If you a regular reader of this blog or watcher of my YouTube channel you will already know, I am training for ironman Cairns in June of this year. This ironman is my seventh but comes after a 7 years absence from the sport. As I makes this journey I am documenting aspects that may benefit experienced and new athletes to our amazing sport. Today I want to look into the budget constraints of this very expensive sport and compare a budget approach to a six star approach.
If you are considering the Herculean challenge of an Ironman triathlon or have done one before you will have noticed that the cost of completing an Ironman is somewhat mammoth. This article will show you how to financially get across the line no matter your starting monetary fitness levels. Whether you're on a tight budget or willing to splurge for the ultimate experience, training and completing an Ironman can be achieved at various cost levels. Let's dive into a comparison between the cheapest and the most expensive ways to train and finish an Ironman, covering everything from gear to coaching services.
The Budget-Friendly Ironman Approach
Gear
1. Second-hand Bike: First thing you need to know about both professional and amateur ironmen is that they will pay a fortune for a single watt of improvement which yields them no more than 30 seconds of time saved. This means there are a lot of very cheap second hand bikes that are in perfect condition ready for a budget savvy ironman in training to swoop in and grab a high end bike for a fraction of what it was originally worth. While ebay scares me click on this link to give you an idea of what is available. As you can see a well-maintained used bike can cost between $300 to $600.
At time of publication this bike was available for $305 on ebay.
2. Basic Wetsuit: You are only in the water for approximately 10% of the race and some wetsuits can cost close to $1000. So there are some savings to be made if you shop around and find an affordable wetsuits for around $100. Look for end-of-season sales or second-hand options. I suggest the wetsuit warehouse or read the following article from triathlon 220 to give you more knowledge as you make you way to a big saving.
$90 wetsuit available from wetsuit warehouse
3. Entry-Level Running Shoes: As an older runner I have a tendency to spend more on my running shoes to protect my aging ankles, knees and hips. I am unfortunately tricked into buying the well-known brands as I unconsciously feel that they will give better protection. If truth be known I can barely tell the difference between budget and high end shoes. To prevent you from making the same poor decisions as myself, I highly suggest that you read this article to give you more knowledge to make an informed decision. And then when you are ready to buy check out this web site to choose a pair of running shoes that fits your needs and budget.
4. Minimalist Gear: Stick to essential items like a basic tri-suit ($50), swim goggles ($10), and a simple bike helmet ($30).
Coaching Services
1. Free Training Plans: Utilize free online resources and training plans from reputable websites like Beginner Triathlete, Triathlete, or Training Peaks. These plans provide structured guidance without the cost. Sorry for the shameless plug that is now coming. I can also recommend my own training program that I am using to train for ironman Cairns. For $59.95 you will get fully structured workouts to get you through a 24 week program.
2. Local Triathlon Club: Join a local triathlon club for community support and group training sessions. Membership fees are usually modest, ranging from $50 to $100 per year.
3. DIY Approach: Using books, blogs, and YouTube channels to educate yourself on training techniques, nutrition, and race strategies. Self-coaching is a cost-effective way to prepare for an Ironman.
The High-End Ironman Experience
Gear
1. Premium Bike: If money is no object and you don’t mind looking like an absolute nob walking your $15,000 Cervelo P5x into the transition area for your first Ironman then check out this web page to see the most expensive high-performance triathlon bike from top brands like Cervelo, Trek, or Specialized. If you dial it down a little you can still get something less nob worthy for between $5,000 to $10,000 and be on the cutting edge of performance gains. Check out this article for models that will suit any budget.
2. High-End Wetsuit: Choose a top-tier wetsuit with advanced buoyancy and flexibility features. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,000. Click here for the best wetsuit that money can buy.
3. Professional Running Shoes: Opt for high-performance running shoes from leading brands like Nike or Hoka One One, with prices around $150 to $250. Click on the link in the sub heading to get the 7 best recommended shoes for 2025.
Unfortunately, these shoes are banned by Ironman.
4. Advanced Gear: Upgrade to a professional tri-suit ($600), anti-fog swim goggles ($50), and an aerodynamic bike helmet ($200). Additional gadgets like a GPS watch ($1000) and power meter ($700) can further enhance your performance.
Coaching Services
1. Personal Coach: Hire a certified triathlon coach for personalized training plans, one-on-one sessions, and continuous feedback. Coaching fees can range from $200 to $500 per month.
2. 2. Specialized Camps: Attend triathlon training camps and clinics to gain hands-on experience and expert advice. These camps often cost between $1,000 and $2,000 for a week-long session.
3. Premium Apps and Software: Utilize advanced training platforms like TrainingPeaks Premium or Today's Plan for detailed analytics and customized plans. Subscriptions typically cost around $20 to $30 per month.
Final thoughts
No matter your budget, completing an Ironman is a remarkable achievement that requires dedication, discipline, and determination. Whether you choose the budget-friendly route or the high-end experience, both approaches have their unique advantages and can lead to a successful Ironman finish. The key is to find the right balance between cost and quality, ensuring that your training journey is as rewarding and enjoyable as the race itself. Happy training, and see you at the finish line!