5 FAQ ABOUT THE IRONMAN® SWIM
Triathlon
WHAT'S THE
CUTOFF?
2 HOURS 20 MINUTES
Most races start around 7am, so the cutoff is 9:20am assuming you get in the water on time. This comes out to a 3:35/100 meter pace.
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HOW MUCH DO
YOU TRAIN?
TWICE PER WEEK - 1,500-4,000 meters
Ironman Swim training should be done in sets. Meaning you do intervals at 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 meters, instead of only practicing long, slow consecutive swims.
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WHAT'S THE
HARDEST PART?
THE START
The swim start can be nerve wracking. Lots of boddies sloshing around in the water fighting for position. If you're an average swimmer with some anxiety, stay in the back of the start and wide on the turns. You might just enjoy it!
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WHAT GEAR DO
YOU NEED?
NOT MUCH, COMPARITIVELY
A swim suit, goggles and a cap are really all you 'need'. That said, most triathletes invest in wetsuits for race day to make that open water swim a bit easier (and warmer).
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CAN YOU TAKE
A REST?
YES (LEGALLY, EVEN)
The Ironman swim course is lined with kayaks and in some cases rafts. You can hold on and rest on them. The only rule is you can't use them to propel yourself forward. Otherwise, hang out as long as you'd like!
THE PLAN