Who else has had it with Ironman events being the only worthy venue for serious triathletes in the USA? Who else thinks Ironman racing robs too many young athletes (myself included) of the ability to race fast, be healthy and financially stable.
Last April my wife and I registered for IM AZ but we are no longer doing it. This isn’t the first time. We’ve done this twice before! Why? Why did we follow the pied-piper that is Ironman?
Ironman lacks spontaneity because you have to register a year in advance. It lacks openness because you have to be (frankly) rich to get in to the race (with all the equipment, race fees, travel).... most importantly Ironman lacks the fundamental principles of racing. How many times have you been told you can't race in an Ironman bike or first half of the marathon. When somebody passes you it is cause for ignoring them, you have to dull your instincts and say... it is not a race.
After the Ironman race I always question if what I did was healthy. Did I breakdown cartilage in my knees (they always feel like sand is in the joints the day after).... did I waste too much time or money... was it worth it? Perhaps there is a legitimate reason to be depressed after an Ironman event.
In my mind Ironman is a once in awhile type of activity. Too many people come to the sport to cross the IM finish line and then never return. I wish there was a better short course series.
Who's with me?
Last April my wife and I registered for IM AZ but we are no longer doing it. This isn’t the first time. We’ve done this twice before! Why? Why did we follow the pied-piper that is Ironman?
Ironman lacks spontaneity because you have to register a year in advance. It lacks openness because you have to be (frankly) rich to get in to the race (with all the equipment, race fees, travel).... most importantly Ironman lacks the fundamental principles of racing. How many times have you been told you can't race in an Ironman bike or first half of the marathon. When somebody passes you it is cause for ignoring them, you have to dull your instincts and say... it is not a race.
After the Ironman race I always question if what I did was healthy. Did I breakdown cartilage in my knees (they always feel like sand is in the joints the day after).... did I waste too much time or money... was it worth it? Perhaps there is a legitimate reason to be depressed after an Ironman event.
In my mind Ironman is a once in awhile type of activity. Too many people come to the sport to cross the IM finish line and then never return. I wish there was a better short course series.
Who's with me?