The Ironman Competition: Training to Increase Speed

Ironman Wisconsin takes place in Madison, Wisconsin, and consists of a one-loop 2.4 mile swim around Lake Monona, a 120-mile bike course that takes riders outside of the city and into the infamously hilly Dane County, and a 26.2-mile run that includes downtown Madison and the University of Wisconsin. The race offers top finishers 50 qualifying spots for the Ironman World Championship, which is held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Completing an Ironman competition is a great achievement. The following training tips will help contestants complete a competition in the fastest time possible:

1. Try to master the technique in all three disciplines, especially swimming.
2. Train in intervals, using shorter but faster efforts.
3. Training with a group helps with motivation.
4. Work with a coach to get the most out of your training time.
5. Strength training can improve performance.
6. Use a heart-rate monitor to work at an appropriately difficult level.

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