. Through their guidance and assistance, the community naturally draws people in. People are in search for the relationships that develop within this community. I can personally say this is true. After working with the Tri-Shark Club, I will be competing in my first triathlon this summer with the help and support from those I worked with on this project. I admire the work these individuals put in day in and day out. It might not take a Herculean effort to complete an Ironman, but it takes a hero in my book to accomplish the tasks these athletes undertake daily.
Conclusion
At the beginning of this project I set out to uncover the aspects of the Ironman that are not necessarily publicized. I wanted to know who did them and why and what challenges they faced. I learned that they are everyday people. Slater even described them as the Ironmen next door. They don’t consider themselves indestructible, but real human beings, not much different from anyone else. I feel I accomplished my goals in what I wanted to learn about Ironmen and exceeded them. The members of Tri-Shark I worked with were extremely open and also interested in what I was doing as well, which helped a lot with my research.
The only bias I can think of that may have entered my research is my background of distance running. I am familiar with the concepts triathlons embrace, but in a different way. Even though running is incorporated into triathlons, it is still a different sport and I needed to remind myself of that on occasion. Overall, I don’t think this bias affected the research much, if at all. It may have provided me with further inquiries as my training is in only one aspect of their sport.
While I am happy with my findings and the information I gathered, I didn’t quite get to everything I would eventually like to learn. I think for future studies, it would be interesting to look into the male to female participation and the various levels of triathlons. There is a wide range of the sport and it encompasses a variety of people. I would like to learn more about people’s motivations and reasons for getting involved with triathlons.
Work Cited
Byrn, Gordon and Joe Friel. (2003). Going Long: Training for Ironman-Distance.
Boulder: VeloPress.
Thom, Kara Douglass. (2001). Becoming an Ironman: First Encounters with the
Ultimate Endurance Event. Halcottsville: Breakaway Books.
Williams, Jayne. (2004). Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body
You Have Now. New York: Da Capo Press.
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