Throughout my three decades of training for triathlons, I have completed 21 Ironman events. My first Ironman was Kona in 1997, followed by Ironman Canada in 2000, the 5430 Sports Iron-Distance in Boulder in 2001, IM Lake Placid in 2002, Kona in 2003, Ironman Arizona and Kona in 2007, IM Coeur d’Alene/Kona in 2008, Kona/Arizona in 2009, Kona in 2010, and IM Lake Placid in 2011. I took a break from Ironman in 2012 and 2013 to focus on running and finished a 100-mile trail run. Then, Ironman Boulder, Kona, Cozumel, Texas, Kona, Chattanooga, Florida and my final Ironman in Kona 2022

My primary goal for each year during these Ironman events was to qualify for Kona. I did not have a coach to guide me on how to choose or train for a race. My selection criteria were to travel with my friends who were also participating in the event. Ironman Canada and Lake Placid suited my weakest area, biking. The 5430 Sports event was local, and I didn’t want to miss out on a full-distance race in Boulder. Arizona was an “easy” flat course, while IM Coeur d’Alene was a favorite destination with an excellent course. However, training for it in late June was challenging based on my schedule.

As a coach and athlete, I have learned that everyone’s reason for participating in an Ironman varies, and selecting an event depends on four factors: the time of year of the event, destination/travel, your strengths and weaknesses, and whether an Iron-distance race is sufficient or it has to be branded World Triathlon Corporation Ironman.

When choosing an Ironman, consider when the event is taking place. The big block of training takes place 12 weeks before your race. Early springtime events such as Ironman St. George or IM Coeur d’Alene may not be suitable if you prefer not to train much in cooler outdoor temperatures or have a busy schedule during that period. Fall Ironman events such as IM Cozumel or Arizona may be suitable if you have kids who have gone back to school. It is also worth noting that early spring and late fall Ironman races do not sell out as quickly as destination Ironman events.

If you intend to participate in an Ironman race as a way of traveling to a new location, then the time of year may not matter as much. However, keep in mind that destination Ironman races tend to sell out quickly, so register early.

Your strengths and weaknesses may also affect your choice of Ironman race. Hilly bike courses such as Ironman Lake Placid, St. George, Coeur d’Alene, and Canada cater to cyclists, while flat bike courses suit strong runners.

World Triathlon Corporation owns the Ironman brand, and entry into an Ironman event costs over $1000. However, there are companies that organize Iron-distance events that are less expensive and will not fill up quickly, such as the HITS series, Great Floridian, and Vineman. If you are not committed to racing an Ironman, consider these options.

After a mechanical in Chattanooga 2018, I needed a break and returned in 2021 with the my intention to qualify for Kona one last time. Florida was the perfect location and time of year for me to train and I took all my experiences from the previous 19 Ironmans to put together another “perfect” event in Panama City. As a beginner triathlete, ensure you have prior racing experience, give yourself at least six months of specific preparation, seek advice from a qualified coach, and follow a slow, steady approach to training and nutrition.