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MADISON, Wis. - When compiling a list of activities one would like to experience during a lifetime, most would probably list something thrilling, but somewhat equitable. Something they will remember for the rest of their lives, but something they do not need to immerse themselves in. Something like bungee jumping, sky diving, viewing the Grand Canyon, or the Statue of Liberty. Very few would put competing in an Ironman competition near the top of their bucket list.

2001 Estherville Lincoln Central graduate Nathan Johnson is one of the few who would.

Currently in his final year of graduate studies at Iowa State University, Johnson, 26, competed in his first ever Ironman race on Sept. 13, 2009 in Madison, Wis. after competing in several smaller competitions and a gentle push from his girlfriend Jennifer Parker, who completed Ironman Wisconsin the year prior.

It took six months of grueling training to prepare for the competition.

"Registration for the Ironman is a year in advance and costs $600," he said. "You have to be serious, no joking around."

His training was split in half with three months of minor training followed by three months of intense training that culminated with working out more than 25 hours per week during the final month. Those intense workouts included eight miles of swimming, 200 miles biking and 40 miles of running per week.

"It was exhausting," Johnson said. "The final four weeks I just wanted to do the race after a year's worth of anticipation."

To maintain his weight during his workouts, Johnson consumed between 6,000 and 8,000 calories a day.

"I had to borrow money from my PhD studies just to eat," he said.

That training proved necessary as the event Johnson had anticipated finally arrived.

The Ironman is a triathlon consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run. The race must be completed within 17 hours, starting at 7 a.m. and concluding at midnight.

Up first for Johnson was the swim. "The swim was motivating," he said. "There is nothing like starting a 2.4 mile swim at the sound of a cannon with 2,400 other people crowded in the water. The adrenaline started strong."

After completing the swim in 1 hour, 9 minutes, Johnson hit the pavement on his bike. "The bike was exciting," he said. "I took the hills strong and kept moving hard through each of the 112 miles. I went through more liquids than I thought possible, grabbing Gatorade and water every 10-15 miles to drink and cool off."

Johnson's bike pace was 21 miles-per-hour, placing him 98th in the competition, including professionals, and finished in 5 hours, 20 minutes.

After the T2 transition, he began the 26.2 mile marathon run that many triathletes describe as a "cool down."

"The run was tiring," Johnson said. "The first four miles went well but after that I became sick, fatigued and injuries started to pop up. My electrolytes were way off balance.

"At mile 13, I was more concerned with finishing than a great run split. I saw racers on the side of the road in stretchers with IVs."

Despite being completely worn out, Johnson managed to finish the run in 4 hours, 2 minutes for a total time of 10:46.48, placing him 141st out of the 2,400 competitors and 21 of 198 in his age group.

Johnson's final time was far better than he had anticipated. "My final time was 20 minutes faster than my super-good goal time and 50 minutes faster than my cushion goal time," he said.

According to Johnson, about 230 people - or 10 percent - didn't finish. Including six professionals that dropped out during the run.

"There was a wealth of emotion in the race. It was inspiring to be with so many motivated racers and enthusiastic fans. I could write a book on the experiences during the short time of the race; from climbing over people in the water, goggles being kicked off, blazing around bikers, amazing fans, rotator cuff problems on the swim, back/ham cramps on the bike, knee/ankle pains on the run and the glory of the finish."

Another Ironman race may or may not be in Johnson's future.

"The Ironman might be a box-checker," he said. "Perhaps I will do another in my 30s. It takes an inconceivable amount of time and resources to train. Balancing PhD studies and Ironman training was a no-win scenario. I can't imagine how hard it is for people with families.

"Next year I will not do an Ironman, but go for larger endurance races in each sport-a 50-mile ultra-marathon and a 24-hour bike race."

For now Johnson will enjoy a little rest and relaxation.

"It takes a full month to recover from an Ironman," he said. "Right now I'm enjoying some down time with no set exercise schedule."