Couch to IM in 5 weeks?!
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2009-06-01 6:08 PM |
Champion 10154 Alabama | Subject: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! As some of you know, I herniated a disc in my neck the first of February and have been riding the bench for 4 months now. I've pursued non-surgical treatment and have had two epidural steroid injections to no avail. Today I talked to a surgeon and am scheduled for surgery this Friday. The doc said after 6 weeks of recovery I can s/b/r as much as I wanted to but during the 6 weeks of recovery, I could bike but only a stationary bike as he didn't want me getting hit by a car (like that's gonna happen) and breaking my neck. He said no swimming during this time. No running either but I could get on the elliptical trainer. So looking at the calendar, my IM is August 30th. Six weeks recovery from June 5th is July 17th. This gives me 5 weeks to train and one week to taper. I'm on the fence. Somebody push me off the fence! Maybe tell me I can't do it. :-) Thinking out loud here... 1. I've done 2 ironman race so I know the distances well. 2. I can train 3x a day - swim in the morning, run at lunch, bike in the evenings for as much as my body can stand. 3. Since I can bike on a stationary bike/trainer, I really have 11 weeks of bike training although I've never done more than 30 minutes on a trainer/stationary bike. I think I push too hard and need to learn to ease up and go for endurance. 4. The elliptical should condition my aerobics simulating running. 5. I've never been a fast swimmer but always found swimming easy/relaxing. 6. I've already paid for the IM and there's no getting the money back. So I really have nothing to lose. If I train like hail for 5 weeks it looks like I'm not gonna be ready, well then I call it quits. I've been training for 12 years and think I know the limits of my body and can avoid over-use injuries. 7. I really need another tee-shirt. 8. I'm a BOPer and participation is more important to me than performance. 9. Riding the bench these last 4 months has taken it's toll on 'weight management' (ok, I've blimpped up!) 10. I love a challenge. OK, so call me crazy, call me foolish...just don't call me 'late for dinner'.
~Mike
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2009-06-01 7:43 PM in reply to: #2187745 |
Veteran 231 Huntington Beach | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Rogillio - 2009-06-01 6:08 PM 8. I'm a BOPer and participation is more important to me than performance. Do it |
2009-06-01 7:53 PM in reply to: #2187745 |
Expert 713 Lake in the Hills, IL | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! having seen your posts on the IMLOU race thread I know how much you love IM. I say go for it. If it gets to be too much you can always stop and enjoy the finish line. Hope to see you there. If you are able to finish that will be one heck of a story. |
2009-06-01 8:29 PM in reply to: #2187745 |
Subject: ... This user's post has been ignored. |
2009-06-01 8:32 PM in reply to: #2187745 |
Expert 1139 Austin | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Rogillio - 2009-06-01 6:08 PM 7. I really need another tee-shirt. Do it Edited by F1longhorn 2009-06-01 8:33 PM |
2009-06-01 8:42 PM in reply to: #2187745 |
Pro 5169 Burbs | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Rogillio - 2009-06-01 7:08 PM As some of you know, I herniated a disc in my neck the first of February and have been riding the bench for 4 months now. I've pursued non-surgical treatment and have had two epidural steroid injections to no avail. Today I talked to a surgeon and am scheduled for surgery this Friday. The doc said after 6 weeks of recovery I can s/b/r as much as I wanted to but during the 6 weeks of recovery, I could bike but only a stationary bike as he didn't want me getting hit by a car (like that's gonna happen) and breaking my neck. He said no swimming during this time. No running either but I could get on the elliptical trainer. So looking at the calendar, my IM is August 30th. Six weeks recovery from June 5th is July 17th. This gives me 5 weeks to train and one week to taper. I'm on the fence. Somebody push me off the fence! Maybe tell me I can't do it. :-) Thinking out loud here... 1. I've done 2 ironman race so I know the distances well. 2. I can train 3x a day - swim in the morning, run at lunch, bike in the evenings for as much as my body can stand. 3. Since I can bike on a stationary bike/trainer, I really have 11 weeks of bike training although I've never done more than 30 minutes on a trainer/stationary bike. I think I push too hard and need to learn to ease up and go for endurance. 4. The elliptical should condition my aerobics simulating running. 5. I've never been a fast swimmer but always found swimming easy/relaxing. 6. I've already paid for the IM and there's no getting the money back. So I really have nothing to lose. If I train like hail for 5 weeks it looks like I'm not gonna be ready, well then I call it quits. I've been training for 12 years and think I know the limits of my body and can avoid over-use injuries. 7. I really need another tee-shirt. 8. I'm a BOPer and participation is more important to me than performance. 9. Riding the bench these last 4 months has taken it's toll on 'weight management' (ok, I've blimpped up!) 10. I love a challenge. OK, so call me crazy, call me foolish...just don't call me 'late for dinner'.
