18 is required for all Ironman branded events (half included). The independents may be a bit more lax on that requirement. Contact the race director for the one you want to do and ask him/her if you can race.

God won't help you. Google will, though. If you so intent on entering an M Dot race, spend some time reading the Ironman waiver on active.com (p.6, specifically).

But if you still want to do a 140.6 and don't want to put yourself through the agony of doing research or sending an email to an event organizer, put your swim trunks on and go freestyle for an hour or so (make sure you have some friends in the pool to kick you in the face and punch you in the ribs for the first 10 min). When you're done with that get on your bike for a 112 mile ride. When you're done with that, put your running shoes on and--you guessed it--go crank off a marathon. At the end of the day when you walk in the door have your mom or dad yell, "son, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!"

i wanted to do a half ironman this summer (not ironman-branded, just a 70.3 distance race) and i'm 17 also (but i turned 17 last november). When i proposed the idea to my coach, he refused to allow me. Right now my main focus is sprint/olympic distance, and he said that it would be pointless to do that kind of long training at my age. Along with that, its not good to put that much pressure on your body at such a young age (i know i sound like an annoying parent but thats why ironman has that age limit-also probably for some liability issues). I would definitely not do a full ironman at 17 though. The idea hasnt even come into my mind (at least not at this age).
just my 2 cents.

I just completed a 70.3 and I am 29. I don't think 140.6 should be done by anyone under the age of 25. And I think this is toooo early. I will try mine at 35-40.

17 no way. the youngest guy to finish at kona is my friend. He is a 3 time ultraman champion. he is not even 50 but his face looks like he is 75. So think about it.

[quote=dscf23]I just completed a 70.3 and I am 29. I don't think 140.6 should be done by anyone under the age of 25. And I think this is toooo early. I will try mine at 35-40.

17 no way. the youngest guy to finish at kona is my friend. He is a 3 time ultraman champion. he is not even 50 but his face looks like he is 75. So think about it.

[/quote]

I think you may be a little over-conservative there, but to each his/her own. I definately wouldn't recommend IM for teenagers, but I am building up to do my first next year, and will be 25. I think I would be ready this year, but am more focused on the journey and a progressive build-up than the payoff right now.

Either way, though 17 you should be focusing on developing your top end speed and excelling at short-course races...there's plenty of time to transfer that gained speed into longer races later

Try some shorter X-terra events. Try a 2-person adventure race either with a fast buddy or with your slower brother/girlfriend/dad/whomever. Still competition but different sets of challenges.

Put me with those who wouldn't recommend it for a teenager, for a couple of reasons. One is that training for endurance events puts a lot of strain on a young and still developing body. I just don't think it's worth it to mess up your future athletic endeavors.

Another is that extreme endurance events demand a certain bit of maturity, patience, and an ability to really know yourself. No mistake, Ironman is a dangerous game for people who go out too hard and too early, or misread their nutrition or hydration or whatever. Just look in the medical tent of any IM to see what I mean.

If you're looking for adventure - mountain climbing, scuba diving, adventure racing, rock climbing, skydiving, there's lots of fun stuff to do out there that won't tap you out before you hit 20. But in the end, life is more than going from thrill to thrill, and as cliche as it sounds, you have to find the ability to keep yourself satisfied without seeking ever-more-radical endeavors.

[quote=Ironmom]Another is that extreme endurance events demand a certain bit of maturity, patience, and an ability to really know yourself. No mistake, Ironman is a dangerous game for people who go out too hard and too early, or misread their nutrition or hydration or whatever. Just look in the medical tent of any IM to see what I mean.
[/quote]

+1 to this, I've read some "race reports" from a guy a few years younger than me (so early 20's now) who has attempted 2 IMs that I've seen so far. In his first, he ended up in the hospital for a week with some kidney issues from severe dehydration. In the second attempt, he had to spend a substantial amount of time in the med tent due to similar hydration issues, though not as severe. He didn't finish either.

I didn't know the kid personally, but was amazed his parents, or older peers weren't advising him to stop with the path he was following b/c it was just wreckless and dangerous. His discipline and maturity level was obviously not where it needed to be for what he was doing.

[quote=The X Runner][quote=jsk85][quote=Ironmom]Another is that extreme endurance events demand a certain bit of maturity, patience, and an ability to really know yourself. No mistake, Ironman is a dangerous game for people who go out too hard and too early, or misread their nutrition or hydration or whatever. Just look in the medical tent of any IM to see what I mean.
[/quote]

+1 to this, I've read some "race reports" from a guy a few years younger than me (so early 20's now) who has attempted 2 IMs that I've seen so far. In his first, he ended up in the hospital for a week with some kidney issues from severe dehydration. In the second attempt, he had to spend a substantial amount of time in the med tent due to similar hydration issues, though not as severe. He didn't finish either.

I didn't know the kid personally, but was amazed his parents, or older peers weren't advising him to stop with the path he was following b/c it was just wreckless and dangerous. His discipline and maturity level was obviously not where it needed to be for what he was doing.
[/quote]

I know this isn't such a mature statement in itself, but I'm very disciplined and mature for my age, in fact not only for my age.
[/quote]

Yes that is what every teenager says :)
......and, don't take that the wrong way.......

