Inside the Mind of an IRONMAN
09th August 2017 - 16:13 ">
James Pittam enjoyed a decorated, worldwide career in The Royal Marines before pursuing the health and fitness industry as a Personal Trainer, Remedial Sports Massage Therapist & Fitness Class Instructor. After over a decade successfully working alone across the country building a reputable client base, he expanded his business based in The Lake District to offer a complete & specialist wellness team, under the banner of James Pittam Health & Fitness.
I’ve just returned from Germany having spent five days there. It wasn’t all play; in the middle of my mini-vacation I competed in Ironman Frankfurt 2014.
Ironman events are a series of triathlon events that take place all over the world; I think there are around 30 in as many countries. They’re organised by the World Triathlon Corporation, and involve a 2.4 mile (3.8 km) swim, a 112 mile (180 km) bike ride, and then a 26.2 mile (42.2 km) run, all one after the other with no break. Most cut-off times are 17 hours; meaning after a 7am start, you have to cross the finish line by midnight to become a member of this elite club.
Frankfurt, for some reason, gave us two hours fewer on the cut-off time, meaning we had to get around in 15 hours, or by 10pm. I think this was partly due to a fast bike course. At 42 years young, I thought us mature athletes might get a bit of leeway!
Frankfurt was my second Ironman event, having successfully completed what is described as the hardest, hottest and hilliest Ironman event in the world two years earlier, Ironman Lanzarote.
This was back in 2012, and it’s true to say: you forget the painful bits and just remember the good bits!
To become an Ironman, it goes without saying that you have to have a good level of fitness. Don’t get me wrong, couch potatoes could also successfully complete one, it’s just that they wouldn’t have the base fitness to work from for the 30-weeks training required, and may suffer a little more.
Yes, 30 weeks training! Eight months of your life committed to training for six days a week, sometimes twice a day, and with only one day off a week for rest.
The 30 weeks is split into three blocks of 10: the base, the build, and the peak; taking you right up to race day. It’s all swimming, cycling and running, as there’s little time for anything else!
The last time I subjected myself to 30 weeks of mental and physical hard graft (other than Ironman Lanzarote preparation) was almost 20 years ago when I successfully completed the longest, hardest military training in the world to become a Royal Marines Commando. Okay, okay, I’m a glutton for punishment! But I think it’s just the type of person I am. I like to aim high, and am proud of my achievements in life so far.
I think my military background gave me a good foundation for embarking on the 30- week Ironman training.
To be an Ironman (or woman) you need to be committed, be prepared to sacrifice a great deal, have a positive and enthusiastic attitude throughout, be motivated every day―even when tired and sore―have strong willpower, as well as be courageous, and have the ability to endure pain and not give up.
The mental side of training, as well as on race day, is extremely important. You have to be focused throughout to get the best out of your ability. Don’t get me wrong, you need to put the hours of training in to prepare, but mentally you need to be able to push your body beyond what you think is the limit, and you’ll always find that little bit more.
Every Ironman has a weakness. Not all triathletes excel in all of the three disciplines. The most common weakness is swimming, and this was mine. To overcome this, you just need to work a little harder on your weaknesses. Practice, practice, practice!
To balance my weaknesses against my strengths, I would tell myself I really enjoyed the swimming when really I hated it, and that it was a welcome break from the hours spent on the bike or pounding the tarmac.
The thing that really motivates me and keeps me going is the great sense of achievement after such a long journey. The time and money you invest for just one race day is immense, and to not finish or quit doesn’t come into it. I’m the type of person who hates failure, and likes to be competitive. Again, my Marines background has taught me never to give up.
To become an Ironman, whatever your age or ability, you just have to be prepared to put all of the training in to prepare your body and mind. When doubts, negative beliefs or fatigue set in, you must tell yourself to go on. This is where the mind takes over the body, and you find your inner strength.
You need a huge level of support around you to embark on this journey. Sometimes it can be a strain at home, due to the commitment required and sacrifices made. However, you must get rid of all negativity around you, and partners, friends and family must fully understand what you’re going through. As an Ironman, you must remember to make it up to them post-event, as they can suffer as much as you along the way.
The biggest help to get through the 30 weeks of training was the fact I had friends who embarked on the same journey as me at the same time. To have training partners is a massive advantage in helping you get all the required training hours in, as you can support
one another through all the highs and lows. Another massive help was a weekly massage, which was my treat to look forward to, and helped to ease the aching body.
Visualisation is a big part of successfully completing the Ironman journey. During tired training sessions when I was at my lowest, I would visualise the finishing line with all the cheering crowds, and think of the feeling of elation as I crossed it. This was my ultimate goal.
Channel your energies and passion into the things you most want by goal setting.
Being a two-times finisher of Ironman means you are part of an elite club. I wouldn’t say it has changed me as a person, as I’ve always been proud of everything I’ve achieved in life, be it sport, the Marines, or the business I’m in today. I think the achievement of Ironman does give you more confidence all round. I also think it’s good for my health-and-fitness business in helping to inspire others.
Due to certain reasons like poor health, some may never be able to embark on this journey. However, the Ironman mindset of courage, stamina and passion are things that all of us can take into our daily lives.
Courage comes from within, and if you dig deep enough you’ll find it. You need to put your mind into a positive state and apply yourself, and your courage will be revealed on your chosen journey to whatever goal in life.
It’s true to say that after an Ironman event and getting such a high, completing one, that there is an inevitable low soon after. This is known as PIB or Post-Ironman Blues. Most triathletes suffer from this, and the key is to stay focused and have some structure. You can’t let all the hard work go to waste. Your fitness levels are so high that you need to look at what’s next. You need to have some structure in your calendar, and have other, smaller, events pencilled in where you can go and compete at shorter- distances, and enjoy them with less pressure and less expectation. I like to work hard and play hard, so after an Ironman journey it’s time to socialise at bit more with family and friends, and celebrate.
To be an Ironman you need to be committed, be prepared to sacrifice a great deal, have a positive and enthusiastic attitude throughout...
Stamina needs to be worked on constantly.
If you do that little extra each week, progressing at a steady rate, you’ll build up a good level of stamina over time. Small increases are achievable.
Passion flows through us all at different levels. Channel your energies and passion into the things you most want, by goal setting. A long-term goal should be broken down into smaller, achievable ones along your journey, so you can keep moving forwards.
Having gained the Commandos’ coveted green beret, and successfully completed two Ironman events, I do wonder what the future holds in the way of physical and mental challenges. At the time of writing this, I know Frankfurt was my last Ironman, but who knows!
