How do you answer this question?

Triathlon Forum
1

When the fact that you are an Ironman comes up in conversation, people ask all the time, “how many times have you done it?” Those of you with perfect records, there is no debate. However, I have finished two and DNF’d once as well.

So, am I three, am I two, am I two and 1/2, am I “started 3, finished 2” ???

How do the rest of you answer?

2

Doing an IM is kind of like a c%^k pushup. You only need to do one. It doesn’t matter if you tried a bunch of times and were unsuccessful.

3

“I’ve done it enough that I’m now blind in one eye.”
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4

“I’ve done it enough that I’m now blind in one eye.”

Hardee, har, har, har…

Its not nice to make fun of the frail and infirm.

5

I answer “13 of 13. Twice injured. I will never quit - that is part of the lesson of being an Ironman.” I always hope next time out that I won’t eat my words.

best wishes,

6

Depends on o where you DNF’d. You mite be 2 &2/3’ds! Unless you wanna tell the DNF story, I guess, say 2.

I’m at 2. And counting…

7

I’ve got to go with only teh number of times you finished before the cuttoff. Otherwise you haven’t “done it”.

Say for instance someone asked you how many marathons you’ve done. You wouldn’t tell them 2 if you only trained for two, stepped up to the line and ran a couple hundred yards and quite.

I think “done” refers more to “how many have you finished” rather than “How many have you started”

~Matt

8

So are you saying the training doesn’t count as part of “doing an Ironman”?

9

I’d say two. Or started three and finished 2, if you want to share.

My favorite question, which unbelievably I’ve received more than once is “do you do the whole thing in your wetsuit?”

10

I’d say the honest answer is that u started 3 but only finished 2. They’d prolly ask what happened to the one u didn’t finish…? Thats where u start telling them the whole story and then they’ll be more interested in the DNF story.

11

are you saying the training doesn’t count as part of “doing an Ironman”?

I’d agree with that. Anyone can “train” for an Ironman. It’s completing one that’s the trick. (of course, for most folks it’s a given that you can’t complete one without training for it.)

12

I would respond by asking him/her, “what is your favorite ride?” or “what is something that you like to do when you are not training?” or “Have you read any good books latley?” or “can you tell me a good joke?”
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