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4 Tips to Survive Ironman Training

If you're going to go longIronman longyou're going to have to put in a lot of hours on the bike, in the pool and, of course, on the run. It goes without saying that without Iron fitness you're in for a very long and painful experience come race day.

More: 4 Rules for Setting the Right Race Goals

Here are some simple Ironman training tips to get you through those long rides, runs and swimming sessions.

Join a Masters Swim Group

You could just find a neighborhood pool and swim on your own. But it can get tedious.

As seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong described his swim training in a pool: "Once you've swam 50 meters...you've seen and done the entire course."

In other words, chasing the black line at the bottom of the pool can become monotonous. That's why joining a masters group makes swimming so much more interesting.

MoreHow to Excel at the Ironman Swim

Not only will you learn how to become a better swimmer when training with a coach and other experienced masters swimmers, but you'll also have a structured workoutand a few friends to chat with in the hot tub once you're done with the long workout.

Find Your Own Small Group of Cycling Buddies

Just like having companions for the pool, there's nothing like having a few friends with you on a long bike ride. Let's say you're about to embark on a classic century ride in preparation for your next Ironman.

More: 6 Secrets of the Ironman Bike

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About the Author

Roman Mica

Roman Mica is an amateur Clydesdale triathlete who lives and races in Boulder, Colorado. He is the managing editor of www.EverymanTri.com and author of My Training Begins Tomorrow: The Everyman's Guide to IRONFIT Swimming, Cycling & Running.

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