And here is another thought....(and I agree with everything others have said).

Your profile does not say if you are a guy or gal or where you live. I would be hesitant to want my 16 (going on 17, hey that's a song but I digress) out training at funky hours in the dark of morning or night depending on where you live to get the necessairy training in. NYC likely not, podunk Iowa, sure. Not that it is any better for someone older, but it goes back to maturity and ability to take on different situations.

[quote=The X Runner][quote=brittda][quote=The X Runner][quote=jsk85][quote=Ironmom]Another is that extreme endurance events demand a certain bit of maturity, patience, and an ability to really know yourself. No mistake, Ironman is a dangerous game for people who go out too hard and too early, or misread their nutrition or hydration or whatever. Just look in the medical tent of any IM to see what I mean.
[/quote]

+1 to this, I've read some "race reports" from a guy a few years younger than me (so early 20's now) who has attempted 2 IMs that I've seen so far. In his first, he ended up in the hospital for a week with some kidney issues from severe dehydration. In the second attempt, he had to spend a substantial amount of time in the med tent due to similar hydration issues, though not as severe. He didn't finish either.

I didn't know the kid personally, but was amazed his parents, or older peers weren't advising him to stop with the path he was following b/c it was just wreckless and dangerous. His discipline and maturity level was obviously not where it needed to be for what he was doing.
[/quote]

I know this isn't such a mature statement in itself, but I'm very disciplined and mature for my age, in fact not only for my age.
[/quote]

Yes that is what every teenager says :)
......and, don't take that the wrong way.......
[/quote]
yes, and that is what every adult says... ; )
ok, but seriously, I can't blame you for underestimating me.

But I have discussed this with my parents the main issues are:
Can I do it physically, as we agree mentally I can handle it.
And with the $$$, how much it'll cost to get into the sport, fly to nevada and all, when its quite iffy if i make it.
[/quote]

True but I have been 16 and know NOW what my parents meant when they thought/said things. And, I know you have heard "when you get older you will understand". I got sick of hearing it, but honestly they were RIGHT . It's truly amazing :)
I don't underestimate you at all but with age does come some maturity.

I think the point is physically you really may NOT be able to do it. All the training you need to do is hard on your body, one that is still developing especially in a guy. I wouldn't think it would be a good idea to train for a marathon either at that age because your bones and joints are still growing and it's not a good idea to put all that stress on your body. Sure you may get through it and even race, but is it GOOD FOR YOU? Will it hurt you for the future? Quite possibly. Is it a risk you want to take?

As far as mentally goes, even adults make poor decisions when it comes race day when it comes to nutrition, and pushing too hard. Probably why they have medics to make the decision for you. I will never forget the gal sitting on the side of the road on my first IMC just vomiting her guts out. I asked her if she was ok, and her response was "as soon as I can stop throwing up I will be..." she didn't want to quit. Next ambulance that came by I directed her way. Not saying this would happen, but people make poor decisions in race situations.

As for the $$$ part, only you and your parents can decide that. It is expensive. Gels, drinks, new tires, entry fees, hotel it all adds up. I just paid nearly $1,000 for my hotel for this years IMC (thanks to a stronger dollar) Luckily I can drive, but throw a flight in there for 3 people (in your case) and it all adds up as you know :)

I guess they should feel lucky you aren't asking them to mortgage the house for gymnastics lessons ......ahahaahahahah

Good luck with what ever you decide to do, but remember you have lots of time to do and IM !!!!!!

FWIW the chesapeakeman iron distance in cambirdge maryland in september let a 14 year old do the distance last year he survived. FWIW I don't agree w/ someone that young racing but you're pretty close to the age of reason so go for it if you got the time (and fire inyour belly) to train.
tricolumbia.org has more info or check trifind.com for other iron distance races. good luck and have fun

you've heard the main issue of doing long term damage to a still developing body.

if you're as sharp/mature as you say, i have little doubt you've researched the tasks required and compared them to your schedule and abilities.

brittda's comments on the experiences developed over time shouldn't be dismissed lightly...just remain open to the idea that you will always be learning

in that light, i see no reason why you shouldn't go for it with your parents support...it will be an amazing process and reward to train and finish the race. my guess is that you can do it...

i say, good luck and have a great race!

[quote=The X Runner]thanks but this won't be a regular IM...as I've mentioned, its the silverman...[/quote]

yeah, and...?

are you worried about it?

