Return of the Mighty: The 140.6 Ironman Cozumel 2010

Triathlons have a curious advantage of being versatile enough that there are very select few who can actually excel in all three sports, keeping the playing field relatively level. That doesn't mean that triathletes are slower than most other athletes, considering the amount of work that goes into completing a triathlon. To start with a swim, then go on a bike ride to finish off with a run all require an ounce of dexterity, a lot of endurance and a ton of will power.

Cozumel is an island off the coast of the beachside city called Playa del Carmen, some 40 miles from Cancun, Mexico. This island is known for its wonderful snorkeling and diving and is now home to the second edition of the 140.6 Cozumel Ironman 2010. The "140.6" in the name refers to the distance of the entire competition in miles, consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run.

The first ever Ironman ever to take place happened early on February 18, 1978 in Hawaii. Before the competition started, the 15 competitors received the general rules and a quote from U.S. Navy Commander John Collins who had written on the last page, "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!" That motto was to become an intrinsic part of the competition which now has multiplied into 24 events of the same distance in 14 different countries.

Cozumel is mostly flat with a slight elevation of 100 feet at its tallest point. The challenges, however, come with the intense humidity and the island's crosswinds. An in-water start, competitors must swim one lap in the Chankanaab Reef, ride a three-lap counter-clockwise loop around the island and a three-lap run down Rafael Melgar Avenue. As an observer of last year's competition, several competitors remarked that in all their Ironman experience, the party-like atmosphere and support of the locals of Cozumel were comparable to that of the World Championship Ironman in Kona, on the islands where that first Ironman in 1978 took place.

If you are planning on competing or supporting an athlete, there many different hotel options available. One excellent option is El Cozumeleno Beach Resort, which is a quick taxi ride away from the swim start at Chankanaab National Park. The Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa is another great option, located down the road. Both are all inclusive and offer a great option for those who need a place to stay for the event and for training camps prior to Sunday November 28, 2010.

So come out, cheer on those brave souls and enjoy the festivities. This year's Cozumel Ironman promises to be exciting with all the challenges that a race like this can provide in absolute perfection.