Aaron B's Senior Project Blog
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Project Title: Becoming Ironman BASIS Advisor: Andrew Robarge Internship Location: Flagstaff Onsite Mentor: Deb Ledington |
Project Abstract
In my project, I plan to train for and complete an Ironman triathlon and while doing so, discover how an ironman will affect the mental and physical state of an athlete. As well as uncover what it takes to complete an Ironman triathlon. I also plan to learn what challenges and fears an athlete faces when training for one. An Ironman is one of the hardest endurance races ever and completing one gives insight into who you are and what you are able to accomplish. During this project I will be training for the Ironman in Flagstaff, which is an optimal place because of its high elevation. To learn about an Ironman triathlon, I will document the training that goes into it and the outcome of racing in Ironman Texas. Through this project I hope to learn about the challenges an Ironman presents and how to accomplish goals that at first may seem impossible.
Becoming Ironman – Conclusion – 5/8/2024
As this project is coming to an end I would like to leave my final thoughts here. Going into this project my goal was to complete the Ironman triathlon. I did just that, but I realized the project was not just about the race. It was about learning to work through struggles, enjoying the journey,... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 11 – 5/1/2024
I am an Ironman! It has been quite the journey these past 20 weeks. There have been so many ups and downs, but I have made it. There were over 2700 athletes competing in the race. The process that was required to run the event smoothly was amazing. It all started on Tuesday when we... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 10 – 4/24/2024
It is race week! I am currently in Houston Texas getting ready in the last days leading up to Ironman Texas. I have got all of my stuff, including the bike, to Texas successfully, now the only thing to do is wait a few more days and than race in Ironman Texas. I have been... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 9 – 4/17/2024
One week from today I will be on a plane to Huston Texas. This last week I have finally felt like I have gotten back into my training and have fully recovered from the broken arm. I went on a four hour ride and completed a swim just short of the full Ironman distance. Unfortunately,... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 8 – 4/10/2024
Today I had my last appointment for my arm. After taking three more x-rays the doctor said all looks good and it has healed perfectly. I am less than three weeks out from Ironman Texas, only two until I get on a plane to fly there. So, this marks the last two weeks left of... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 7 – 4/3/2024
It is crazy how much goes into preparing for an Ironman beyond just the training. Not only do you have to get the equipment together for one event but three. Swimming, biking, and running all require their own specific gear. The base of all the sports is the tri suit. Swimming requires a wetsuit, goggles,... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 6 – 3/27/2024
Fear. It is something I am feeling more and more as I get closer to Ironman Texas. I fear going to Texas and being exhausted after doing the swim. I fear going to Texas and having to walk the marathon. I fear going to Texas and not being able to cross the finish line. I... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 5 – 3/20/2024
This week brings good news. On Monday I had a follow up appointment for my elbow where more x-rays were taken of the fracture. The doctor said that the bone is now completely stable and that I have great mobility in my elbow for a little over three weeks from breaking it. Running, biking, and... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 4 – 3/13/2024
This past week I have been reminded how fast you can loose your fitness. One reminder being the size of my arm, which from the lack of movement, has decreased significantly. I got another reminder on a short five mile hike which had some steep sections, my legs were much more tired than they would... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 3 – 3/6/2024
While my training has been severely stunted from the fracture in my arm, I have already completed 10 weeks of my training plan. During this time, I have learned a lot about what it takes to complete an Ironman triathlon. There were two main difficulties that I faced throughout my training so far. One being... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 2 – 2/28/24
In just a few moments everything can be lost. I was at track and field practice going over hurdles. I was on a mission to improve my hurdling form to make it to State in that event this year. However, as I was going over the hurdle, I caught my foot and fell right on... Read More
Becoming Ironman – Week 1 – 2/21/24
Project Title: Becoming Ironman My name is Aaron B and for the last year I have been obsessed with triathlons. My first experience with triathlons was when I was 9 years old. I completed a very short triathlon that consisted of a 100 meter swim, a 5 mile bike ride, and a half mile run.... Read More