IM vets- Deciding when/if to try IM

Things to consider....

Do you have support from family/friends?

Do you have the time to add to your training the long workouts....with longer swims, bikes and runs each week?

Does the timing of the race work into your life? For me certain times of the year my life is more hectic based on the activities and time commitments of my kids and husband.

Big difference between HIM and IM training is long workouts. Fatigue both mental and physical are another key difference between HIM and IM distance.

Going forward I wouldn't do those long bricks (60/13.1) as it is like doing race distance in training for race....maybe 50-60 miles/45' max run. Doing long bricks in training causes fatigue that will catch up on you and show up in subtle ways after wards...fatigue..missed workouts...mental fatigue, and more.

Yep, Kathy nailed it.  You have the background to train for and finish an IM if that's what you want to do.  The real issues are the other factors, as Kathy mentioned -- support, time, desire, money.

B2B is a good race, IMO.  I did it last year and I say it was a fun race despite an epically bad nutrition day.

If you are going to do it, the time to get started on a plan is very soon.

Thanks for your thoughts Kathy & Michael.  Good to hear B2B is enjoyable event.  Seemed like as good an event for spectating as any with laps through town. And NC coast is good place to visit.  Expenses not an issue, but DW much prefers supporting me on shorter events.  Training time is limited by work & my middle-age bod, not DW.

I know the long brick (e.g. my HIM bike/run) is not recommended training.  Just had the urge to see if I could do it, and did it some weeks pre-event.   Clearly that is an emotional luxury that does not fit well into IM training. 

I enjoy long cycling events & my summer calendar already includes multiple centuries.  Just finished 2 1/2hr long run this afternoon, and may run marathon with friends in 4 weeks.  I guess it all comes back to how fast I can develop that swim endurance.  I would hate to have my entire day at B2B depend on a favorable tide

You're never too old to rock 'n roll if you're too young to die-----Ian Anderson

There is no "one right way" to approach IM training or one answer. to "when/if".  Here's what I see when I read your post:

You've done two marathons, you know what a 26.2 mile run is like.  You've done 10-13 hour training weeks.  You know what a long race day feels like from doing an HIM.  So you're not a newbie to long training and racing.  Your training base is solid enough and your speed is fast enough (sub-2hr HM on run focused training).  You've completed hard training days (60mile / 13.1 mile brick).

You have ~20 hours left to train, and you could do 12-14 hour peak weeks.

Yeah, you could do an IM this fall no problem, and probably closer to upper 13 low 14 hour range not 15hr.  You've got more than sufficient basic fitness and skills.  Work on distance first, then speed.  Like Kathy says, I'd skip the long bricks because they're quite demanding, but shorter bricks are fine.

I suggest you try something like the "Be Iron Fit" intermediate program.  I think it would suit you well.

Just an IM wannabe here... But I think you posting this thread tells me you're ready. 

Finally did 4,000M straight pool swim today (1:44 in jammers, not wetsuit).  Despite slow overall pace (some leg/foot cramps late), it was straight freestyle (no wall-hanging, backstroke, etc.) & easily under IM swim cut off.  Felt tired after but good enough to get in 5mi run and short 7mi spin on tri bike (for position testing).  I know pool ain't OWS, but doing full IM swim leg is still milestone in my confidence.

Last remaining barrier is convincing DW to devote week vacation to help satisfying this IM mid-life crisis

Thanks all for comments, and brucemorgan for suggestion on Don Fink's book.

With your base you could do it in the fall no problem and I'm guessing well under 15 hours.  Successful first IM is all about pacing (on the bike).  The above posters hit it all right on.  I would suggest planning a few weeks a month and a half before the event that would approach 20 hours.  It does wonders for the confidence going into the event.

I really have found the main difference between training for the HIM and the IM is the longer bike training.  If you enjoy long bike training already, you're set!  Good luck!

tamason-

Thanks for the supportive comments.

I am really a cyclist at heart & made hard decision to cut the bike & do run-focused training this spring.  Paid off with solid (for me) HM this month.  Now really looking forward to getting more saddle time for some good long rides this summer.  And some nice hot lake swims with the weeds, snakes, and snapping turtles