What scares you the most about your upcoming ironman race? What's your fear-factor?

As fit as a person is going into their first career Ironman, the fear-factor is always in the equation as the big day creeps ever closer.

As cool and confident as many participants may appear, there is almost always something that fills them with a certain amount of misgiving and anxiety.

For many, the fear-factor will be overwhelming self-doubt as they wonder what on earth they have gotten themselves into. Its almost like diving off a high cliff. Once you're committed, there's no turning back. After all, everyone in your circle of friends, family and co-workers know all about it. For months they have observed as you've immersed yourself in the rigors of Ironman preparation. How can you possibly back out and face the people who have supported you as you've prepared for the race of your life?

Well, some people can and do back out. I recall one story in the early 80's that took place in the Hawaii Ironman.

As the story goes........At the conclusion of the swim portion of the race and all the swimmers were off the course, it was discovered that one person was missing. In other words, someone who was signed in for the swim had not arrived. Apparently they searched the entire course looking for the missing swimmer fearing the worst.

As it turns out, the missing swimmer had never entered the water. He decided he just couldn't do it and left the transition area and went for breakfast. When he returned for his gear, he asked someone what all the fuss was about and then, much to the relief of all concerned, the mystery was solved. If you EVER decide to drop out of an Ironman race, be sure to let the organisers know as soon as possible!

It seems that the swim is particularly terrifying for many first time Ironman athletes. People have been known to stand on the shore in tears, unable to face the swim even long after the gun has sounded.

In my first Ironman in Hawaii, I'll never forget the amazing euphoria in the transition tent after the swim. More than anything, I believe it was relief, because for many, myself included, a very big hurdle had been cleared. As far as I was concerned that day, there was nothing that would stop me from crossing the finish line once I conquered the swim. There was no doubt, the water was my fear-factor.

I believe that most who are considering their first Ironman are runners. Also, pretty well everyone has biked at one time or another in their life, but really few have had the opportunity or reason to swim in the open water. So it stands to reason that a lot of first time Ironman triathletes are going to be extremely apprehensive about the Ironman swim.

Some I suppose may fear the bike. Maybe steep hills or cycling around so many others will cause some concern. At least in the bike and run you have complete control. You can just stop or slow down. I think its fair to say, that in the swim, once you're half a mile out in the open water you're pretty well committed.

Personally, I think much of the fear-factor grows all out of proportion as the race nears. Ironman preparation is much more than swim, bike, run. You must also prepare yourself mentally.

When you begin to have doubts about your ability, or when the fear of failure begins to haunt you, its time to take a step back and consider how far you have come.

It may not seem like it on race-day, as you are surrounded by hundreds of athletes, but in the big scheme of things, few people in the world will ever attempt what you're about to do. Believe in your training, your preparation and ability. When the fear-factor is overwhelming as the race nears---regardless if its the swim or the bike or just fear of failing---remember this:

There are hundreds of other athletes who will feel the same as you on race morning. Thats one of the things that makes the Ironman so amazing. You are all on the same journey together. The goal is a common one. It is this united spirit that will help calm the fear-factor and take you through the day. You'll understand what I mean as your first Ironman race-day unfolds.

There will be several thousand volunteers and thousands more spectators and friends and relatives who will all play a part in your amazing journey.

They will be behind you when your fear is greatest, your inspiration when you doubt and your strength when you tire.

You are truly amazing just to reach the start line of an Ironman triathlon. Just to have gotten to that point makes you a resounding success, so how can you possibly fail?