From Eagleman to Ironman: Jeremy Dutton’s Road to Maryland

/June 22, 2024

Jeremy Dutton’s journey from Eagleman to Ironman has provided him with insights into race planning, training adjustments, and the importance of mental and physical preparation. As he sets his sights on Ironman Maryland, Jeremy’s experience at Eagleman has shaped his approach to future races. We share his reflections on Eagleman, his strategies for improvement, and his goals for the future.

Learning from Eagleman

When Jeremy first discussed his plans for Ironman Maryland, Eagleman was meant to be a litmus test. Reflecting on the race, Jeremy said, “The race was phenomenal.” He shared the unexpected support he received from his coach, who surprised him at the event. “I’ve been coached by her since 2018, and she shows up. It was epic.”

Jeremy’s swim at Eagleman was a strong start, despite the challenges posed by the “Choptank” river. He opted for a wetsuit, prioritizing comfort over speed. “I finished it in 46 minutes,” Jeremy recalled. On the bike, he exceeded his expectations with an average pace of 16.2 miles per hour. He maintained steady watts and adjusted to a headwind during the last 10 miles. However, the run posed a significant challenge due to nutrition issues. “My nutrition did not agree with me on the run,” he admitted. By adapting his strategy, Jeremy managed to complete the race in 7 hours and 56 minutes, just within his goal of 7:45 to 8 hours.

Adjusting Training and Nutrition

Reflecting on his nutrition challenges, Jeremy plans to refine his run nutrition. He is considering changes to his nutrition mix and hydration strategy. “Maybe I carry a smaller bottle and refill more frequently with fresher, colder water,” he suggested. His bike nutrition, on the other hand, worked well, and he plans to continue with the same approach.

Jeremy also discussed the importance of comfort during the race. He plans to test different gear, such as trying a tri kit for his next few rides to see how it feels over long distances. This experimentation will help him decide whether to prioritize speed or comfort during transitions.

Mental Strategies and Future Goals

Completing Eagleman has significantly boosted Jeremy’s confidence as he prepares for Ironman Maryland. “Ironman is very daunting,” he said, acknowledging the challenge ahead. However, his experience at Eagleman has made the goal seem more attainable. By applying lessons learned and continuing his rigorous training, Jeremy is optimistic about his performance in Maryland.

Training will continue as planned, with a focus on building endurance and fine-tuning nutrition. Jeremy has been incorporating open water swims into his routine, which he finds beneficial. “I want to overbuild that swim so I’m not fatigued for the bike,” he explained.

One area of continued conversation between Jeremy and his coach is the length of his longest bike rides. While his coach recommends 110 miles, Jeremy prefers to push for 120 miles to build confidence. “I want that buffer,” he stated.

Balancing Life and Training

Balancing training with everyday life is a constant challenge for athletes like Jeremy. He credits his wife, Megan, for her unwavering support. “She’s been phenomenal,” Jeremy shared. They have worked out a system where Megan meets him during long rides to provide fresh nutrition and gear, which helps maintain his mental state.

Jeremy is also mindful of avoiding burnout. He plans to dial back his work hours on weekends to accommodate longer training sessions. Recovery is equally important, and Jeremy emphasizes the need for relaxation and proper hydration after intense workouts.

The Importance of Consistency

Consistency in training has been a key factor in Jeremy’s progress. He admits that he hasn’t always been good at listening to his coach, often pushing himself beyond the prescribed limits. However, he now realizes the importance of following the plan, especially as the intensity ramps up. “I’ve got to really start listening because this is when things get risky,” he acknowledged.

Jeremy’s training philosophy has evolved to embrace the value of Zone 2 training, which focuses on building aerobic endurance. “My body didn’t hurt the way it hurt after previous races,” he noted, attributing this to consistent, lower-intensity training.

Visualizing Success

Completing Eagleman has also helped Jeremy visualize the finish line at Ironman Maryland. “I hadn’t until after finishing Eagleman,” he confessed. The experience at Eagleman, with its supportive crowd and positive atmosphere, has given him a glimpse of what crossing the finish line in Maryland might feel like.

Jeremy Dutton’s journey through Eagleman has been a transformative experience, providing valuable lessons and boosting his confidence for Ironman Maryland. By refining his training and nutrition strategies and maintaining a balanced approach to life and training, Jeremy is well on his way to achieving his goals. As he continues to push his limits and adapt his strategies, Jeremy’s story serves as an inspiration to everyday athletes striving to balance their passion for endurance sports with the demands of daily life.

Jason Bahamundi Run Tri Bike Magazine Owner Triathlete Ultra Runner Trail Runner

Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run Tri Bike, is a passionate and accomplished endurance athlete dedicated to proving that there is a spot at the starting line for everybody and every body. With a background deeply rooted in the world of triathlons, running, and cycling, Jason has not only excelled in his personal athletic endeavors but is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive world of endurance sports. This led him to establish Run Tri Bike, a platform that serves as a hub for enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources. Jason's genuine enthusiasm for endurance sports, continues to inspire individuals to pursue their goals and embrace the transformative power of an endurance sports lifestyle.