Can a 16 yr old compete in a 70.3 Ironman?

Question

Hi,

My dream has always been to run in the 70.3 Maryland Ironman. Am I to young to be allowed to compete? I'll have been training for 2 years by then.

Answer 1

Yes, a 16-year-old can compete in a half IM with parental permission. You will have to have a parent or guardian sign your race waiver. Are you thinking of doing Eagleman? If so congratulations, that's an excellent race and a great goal! By then you shoud have plenty of experience under your belt including a bunch of sprints and Olympic races as well as at least 1 half marathon. 2 to 3 seasons of triathlon is the perfect training buildup for a half (in my opinion) and you won't have a probelm reaching your goal if you train properly. Here are a few of my suggestions.

1. Get the book "the Traiathlete Training Bible" by Joe Friel. It ios literally the Bible of triathlon! The book is easy to read and covers everything from nutrition to stretching to race day routines, what to pack, where to park and how to recover from an IM. It's awesome and a MJST for every triathlete!

2. Try to find a triathlon or multisport club in your area. Checl out www.usatriathlon.org for a list fo USAT sanctions clubs in your area or ask at your local running store or a local race. A team is a great way to integrate group workouts and experience into your training and these clubs are usually filled with knowledgeable athletes willing to answer questions and help you out. Our team has newbies and well seasoned seven-time Ironmen on it so don't be intimidated!

3. Get your plan ready. Have a training plan that carries you through to the big day and writ it out. Keep a good log of everything you do and how it feels. Write race reports and read them over afterward. Check out www.trifind.com for a listing of triathlons and multi-sport events by state. It's the best resoucre out there to find races! If you need help developing your workout consult a coach or trainer. Never be afraid to ask questions!!!

4. if you haven't already, become a member at www.beginnertriathlete.com. It's a varitable cornicoupia of information, tips, tricks, logs, workouts, etc and it's free! Also, a valuable resource will be www.slowtwitch.com.

The youngest person I have ever raced with was a 9-year-old girl who raced a sprint distance triathlon. She had a fantastic time and told me that she couldn't wait to do her next one! As long as you put the proper effort into training and nutrition you will find that triathlon is extremely addictive and tons of fun!

If you have any specific questions don't hesitate to contact me!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

although you have been training to do this competition for 2 years here's something to think about. there is a tremendous amount of stress that is put on the body after going through the Iron man. you are pushing all your joints to the limit. your muscles are burning in pain from all the use. you are really young. your growth plates have not yet hardened yet you can cause stress fractures on your bones which can possibly cause bone spurs in the future. work on the cardio aspects and in time you will be ready. Good Luck

Answer 3

Don't cheap out on the cardio. I've seen these competitions on TV. The guys lungs always give out before the muscles.

Good luck!