What It Takes To Become An Ironman: Part 3

Part Three of my mini series talks about surviving running a marathon after swimming and biking 114.4  miles. As you can probably tell from the picture below...the LAST thing you feel like doing is running a full freakin' marathon after being on the bike for hours on end!!

The single most important thing that you need is shoes!

Shoes are a very personal, individual thing. You have to find out what is right for your feet. 

I've tried Brooks, Saucony, Asisics....a few I've like and a few I can't tolerate at all. 

My shoe of choice....

Mizuno Wave Inspire

LOVE THEM!! Light weight, stiff, and fit just right! Not to mention....they come in all sorts of really great colors!! My latest pair are pink!!

The second thing I recommend for running the marathon portion of an ironman is a running buddy. The demons that you battle in your head during this event are E-P-I-C. Having someone to distract your is priceless.

 

There was definitely a pace difference between the two of us, but after 15 hours on the course....is 20 minutes really going to matter that much in the long run?? Or is finishing with a friend more important??

Personally, I chose the latter of the two!

You can not finish an Ironman, or even a marathon for that matter, without proper fuel. Period. End of Discussion. 

I ate and drank something at every single aid station on the course. Sometimes it was a handful of pretzels and some gatorade and sometimes it was two baby dill pickles and a cup of water. BUT I had SOMETHING at every single stop. To be honest, I think it will be a very long time before I have lemon lime gatorade again....

Another thing that I had to have... Energybits. 

Energybits are dried Spirulina Algae, they are FULL of protein and vitamins and settle well in the tummy. Getting that protein in is key to keeping those muscles happy and moving! Spirulina is 60% protein, easily digestible, and all natural. 

I am very fortunate to be an ambassador for Energybits and know first hand all the benefits associated with eating algae! If you would like to try some Energybits, please message me and I will send you a sample! 

If you are already sold on Energybits, use coupon code "Kendall fitness" and save 20% on your next order!!

~ What are your race day go to's?

~ What are your shoes of choice?