Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?

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2008-11-28 12:14 PM

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Subject: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?
What's suggested as the "ideal" timing of racing a half-ironman before a full ironman? (ie. how many weeks out)

2008-11-28 12:22 PM
in reply to: #1829534

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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?
There are some thoughts in this thread from over in the Iron Distance forum.
2008-11-28 12:43 PM
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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?
everyone seems to have a different opinion!  I've heard various timing....from 6-12 weeks before IM.
2008-11-28 12:58 PM
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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?
I would listen to Gordo on the other thread. He knows what he is talking about.
2008-11-28 1:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?
depends on your fitness level, training load, genetics and goals. If you are a competitive AGer and will race the HIM (instead of completing it) I would say 4-6 weeks, if you are not a competitive AGer then prob 8+ weeks and prob it would be a good idea to complete the race rather than racing it.
2008-11-28 1:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?
The Don fink "Iron Fit" program has me doing a HIM about 7 weeks before IMLP. I am not going to race it at 90 or 100% but will pace myself as to not get injured. Although that's easier said than done!

2008-11-28 3:01 PM
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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?

I raced a HIM about 4 weeks out from my first IM race.  I didn't taper at all for the HIM and "raced" the event but considered a brick workout.  I did hold off my long ride for that week.

After finishing the race, I was beat.....mentally it was hard to grasp the idea I could double this distance in four weeks....After tapering two weeks for my IM race, I had no problems what so ever.  The taper and nutrition are the keys to a successful first time IM experience.

2008-11-28 11:15 PM
in reply to: #1829534

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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?
I guess it would've helped to do a bit of background!
I'm in fairly good shape and I recover alright after my half irons - but not terribly quickly. I've completed 3 half irons (2 last year, 5 weeks apart, 4:49 and 4:55). I've run a few marathons with a PB of 2:56. I definitely have a tendency to race my races, not take them easy. I'm afraid if I do one too late I'll miss out on "prime" ironman training if I'm not recovered from the HIM.

I'll check out the other thread and see....thanks.
2008-11-29 11:38 AM
in reply to: #1829977

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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?

J,  

For a guy as speedy as you, I think that you want to so an "event" like Big Day Training close to your IM (say 3 and 5 weeks out).  You're not going to be limited by "Half IM endurance" in your IM -- #1 thing that you will have to train is the ability to hold back for three hours when surrounded by people hammering.  With the mental profile of a "racer", IM will be a different sort of test for you. 

http://www.coachgordo.com/gtips/training_philosophy/big_day_training.html

 g

2008-11-29 12:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?
GordoByrn - 2008-11-29 9:38 AM

J,  

For a guy as speedy as you, I think that you want to so an "event" like Big Day Training close to your IM (say 3 and 5 weeks out).  You're not going to be limited by "Half IM endurance" in your IM -- #1 thing that you will have to train is the ability to hold back for three hours when surrounded by people hammering.  With the mental profile of a "racer", IM will be a different sort of test for you. 

http://www.coachgordo.com/gtips/training_philosophy/big_day_training.html

 g

Thanks for the tips Gordo. I'm going IMC next year (Aug 30th) and was thinking about doing the Desert Half Iron in Osoyoos on July 12th since it uses a part of the IMC bike course (Richter Pass). My other option was doing Oliver HIM on June 7th which will give me more recovery time and I'll be able to get some bigger weeks of training after that.

So, I'm thinking HIM on June 7th (12 weeks out) then later on do Big Day Training 3 and 5 weeks out - should set me up fairly well?

Edited by VanCityJ 2008-11-29 12:37 PM
2008-11-30 10:49 AM
in reply to: #1830275

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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?

J,

Your structure makes sense to me.  Something that I've done a couple of time in the past is a weekend up in Penticton where I ride the entire course.  An athlete at your level could handle...

Day One -- Open water swim, ride course, transition run

Day Two -- Run OK Falls Back to Penticton  

Quite a demanding weekend, it would make sense to do that five weeks out, if it fits your schedule.

g

2008-11-30 11:15 AM
in reply to: #1829534

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Subject: RE: Ideal timing for Half-iron before Ironman?
Yeah, I was actually wanting to get at least one weekend up there. I've done Richter pass before, but never the whole course.

I really appreciate the comments and tips, thanks. It makes me feel so much better coming from such an accomplished triathlete.
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