2. What is an Ironman
An Ironman is a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run, all in the same day. 

3. What are the cutoff times
The race begins at 7:00 AM and all participants must complete the race by midnight (17 hours total).

In addition, each leg has a cutoff time:
Swim: 9:20 AM (2 hrs 20 min or 3:18/100yds)
Bike: 5:30 PM (8 hrs,10 min or about 14 mph for those just making the swim cutoff).
Run : 12:00 AM (6 hrs 30 min or about 14:50/mile for those just making the bike cutoff).

4. How much do I need to raise?
The fundraising minimum for Ironteam 2008 is $8,000 for either Ironman USA or Ironman Canada.

5. How much time will I spend training?
A typical training week has one rest day and six workout days.  Total training time per week is:
    Oct - Dec: 5 - 10 hours
    Jan - Apr: 6 - 13 hours
    May - Jun: 7 - 18 hours
    Jul - Aug: 8 - 18 hours

6. Will I have time to see my family/friends/job?
Yes.  While Ironman training does take a lot of time in the later months, it is not all-consuming.  You may need to pick and choose some of your social engagements during the summer.  Friends and family can help by volunteering to support team workouts.  The staff (mentors, captains, and coaches) have all been through the program and have lots of tips for balancing work, family, life, and training.

7. I’m not fast. Can I still do this?
Ironman is not about speed - it is about endurance.  IronTeam training is designed to build your endurance so that you can finish Ironman.  However, Ironman does have cutoff times (see question #3).  In order to join the team, we suggest that by the time of the kickoff, you be able to do the following (not all at once):
    Swim nonstop 200 yds within 5 minutes
    Bike nonstop 10 miles within 1 hour
    Run 2 miles within 25 minutes

These minimum requirements are “optional” and if you fall below this standard, you may still join the team. 

In mid January, we will put on an Olympic-Distance triathlon. At that event, you should be able to complete at least 2 of the 3 events at Ironman Cutoff pace (see question #3). 

     Swim:      0.93 miles - 0:54 (3:18/100 yds)
     Bike:       24.8 miles - 1:50 (13.7 mph)
     Run:         6.2 miles - 1:32 (14:50/mile)
    
———————————————-
     Total Time:                4:16

If at this time, you cannot meet this standard, we will ask you to roll-over into our spring team (training for Olympic Distance or Half Ironman). 

8. I can’t swim. Can I still do this?
Yes.  We have had several participants who could not swim when they began the program.  We will teach you to improve your stroke.  If you cannot swim, we encourage you to get some one-on-one swim lessons as soon as possible.
 
9. What if I’ve never done a triathlon before?
Great!  Not a problem.  The program includes three Irontem-only triathlons (Sprint distance in Dec, Olympic Distance in Jan, Half Ironman in March).  In addition, there will be a few “coach-supported” races during the year.

10. Can I really do this?
Absolutely.

11. Will I finish?
There are no guarantees.  IronTeam participants have finish rate of about 90%. This is approximately the same percentage of finishers of the race as a whole.

12. How do I choose between Canada and Lake Placid?
Both courses are beautiful, with great local support.  Athletes often choose one event or another due to closeness of family or scheduling issues.  In either case, you will be ready when the time comes.

13. Can I do different Ironman?
In theory, yes, but in order to get the full benefit of the Team, you should choose Lake Placid, or Canada.  These events will be well supported by teammates, mentors, captains, and coaches.  Additionally, there are several Team-only special events for athletes and their families which will not be available at other Ironman races.

If you do choose to a different race, you would be responsible for obtaining your own slot, and for your transportation and lodging at the event.  The training schedule is targeted for IMUSA and IMC, so any other race must happen at approximately the same time.  If you are considering this, please consult one of the coaches.

14. Where are the workouts?
Our workouts are primarily in the south-bay and peninsula area.  Our most common locations are Gunderson High School (San Jose), Mountain View High School, and De Anza College (Cupertino).  We plan to regularly workout in the Santa Cruz area, and will occasionally travel to the east bay, San Francisco, or north bay areas.  In addition, we have two training weekends out of the bay area (Lake Berryessa and Lake San Antonio).

15. I don’t live in the Bay Area, can I still be on the team?
We don’t allow virtual team training for folks who don’t have their own slots for Ironman Canada or Lake Placid. You can try to get your own slot via the Community Fund entries. You will need to be a bit more self-motivating than the rest of the team because you won’t have a local team to train with.  We encourage our out-of-towners to visit the bay area and join the team for our major training events. 

16. How do I register?
To join IronTeam 2008, contact one of our Team managers directly.

For the Peninsula, South Bay, Santa Cruz or Monterey areas contact Natalie Calderon at 408-271-8332 or Natalie.Calderon@lls.org.

For the North Bay, East Bay or San Francisco areas contact Barb Smalley at (415) 581-1165 or Barb.Smalley@lls.org.

17. Do I have to register now?
The sooner the better.  We have a very limited number of slots for these races.  The 2008 races will each sell out within hours of the end of the 2007 race.  The only way to guarantee your slot is to sign up soon.