Let’s talk about an incredible feat of human endurance, grit, and versatility. Noah Ohlsen, a well-known CrossFit athlete, has achieved something truly remarkable: completing an Ironman triathlon in under 11 hours. If you’ve ever tried to tackle just one discipline of an Ironman—whether it’s swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, or running a full 26.2-mile marathon—you know how tough this is. Now imagine stringing them all together and doing it with speed. It’s no wonder his accomplishment has turned heads!
Who is Noah Ohlsen?
Noah Ohlsen isn’t your average athlete. For years, he’s been a mainstay in the CrossFit Games, consistently finishing near the top and showcasing elite strength, endurance, and mental toughness. But even with all that CrossFit success, Ohlsen admitted, “For the last few years of my Games career, I had acknowledged the fact that I probably wasn’t in contention to win anymore and took my foot off the gas pedal in training.” Ohlsen announced earlier in 2023 that it would be his last year competing individually – this year he competed as part of a team.
This Ironman challenge came at a pivotal moment in his athletic journey. The CrossFit Games had just concluded, and Ohlsen wanted to pivot toward something new. He shared in his video that this race was a way to “get my mind off of that and explore something kind of new.”
How Impressive is Sub-11 Hours?
To finish an Ironman in under 11 hours is no small feat, even for seasoned triathletes. The average finishing time hovers around 12-13 hours, depending on conditions and athlete experience. Ohlsen’s time of 10:58:03 places him among an elite subset of participants, many of whom have trained for years exclusively in triathlon disciplines.
Ohlsen trained strategically, with his goal dialed in. “The goal of trying to finish it in 11 hours… fuels me,” he said. He meticulously planned his race, aiming for specific splits, such as a four-hour marathon after completing the swim and bike. He knew the delicate balance required: “If I push the bike a little too hard, is that going to fatigue me more than having to run faster?”
Let’s break it down:
- Swim: Noah had to combat ocean waves during the swim. He reflected on the challenges, saying, “It felt like they were pulling me back… it was tough.”
- Bike: This 112-mile segment wasn’t without its risks. Mechanical failures could have derailed his race, but Noah kept his focus, maintaining a steady pace.
- Run: The marathon capped the Ironman, and Ohlsen faced immense foot pain. At one point, he admitted, “2.5 miles in, my right foot really hurt… I was just barely hanging on.”
The Mental and Physical Grind
Noah’s journey wasn’t just physical—it was deeply mental. He shared how he had to battle self-doubt during the run, nearly telling his fiancée he didn’t think he could finish. But he pushed through, using every ounce of determination to beat the clock.
“When I slowed down in the middle, I had to ask myself: should I just give up? Or stay in the fight?” he said. And stay in the fight he did, ramping up his pace toward the end, sprinting across the finish line with a time of 10:58:03.
VIDEO: Noah Ohlsen Unofficially Breaks World Record for CrossFit WOD Fran
Why This Matters
Noah Ohlsen’s Ironman completion isn’t just a win for him—it’s a win for CrossFit athletes everywhere. It shows that the CrossFit methodology, which emphasizes versatility, can prepare athletes to excel across diverse physical challenges.
For Ohlsen, this was a personal triumph. “I do feel proud of myself, and that’s not something I feel very often,” he admitted after finishing.
But more than that, this achievement serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to redefine their limits. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset, careful preparation, and a refusal to quit, you can accomplish extraordinary things.
A New Chapter?
As for what’s next, Ohlsen isn’t quite sure. “Before this weekend, I thought maybe this could be my new thing. But right now, I don’t know that I have that desire anymore,” he laughed. What’s clear is that he’s searching for new ways to challenge himself, just as he’s inspired countless others to do the same.
So, what’s your next challenge? Whether it’s your first CrossFit WOD, a 5K run, or—who knows—an Ironman, remember Noah Ohlsen’s story. Embrace the process, even when it hurts, and keep pushing toward that finish line. You might just surprise yourself!
Transformations: Noah Ohlsen Before He Found CrossFit (And 8 of His Challenging Workouts)