Well EVERY IM distance race, whether it be an IM branded or 140.6 has challenges. Each is different. Some have ocean swims, some have hilly courses, some are all flat (a challenge for me), some are in the heat of the summer. None should be taken lightly. Honestly the hardest part isn't the race its the training to get you there. Never have I gotten to a race concerned about not making a cut off. Now, it could have happend for reasons beyond my controll but not for lack of training or ability to make it. The race is your reward for your hard training. As a friend once said "the celebration party".

there are other races I'm sure there are others on sunday but if you've got your heart set on sivlerman go for it. watched alittle of it on universal last week looks like a wild time. have fun

I am terrified of moving up to longer distances in a few years because of the cut-offs.......I'll still do it, but the fear of cut-offs makes me get out and work

[quote=The X Runner]i'm worried about wasting alot of $...yes, I'd like to at least complete it without being pulled off the course because I didnt make the cut off...
[/quote]

worry less about the cash and more about the training...
if you have the time to put into training for an IM, you have time to train for Silverman...just train for the course...a bunch of hill training, etc

if you're on the bubble of completing it in 17hrs, you might reconsider for next year, and get some more training in

[quote=The X Runner][quote=brittda][quote=The X Runner]
I know this isn't such a mature statement in itself, but I'm very disciplined and mature for my age, in fact not only for my age.
[/quote]

Yes that is what every teenager says :)
......and, don't take that the wrong way.......
[/quote]
yes, and that is what every adult says... ; )
ok, but seriously, I can't blame you for underestimating me.[/quote]

Even a "very disciplined and mature" teenager however is prone to making monumental errors in judgement about their abilities and bodies. I know it sounds like a broken record, but so many of us have been there. At your age, I was living on my own, going to college, and working three jobs. I was a disciplined and mature teenager. That also didn't stop me from making some real doozies in the judgement department. It goes with the territory and the way the teenage brain develops. It's hard to see until you get past that age, oh somewhere around 25.

And for what it's worth, lots of adults get bit by the Ironman bug and make some horrific errors in judgement too. A friend of mine last year kept racing when he was losing muscle control from dehydration in an iron-distance race. He came damn close to killing himself. It's easy to do in this, or any other sport where you push yourself close to the edge. I don't know how to say this any other way, but I lost more than a couple friends between the ages of 18 and 25 to errors in judgement and dangerous sports. Not something to take lightly at all. I hope you take whatever people in this thread are saying as coming from an angle of concern and not judgementalism.

[quote=The X Runner]But I have discussed this with my parents the main issues are:
Can I do it physically, as we agree mentally I can handle it.
And with the $$$, how much it'll cost to get into the sport, fly to nevada and all, when its quite iffy if i make it.
[/quote]

I hear you saying that you've discussed it with your parents, but I'm also wondering how much they know about this sport. Have they peeked into an Ironman medical tent post-race? Do they know the toll it takes to train for it on a mature body, let alone a developing body? I'm 43, and I just had this conversation with my mom last week. She told me that she prays I never do another Ironman, it just scares the crap out of her that I do this stuff. And my mom has gone skydiving with me, so that's saying something! I take her opinion very seriously, it IS a dangerous sport.

As for the cost and being iffy if you can finish it, why not train for another year and enter a race when you KNOW whether or not you can finish it? It's an awful long time to train for something that you don't know if you can do. Part of wisdom, discipline, and maturity is the ability to be patient. As a former daredevil teenager, and as a parent of an almost teenager, I would urge patience and at least another year of training, picking a race that you are confident you can finish safely and in good health. That's just my .02.

[quote=The X Runner][quote=Joe_H]there are other races I'm sure there are others on sunday but if you've got your heart set on sivlerman go for it. watched alittle of it on universal last week looks like a wild time. have fun[/quote]
joe, I may have found a way to get into the Plymouth Rock one, in sept. ...not as much time to train, but much easier[/quote]

Ok, again (broken record here) an IM is an IM it is not EASY.

Yeah, a course really isn't the hard part of an IM. They each have their own challenges, and you might be surprised how the one thing you worry about ends up never crossing your mind on race day.

instead of arguing i'll just put it out there that pushing yourself that hard at such a young age isnt good. You'll feel great for the early years of your life, then you'll hit 30 or 35 and will have to take an uncountable amount of medicine just to continue training and racing. By 40 it's gonna be hard to walk, let alone race. I've heard many stories about this happening to people that my dad is friends with. The ages could be exaggerations, but you never know.

I guess maybe the question isn't really why everyone thinks it's so horrible for you to do an IM right now.....

maybe the question is why do you think it would be so horrible to NOT do one right now?

[quote=Gsal]instead of arguing i'll just put it out there that pushing yourself that hard at such a young age isnt good. You'll feel great for the early years of your life, then you'll hit 30 or 35 and will have to take an uncountable amount of medicine just to continue training and racing. By 40 it's gonna be hard to walk, let alone race. I've heard many stories about this happening to people that my dad is friends with. The ages could be exaggerations, but you never know.[/quote]

BUT.... these people are great for my business! I can't tell you how many swim clients I have that USED to be able to run. Of course, I live in Track Town USA, where burnt-out runners are a dime a dozen, and the knee and hip-replacement surgeons are always in business...

I think you'd be fine doing a half...maybe not making them your entire focus and filling your season with them, but as a 1 (or 2) a year kinda thing, sure. The training requirements difference b/w a half and a full is pretty substantial, IMHO.

FWIW, I was only 20 when I did my first 1/2...I trained pretty poorly, so the 2nd half of the run was more of a crawl, but I finished...grabbed some dinner and went to a Jimmy Buffett concert that night. Took about a week of recovery to get back to full strength...no ill effects