2.4 generally refers to the swim distance (in miles) in a long-distance Ironman triathlon. The 2.4 mile swim portion is the first discipline, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon. It is performed in open-water environments, such as a lake, river, or sea, and requires strength, ability, and focus. The athletes have to manage their speed, direction, and power in order to set them up for the rest of the event.
Swimming 2.4 miles is equivalent to 3.86 kilometers and typically will take 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the skill of the person as well as the conditions. Athletes build their capacity for endurance for the swim with long swims, interval sets (5×500 meters), as well as drills. For learning about other swimmers, swimming through another person’s wake, adapting to currents, waves, or chilly water, training in open environments is necessary. The start of the race can vary—mass start, rolling start, or waves for age groups—and athletes can anticipate some contact, in particular, when the swim first starts. Mental training is about being calm, not panicking, and maintaining an even rhythm in dense areas. Proper pacing allows athletes to conserve their power for the tough 112-mile bike ride as well as 26.2-mile run that follows. Wearing an acceptable wetsuit (if permitted), having well-fitted goggles in the light, as well as being warmed up correctly, assists in performance. Completing the 2.4-mile swim is the key for winning an Ironman and indicates superior swimming endurance, skill, as well as planning for race day.
