Limits of the Body

Radiolab is just amazing when it comes to telling stories. They have a way of making very complex ideas and concepts come alive by the use of sound effects and banter between the hosts. In this episode the two hosts talk to two Ironman competitors, Julie Moss and Wendy Ingraham to find out how they do what they do. Just to get you to understand what the Ironman is all about. An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike and a marathon 42.195-kilometre (26.219 mi) run, raced in that order and without a break. Most Ironman events have a strict time limit of 17 hours to complete the race, where the Ironman race starts at 7 AM, the mandatory swim cut off for the 2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim is 2 hours 20 minutes, the bike cut off time is 5:30 PM, and all finishers must complete their marathon by midnight.So why do some athletes succeed in doing what is considered by many as the ultimate test of human endurance. They all talk about the inner voice that nudges them to get up. This voice prompts the athletes to say, "I don't care what it takes I am going to finish the race". The voice that says, "Keep moving forward." The real self of the athlete has no limits.