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My First Triathlon: 226 Kilometers of Thinking Time
The triathlon, especially the full 226-kilometer IRONMAN, is one of the ultimate challenges in the endurance sports world. A 3.8km swim, a 180km bike, and a 42.2km run, all to be completed within 17 hours.
Last year, I stood at the starting line of the Taitung IRONMAN for the first time, filled with apprehension, excitement, and countless questions. This is my complete account.
Why IRONMAN
I’m not a natural-born athlete. I’ve only been cycling for three years, and I only seriously started learning to swim later on. But the appeal of IRONMAN lies in its accessibility—in theory, anyone with enough training can finish it.
What drew me in:
- The ultimate form of stepping outside your comfort zone
- The sense of accomplishment after finishing is unmatched by any material possession
- The training process itself is an improvement in quality of life
The Preparation Phase: 18 Months of Readiness
An IRONMAN isn’t something you can complete on a whim; it requires systematic, long-term training.
Training Volume Breakdown
- Swimming: 3 times per week, 2,000-3,000m each session
- Cycling: 4-5 times per week, with a 5-7 hour long ride on weekends
- Running: 4 times per week, including long-run sessions
- Brick Training: 1-2 combined bike + run sessions per week
The Core of Cycling Training
180 kilometers is the distance of the IRONMAN bike leg, to be completed in 8-9 hours, averaging about 20-25 km/h.
Key training elements:
- Long, low-intensity rides (one 5-6 hour session per week)
- Power meter training (controlling intensity in Z2-Z3)
- Running immediately after cycling (simulating race conditions)
- Nutrition plan rehearsals
Race Day: From the Dark Swim to the Finish Line
5:00 AM: Silence Before the Start
The race began at 6:00 AM. The night sky over Taitung was clear, filled with stars. Thousands of athletes waited near the starting line, the atmosphere both tense and solemn.
I told myself: today there is only one goal—to finish. No matter how slow.
The Swim: 3.8 Kilometers in the Pacific
Jumping into the Pacific in the dark was the most mentally challenging hurdle of the entire race. Saltwater, crowds, waves—everything was unsettling.
I had never swum such a long distance in open water during training. But muscle memory kicked in, and I got through it step by step.
Swim time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Transition 1 (T1): First Chaos
The chaos in transition was beyond expectations. Stripping the wetsuit, putting on the cycling jersey, fastening the helmet… every action was done while trembling.
Lesson learned: Transition practice is important! Don’t assume changing clothes is easy.
The Bike Leg: 180 Kilometers of Thinking Time
This was the part I looked forward to most and worried about most. Taitung’s coastline and rift valley form Taiwan’s most beautiful racecourse.
First 60 km: Feeling great, power held in the target zone, the scenery made me forget the fatigue.
60-120 km: Nutrition started to kick in, but mental challenges began. My mind started asking: “Why am I doing this?”
120-180 km: My body was exhausted, and every pedal stroke was a battle of willpower. Yet the mountain views of the Taitung Rift Valley supported me in a magical way.
When I reached the bike finish, I cried. Not from pain, but from an indescribable emotional release.
Bike time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Transition 2 (T2): Legs That Weren’t Mine
After getting off the bike, my legs completely refused to cooperate. I walked to transition like a drunkard. This was the real experience of the “brick wall” effect.
Advice: Brick training is a must. Let your body remember this feeling of transition.
The Run: 42.2 Kilometers of a Soul Test
The run leg is the true test of the soul. For the first 10 km, my legs wouldn’t obey; after 20 km, every step required deliberate conscious effort.
But during the run, there was another wonderful feeling. The aid stations on the course, the cheers from volunteers, the encouraging looks from other athletes… the entire race community became a support system.
At 5 km from the finish, I could already hear the music at the finish line. It was the most beautiful sound in the world.
Run time: 5 hours 50 minutes (including walking)
Crossing the Finish Line
In the darkness, the lights of the finish line illuminated the chute. The announcer called out my name: “You are an IRONMAN!”
At that moment, I finally allowed myself to cry.
Total finish time: 14 hours 15 minutes
For Taiwanese Cyclists Wanting to Take on the IRONMAN
Preparation Advice
- Prepare for at least 18 months: Rushing is the biggest trap
- Find a coach: Professional guidance saves a huge amount of trial-and-error time
- Complete swim training: Many cyclists neglect swimming
- Brick training is essential: Combined bike + run sessions
Gear Advice
- GPS watch
- Power meter (not essential but very helpful)
- Tri suit (one piece for the whole race, no changing needed)
- Aero helmet (saves time)
Mindset Advice
The IRONMAN isn’t a race about speed; it’s a journey of dialogue with yourself. On the 180km bike leg, you have plenty of time to think about the most important things in life.
Finishing is the most beautiful medal, more meaningful than any ranking.
Conclusion
Completing the IRONMAN showed me more clearly where my limits are, and what lies beyond them. The version of myself crying at the finish line is the one I’m most proud of.
Are you ready?