The Athlete’s Mind – Training For An Ironman

“At the time, I didn’t know anything about Ironman racing…”

One of my best friends and old business partner, Conor, and I had just launched an Instagram page called Two Chaps Endurance.

We wanted to build a community that encouraged movement, health, and connection during Covid. The long term vision? Open a wellness space offering food and wellness activities.

With this page came challenges and live sessions. Our weekly schedule looked something like this:

• Mon – Minimum 30 minutes outdoor activity
  
  

• Tues – Live beginner yoga @ 7:30am
  
  

• Wed – Live core session @ 7:30am
  
  

• Thurs – Live meditation @ 9pm
  
  

• Fri – 10 outdoor exercises challenge
  
  

We had everything structured for our followers - all completely free, and ran live Instagram meditations, yoga, core workouts, and more.

At the time, I was trail running a lot, racing regularly with IMRA (Irish Mountain Running Association), and placing in the top 10 in some events.

Conor was deep into triathlon training, and loving it.

The Injury That Changed Everything

Then it happened.

I tore my Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL) 18km into a trail run on top of Bray Head.

The injury took me out physically, but mentally too.

As I’ve spoken about before, I used to base my self-worth on physical performance… so being forced to stop completely was tough.

A few months later, I had ankle surgery. Rehab was slow and tedious - but I made some progress.

Eventually, I could cycle, so I leaned into that. Then came swimming.

One thing led to another… and suddenly, Conor and I were training like full time triathletes.

Structured training plans, high-calorie diets, speedos, and latex in public… What a time to be alive.

But we were flat out.

Our appetite for growth was relentless - so we set our sights on the Ironman 70.3 in Youghal, Cork.

What Ironman Training Really Demands

For those unfamiliar, triathlon consists of three disciplines:

• Swim
  
  

• Bike
  
  

• Run
  
  

Training for an Ironman takes serious commitment.

5am starts. Two sessions a day. Six days a week.

That was the reality for the full Ironman (which I ended up pulling out of due to injury), and the 70.3 wasn’t far off.

The truth?

If you’re not prepared - you’re fked**.

Unless you’re a freak athlete.

But that’s the beauty of it too.

Mental Resilience on a Whole New Level

Ironman training teaches you to sit with discomfort.

To silence the voice that says “stop” and replace it with “keep going.”

It pushes past your limits - physically and psychologically.

It’s not just about heart rate zones and nutrition. It’s about:

• Emotional regulation
  
  

• Staying present under pressure
  
  

• Focus, even in fatigue
  
  

• Developing discipline, self-talk, and resilience
  
  

You’re constantly navigating self-doubt, stress, and burnout.

It sounds intense - and it is.

But that’s where the magic happens.

The training breaks you down - and rebuilds you.

Not just as an athlete… but as a person.

Completing an Ironman isn’t just about endurance.

It’s proof of what’s possible when your mind, body, and spirit align with something bigger than comfort.

What’s Driving the Pain?

There’s a psychological side to this too.

Often, those drawn to ultra-endurance have unresolved trauma or a past of addiction.

It becomes another way to push down pain. A different form of numbing - just like substance use.

But for many, it’s also about growth.

Pushing past your limits builds confidence.

It challenges you. It wakes something up inside.

You learn. You grow. You become more resilient.

Your brain benefits. Your body strengthens.

You gain tools for life - not just for sport.

Final Thoughts

For me, understanding the why behind that drive has been one of the most powerful takeaways.

Today, I’m not training for an Ironman - but I’m still pushing myself.

I’m eyeing up an ultra marathon next year, which will be my second after completing a 50k in the Canadian mountains in 2023.

For now, I’m content running, lifting, taking care of my body and mind and staying consistent with a healthy routine.

That’s where I’m at.

Thanks for being here and reading.

See you in the next one.

— Andrew