In just a few days, Hawaii will host triathlon’s most iconic event – the 2014 IRONMAN World Championship.
The inaugural “Hawaiian IRONMAN Triathlon” was started in 1977 as a way to challenge athletes. Honolulu-based Navy couple, Judy and John Collins proposed combining the three toughest endurance races in Hawaii—the 2.4-mile Waikiki Roughwater Swim, 112 miles of the Around-O’ahu Bike Race and the 26.2-mile Honolulu Marathon—all into one event.
In 1981, the race moved from the tranquil shores of Waikiki to the barren lava fields of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Along the Kona Coast, black lava rock dominates the panorama, and athletes battle the “ho’omumuku” crosswinds of 45 mph, 95-degree temperatures and a scorching sun.
On October 11th, over 2,000 athletes will embark on a 140.6-mile journey that presents the ultimate test of body, mind and spirit to earn the title of IRONMAN.
Ironman athletes should be an inspiration for your overall health. Not only will regular exercise help with your overall health, your teeth will benefit too. Chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes – diseases that can also lead to oral health problems – are also less common in people who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
It’s OK if you’re not ready to do a triathlon – just a half hour of an elevated heart rate can reduce your risks for a plethora of diseases.
Here are three Ironman-inspired ways to get fit:
2) Boredom-Busting Bike Workouts
3) Treadmill Workouts for All Levels
Would you ever consider tackling a triathlon? Leave your comments below!
