For those not familar with the Ironman competition,  Ironman, in a sentence, is a grueling test of physical and mental toughness.  The Ironman race is a course of 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles biking, and 26.2 miles of marathon running.

How did it all start?  In 1978, during the awards ceremony for a Hawaii running race, a debate ensues among competitors about who is more fit -- swimmers, runners or other athletes. One of the participants, Navy Commander John Collins, dreams up a race to settle the argument. He proposes combining three existing races together, to be completed in succession: the Waikiki Roughwater Swim (2.4 miles), the Around-Oahu Bike Race (112 miles, originally a two-day event) and the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles). "Whoever finishes first we’ll call the Ironman," said Collins. Fifteen men participate in the initial event held on February 18; 12 complete the race, led by the first Ironman, Gordon Haller. His winning time: 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds. (from Ironman Triathlon World Championship By Kelly Mione for Ironmanlive.com).  To see a complete history of the Ironman, click here.  To see an article about the Ironman competition that appeared in USA Today on July 20, 2004, click here.