~Mike
dear crazy/ foolish, I say go for it. I'm an IM virgin, but it sounds like you know what to expect in training, what to expect at an IM, and it sounds like you know your body. |
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2009-06-01 9:02 PM in reply to: #2187745 |
Pro 3883 Woodstock,GA | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Mike...don't do it! Seriously |
2009-06-01 10:15 PM in reply to: #2187745 |
Champion 10154 Alabama | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! I appreciate the opinions/advice. It's really gonna come down to what I feel I can do without injury. It also depends on how much of my 'base' I've lost in the last 4 months and how quickly I regain my stamina/endurance. If it looks like I've lost too much then I'll probably settle for a HIM in October. At least I feel like I have a plan now. And a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow!
~Mike |
2009-06-02 6:21 AM in reply to: #2187745 |
Expert 1207 Liberty Lake, WA | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Which is more important to you? Having a strong back/neck 11 years from now or doing an IM in 11 weeks. Can you pull it off - maybe. |
2009-06-02 7:19 AM in reply to: #2188314 |
Champion 5529 Nashville, TN | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Rogillio - 2009-06-01 11:15 PM I appreciate the opinions/advice. It's really gonna come down to what I feel I can do without injury.
~Mike What you are missing is that there isn't a magical injury line. You do the damage and then it shows up later. You might be able to train like a bada$$ and do the race. But a month later you might be sidelined for another few months with something nasty. Is that the risk you want to take? How about getting 100% healthy first and building your way back into the sport. Otherwise we might be having this thread again in September when you are trying to come back from another setback. |
2009-06-02 7:22 AM in reply to: #2188551 |
Veteran 561 Arden Hills, MN | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! T in Liberty Lake - 2009-06-02 6:21 AM Which is more important to you? Having a strong back/neck 11 years from now or doing an IM in 11 weeks. Can you pull it off - maybe. X2. I have a relative who didn't properly care for her back after an accident and now 10 years later is in constant pain and has been told she has the back of a 75 year old (she is 30). I get the drive and desire to do IM but don't sacrifice your long term health for 1 race. If you think you can pull it off without risking further injury then go for it but if you have any doubts, don't do it. |
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2009-06-02 9:04 AM in reply to: #2187745 |
Champion 10154 Alabama | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! OK, good sound advice guys. Thanks for talking me down off the ledge. There is a HIM in Oct that I've been wanting to do for years....maybe I'll do that this year.
~Mike |
2009-06-02 9:24 AM in reply to: #2188874 |
over a barrier | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Rogillio - 2009-06-02 9:04 AM OK, good sound advice guys. Thanks for talking me down off the ledge. There is a HIM in Oct that I've been wanting to do for years....maybe I'll do that this year.
~Mike Much better idea. Go Volunteer at IMLOU and sign up for next year.... |
2009-06-02 9:33 AM in reply to: #2187745 |
Champion 8540 the colony texas | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! I hate to tell you not to do it,, but don't do it.. Start back to training when you can, take it slow, expect some setbacks when you get back to it. While I do understand you are goal driven, change that goal to being healthy for years to come instead of a race that is most likely to soon. Participating is great, but going out there not as prepared as you could be will cut into your enjoyment. Get healthy and just do two IM"s next year |
2009-06-02 2:04 PM in reply to: #2188937 |
Veteran 248 Mooretown, Ontario Canada | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Gaarryy - 2009-06-02 10:33 AM I hate to tell you not to do it,, but don't do it.. Start back to training when you can, take it slow, expect some setbacks when you get back to it. While I do understand you are goal driven, change that goal to being healthy for years to come instead of a race that is most likely to soon. Participating is great, but going out there not as prepared as you could be will cut into your enjoyment. Get healthy and just do two IM"s next year I hate being logical (and seldomly am), and really want to say you can do it. But I think I have to agree with what Gaarryy said. I'd prefer to see you doing IM's for years to come, than to do this one and be out of the game due to injury. Heal up, train smart and be back better than ever next year. FishHog |
2009-06-02 3:07 PM in reply to: #2188912 |
Master 1376 Chicago | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! running2far - 2009-06-02 9:24 AM Rogillio - 2009-06-02 9:04 AM Much better idea. Go Volunteer at IMLOU and sign up for next year....OK, good sound advice guys. Thanks for talking me down off the ledge. There is a HIM in Oct that I've been wanting to do for years....maybe I'll do that this year.
