Question about qualifying for IM

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2009-09-15 4:05 PM

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Subject: Question about qualifying for IM

I have done the Seafair tri and the Lake Steven's tri (Oly). Do either of those qualify to get into an IM or do you have to complete something bigger? If it doesn't qualify me, then do I need to qualify this year in a race to be eligible to participate in an IM next year?
The reason I ask is because I heard that you have to sign up for an IM a year in advance. So then the question remains, have I done a race that qualifies me? I have no freaking idea! I'm not sure I'm ready for one, but I don't want to do a HIM in 2010 and then say I think I'll do a full and find out I'm not eligible till 2011. That would suck. So I'll suck it up and do the half this year to be eligible for 2010 if I have to. But I thought maybe I have it all wrong too. Any input would be great. I guess I'll throw this out there too. If you just did a Olympic and you came in at 3:13 minutes, is that too slow for entering a HIM? I felt I could have done way better, maybe under 3:00 somewhere, so lots of room for improvement. Again, any input would be great.
Frank.



Edited by FrankR 2009-09-15 4:07 PM

2009-09-15 4:28 PM
in reply to: #2408059

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Subject: RE: Question about qualifying for IM
Other than Kona, you don't need to qualify to sign up for an IM race.  The WTC (M-dot) ironman races usually sell out within a few weeks of opening up for registration (some sooner, some later).  All you need is a credit card to sign up for an IM race.  Most people here would recommend that you do at least one HIM prior to IM.  If you have your heart set on a "branded" IM, check out ironman.com to see when the different races open up registration.

IM is a whole different beast than shorter distances, only you would know if your 3:13 Oly-fitness is enough to get you through IM.  With a year of solid, consistent training, I would think it would be sufficient. 

There are a lot of different opinions on when to go long and attempt an IM, search for threads here and you will find lots of varying opinions.  I did an IM in my 4th year, and for me it was too soon.  Some people do an IM their first year and do very well.
2009-09-15 6:11 PM
in reply to: #2408104

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Subject: RE: Question about qualifying for IM
FeS - 2009-09-15 2:28 PM Other than Kona, you don't need to qualify to sign up for an IM race.  The WTC (M-dot) ironman races usually sell out within a few weeks of opening up for registration (some sooner, some later).  All you need is a credit card to sign up for an IM race.  Most people here would recommend that you do at least one HIM prior to IM.  If you have your heart set on a "branded" IM, check out ironman.com to see when the different races open up registration.

IM is a whole different beast than shorter distances, only you would know if your 3:13 Oly-fitness is enough to get you through IM.  With a year of solid, consistent training, I would think it would be sufficient. 

There are a lot of different opinions on when to go long and attempt an IM, search for threads here and you will find lots of varying opinions.  I did an IM in my 4th year, and for me it was too soon.  Some people do an IM their first year and do very well.


You pretty much said it all. Beware the cost of an IM brand race though is usually about $550 dollors, can be quite a shocker if you are not expecting it. You would definately have to be on your ballgame to sign up for an IM online. The only real way to work on getting a slot is to go to the venue the year before you want to do it and, the day after the race, stand in line to get to sign up for it. I would recommend a half prior to doing a full as well as lot of training, especially OWS training in adverse conditions. I have not done one yet but am working my way towards one for 2011.
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