The Road to Ironman: Powered by Grit and Gear
Brad Howard, who’s been part of the Trailberg journey since the beginning, has officially joined the ranks of Ironman finishers.
From early morning runs to strength sessions, Brad has trained, competed, and grown with Trailberg every step of the way. His dedication, grit, and passion reflect everything we believe in as a brand.
Now, with a sub-10-hour finish and a spot at the Ironman World Championships, Brad’s story is more than just a personal victory - it’s a moment of celebration for the entire Trailberg community.
The World’s Longest Triathlon: What Is A Full Ironman?
Ironman is considered one of the most gruelling endurance events in the world. Athletes must complete a 3.8km open-water swim, followed by a 180km cycle, and finish with a full 42.2km marathon - all in a single day.
Only around 0.01% of the global population ever competes in a full Ironman, making it statistically more exclusive than qualifying for the Olympics. It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s a test of strategy, stamina, and strategic pacing. Completing an Ironman is an achievement in itself. Placing in one is a whole new level entirely.
Brad Howard: Pushing Limits
Trailberg athlete Brad Howard is no stranger to high performance. Brad’s approach to fitness is disciplined, methodical, and uncompromising. His training routine is intense, his nutrition dialled in, and his recovery taken seriously.
But this hasn’t always been the case for Brad.
‘There were times in my life when I didn’t really know who I was. I had no purpose [...] I was going out, drinking, [...] running away from the problems I had’, Brad recalls.
One day he thought, ‘I can’t continue living the life I live like this [...] you need a shift here’
This shift came through training. First his escape, then his focus, and eventually his passion. Training for the Ironman required Brad to be ‘militant from the get go’.
Even for Brad, the Ironman demanded more than ever - physically and mentally.
‘At the 30K mark of the marathon, the demons came knocking. From there, it turned into a pure mental battle. But I kept moving - nothing was stopping me.’
Finish time: 9:55:33.
Months of training, early mornings, strength work, recovery cycles, and long-distance prep paid off. Brad didn’t just finish the Ironman - he earned a World Championship spot in Nice, France.
All The Right Gear
Brad’s Ironman prep was built on consistency - in training, nutrition, and kit.
Throughout his build-up, he relied on Trailberg’s performance tees for long-distance runs, strength sessions, and mobility work. Moisture-wicking, breathable, and designed for movement, our training gear was tested daily in real conditions.
On race day, he proudly wore the Trailberg name across his kit - gear that had supported him through the process, now crossing the finish line with him.
Trailberg’s Support
For Brad, the physical challenge was only half the story. Behind the scenes, support matters - especially on the toughest days.
‘Trailberg’s been with me since the beginning’, Brad said. ‘Through every setback, every win - they never stopped believing. It’s a proper team.’
That’s what performance means to us: designing gear that works when it matters most, and backing athletes who push limits - no matter the distance.
What’s Next?
Brad’s Ironman finish was a major milestone - but it’s not the end of the road. With a World Championship slot secured, his focus now shifts to preparing for Nice in France, where he’ll compete against some of the top endurance athletes in the world.
The next phase brings new challenges, more training, and higher stakes. As always, Brad’s approach stays the same: consistent work, smart recovery, and the right gear for the job.
We’re proud to support him as he takes on what’s next.
Discover the Trailberg Gear here that assisted Brad’s training, and watch the full documentary here.
