What does it take to be an Ironman contender?

With the triathlon fever gripping the country, the biggest question in the minds of every wannabe triathlete is, what does it take to be an Ironman contender?

Perhaps the best person to provide expert opinion on the subject is current Philippine record holder in both full and half Ironman distances, Noy Jopson.

Jopson said an aspiring Ironman contender should, first of all, know how to swim, bike and run. And, most importantly, is good in all three.

“It’s not easy. It takes years of practice. It is really a different level. You have to have a lot of years of endurance mileage behind you.”

Jopson has competed in a lot of major long distance triathlon events since he joined his first half Ironman in 2001. These include the 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, Florida and last year’s Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

This year, Jopson is competing again in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 on Aug.5 at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa and in the Xterra World Championships in Maui, Hawaii this October.

Jopson said training is year-long and becomes more focused in the last 10 weeks before a big race.

He trains every day, two to three hours before going to work and one hour before going home. In the morning he alternates long distance running or long distance biking, and in the evening he either swims or does strength training.

Jopson said an Ironman wannabe should join several races to gain valuable experience and pack on endurance mileage to finally nnare that coveted podium finish. /Correspondent Mars Alison