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It's official. I will attend the Ironman 70.3 in Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria.
In the summer of 2022, I attended my first triathlon in Zuerich.
I have an Impossible List, where I track and tick off things that may seem impossible at first sight. Still on there: Ironman 70.3. Not for long anymore, hehe.
The Ironman 70.3 is a half-Ironman and consists of the following disciplines:
- Swimming 1.9km (1.2 miles)
- Cycling 90km (56 miles)
- Run 21.1km (13.1 miles)
The "70.3" refers to the total distance in miles covered in the race.
Ironman 70.3 Race Movie 2022
👨🎓 Why participate?
As described in my last blog post, motivation comes after achievement, not vice versa.
With the motivation and discipline I created after attending the Vipassana Meditation Seminar, I was in state. Following Tony Robbins advice, I took action when I was in state and registered for the Ironman 70.3 in Zell am See, Austria.
💪 My current form
Swimming: I didn't do more than a little splashing around during the summer, so this is my main focus for the next few days. I will attend the swimming practice too.
Cycling: Something I have been doing only in the gym. I will get a bike this week to cross country as the course in Zell am See has 900m elevation gain, and I want to adjust to that.
Running: My best discipline. I will not invest much energy and time in preparation.
🧰 Equipment
Focusing only on the essential equipment was very important for my first triathlon in 2022. I don't need expensive gadgets, just the basics.
I don't have a bike. I need a bike. I will buy a bike.
Renting a bike at the Ironman 70.3 in Zell am See is not an option. Honestly and sadly the prices are too damn high.
For 325 Euros, I can buy myself a nice race-bike on eBay. I still have some days till the race starts.
☑️ Checklist for the Ironman 70.3
⚪ The Course
SWIM - The one-loop 1.9 km (1.2 mile) swim course can easily considered one of the most spectacular in all of European IRONMAN 70.3 racing. Swim to the backdrop of the glacier-covered Alps in a drinking water quality lake.
RUN - The two-loop 21.1 km (13.1 mile) new run course leads along the shores of the spectacular Lake Zell and takes you through the charming old town of this stunning town in the heart of the Austrian alps
The one-loop 90 km (56 mile) bike course offers steep climbs and fast descents. Just before the spectacular climb up the Hochkönig you'll have a chance to replenish your energy reserves thanks to the new aid station.
More on the course and other race items which are needed on the website of Ironman 70.3.
⏰ Cut off times
- Swim: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Bike: 5 hours 30 minutes (Swim + Bike after you crossed the timing mat at the swim start)
- Run: 8 hours 30 minutes (Swim + Bike + Run after you crossed the timing mat at the swim start)
What will follow
There is plenty of information provided, with an athlete guide, checklists and a video from last year's race briefing.
I will invest my time wisely in the upcoming days to prepare myself and will keep you updated on the process of becoming an Ironman 70.3 in Zell am Ser.