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2500 athletes have signed up for the 4th edition of Ironman France on 22 June. This is enormously successful for a sport that has limited media coverage in France. Ironman is indeed a complete sporting practice incorporating swimming, cycling and running – the world’s three most popular sports. Furthermore, the training has positive effects on both the physical and the psychological level.
Ironman is a healthy sport. Fitness, nature and adventure: three other words summarizing triathlon and consequently Ironman. This sport helps you to better know and understand your body, your physical abilities, and positive techniques of rest and recovery. From early on, triathletes learn to take care of their body and think about well-balanced nutrition and training.
“This sport is not about bearing a cross. The image of drudgery is obsolete and dates back to the eighties. Today, triathlon is a playful sport where everyone can choose the adequate distances.” says Julien Loy, 2007 long-distance world champion and participant at Ironman France 2008. The triathlete’s goal is to find a good balance that will allow him to achieve the best level of performance. Combining three basic disciplines, the triple effort contributes to the development of muscular mass while sculpting a lean, harmonious figure. Contrary to the common idea amongst vast parts of the public, the word “triathlon” does not signify “extreme sport”.
Entailing various disciplines and movements leads to the development of physical and psychological stamina while developing hunger for effort, perseverance and self-confidence. Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins and cuts down stress and anxiety. Furthermore, the combination of three sports prevents monotony in training. If the swimming pool is not appealing one day, a triathlete can always go out into nature and cycle or run.
Organising training sessions in various disciplines has another positive effect: an organised way of life. A triathlete manages to schedule swimming, cycling and running, in addition to family life and a demanding job. He benefits from positive training effects on the cardio-vascular system, has control over his weight, and is better equipped to avoid dependencies on drugs such as tobacco. These are important issues in today’s society: fighting against smoking, avoiding obesity and achieving a work-life balance. Triathlon can be the answer to all of these contemporary difficulties.
When will you take up the challenge of an Ironman?
“Nature is an essential factor contributing to the triathlete’s zen-attitude” - Photo: ©MiKu
The official website of Julien Loy: www.julienloy.com
IRONMAN France - Nice Triathlon
22 June 2008
3.8km SWIM | 180km BIKE | 42.195km RUN
50 qualifying places for the Ironman World Championship on 11 October 2008
Athletes representing 52 nations
16 hours and more of show & sports on race day
5 days of triathlon and multisports expoin the Jardins Albert 1er in Nice.
www.ironmanfrance.com
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