~Mike
X2. Go volunteer. You'll still be part of the day and get to particpate in the experience. |
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2009-06-02 3:33 PM in reply to: #2190029 |
Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! mattb1 - 2009-06-02 1:07 PM running2far - 2009-06-02 9:24 AM Rogillio - 2009-06-02 9:04 AM Much better idea. Go Volunteer at IMLOU and sign up for next year....OK, good sound advice guys. Thanks for talking me down off the ledge. There is a HIM in Oct that I've been wanting to do for years....maybe I'll do that this year.
~Mike
X2. Go volunteer. You'll still be part of the day and get to particpate in the experience. And you get the t shirt (well, a t shirt) |
2009-06-02 9:57 PM in reply to: #2187745 |
Veteran 306 | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! How about another perspective? When you are able to train, do so...but take it REALLY easy (let that body HEAL), then show up on race day and have yourself a good workout...however long it lasts. As long as its fun, keep moving forward. When its no longer fun and you hurt, drop out knowing you got *something* out of that race fee. You've been there before, how many times will you have a chance to do an IM JUST FOR FUN? |
2009-06-02 10:03 PM in reply to: #2188937 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Gaarryy - 2009-06-02 9:33 AM I hate to tell you not to do it,, but don't do it.. Start back to training when you can, take it slow, expect some setbacks when you get back to it. While I do understand you are goal driven, change that goal to being healthy for years to come instead of a race that is most likely to soon. Participating is great, but going out there not as prepared as you could be will cut into your enjoyment. Get healthy and just do two IM"s next year I agree with Gary. And yes, you will be out the registration fee... but if you go you will spend money on the hotel, eating out, etc. So you might loose $500... or you can go and spend $1,000+. I would cut the $500 loss and focus on getting healthy. The IM distance will always be there for you. You have been to the finish line. Now is the time to take care of your body so you can keep seeing those finish lines in the future. |
2009-06-03 7:34 AM in reply to: #2190930 |
Expert 1207 Liberty Lake, WA | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Slave Diver - 2009-06-02 6:57 PM ...how many times will you have a chance to do an IM JUST FOR FUN? Hopefully everytime. If your not having fun at your hobbie then maybe it's time for a new hobbie. However, I still think he should sit this one out. |
2009-06-03 8:21 AM in reply to: #2190930 |
Champion 10154 Alabama | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Slave Diver - 2009-06-02 9:57 PM How about another perspective? When you are able to train, do so...but take it REALLY easy (let that body HEAL), then show up on race day and have yourself a good workout...however long it lasts. As long as its fun, keep moving forward. When its no longer fun and you hurt, drop out knowing you got *something* out of that race fee. You've been there before, how many times will you have a chance to do an IM JUST FOR FUN?
I'm toying with this. Participate in the rae and plan to DNF? I could take it easy, stop and have some beer and pizza for lunch.....take a nap in the changing tent, etc. The problem with this is, I know me and once I was there I would push myself to meet the cut-offs. Many people have said "get healthy" but that was always a prerequisite. I would not do anything unless my doctor gave me the green light.
~Mike |
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2009-06-03 12:45 PM in reply to: #2191381 |
Master 4118 Toronto | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Rogillio - 2009-06-03 9:21 AM Slave Diver - 2009-06-02 9:57 PM How about another perspective? When you are able to train, do so...but take it REALLY easy (let that body HEAL), then show up on race day and have yourself a good workout...however long it lasts. As long as its fun, keep moving forward. When its no longer fun and you hurt, drop out knowing you got *something* out of that race fee. You've been there before, how many times will you have a chance to do an IM JUST FOR FUN?
I'm toying with this. Participate in the rae and plan to DNF? I could take it easy, stop and have some beer and pizza for lunch.....take a nap in the changing tent, etc. The problem with this is, I know me and once I was there I would push myself to meet the cut-offs. Many people have said "get healthy" but that was always a prerequisite. I would not do anything unless my doctor gave me the green light.
~Mike This is exactly the issue! Plan for the HIM instead. Save your body ... enjoy getting back into training without the stress of the impending IM. Good luck! |
2009-06-03 1:35 PM in reply to: #2187745 |
Regular 102 Auckland, New Zealand | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Ahhh...just do it. Whats the worst that can happen? Better do to it and know afterwards that it was a good/bad idea than not do it and never know. That's what life is about. Do. It. |
2009-06-03 1:41 PM in reply to: #2188131 |
Champion 6539 South Jersey | Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! Another vote for "Don't do it." |
2009-06-03 1:42 PM in reply to: #2192454 |
Subject: RE: Couch to IM in 5 weeks?! bigfella3 - 2009-06-03 11:35 AM Ahhh...just do it. Whats the worst that can happen? Better do to it and know afterwards that it was a good/bad idea than not do it and never know. That's what life is about. Do. It. If nothing else Mike, I know you are smart enough not to take this advice. The worst than can happen is not just a DNF |
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