5 weeks between HIM and IM

I did a HIM 5 weeks out.  Was OK, not ideal, since for me recovery is about a week, leaving a choice of either a 1 week build (what's the point) and a 3 wseek taper or a two week build (better) and a 2 week taper, which may or may not be enough.

For me I did a HIM 6 weeks out which gives me 1 week to recover, 3 weeks to build and 2 weeks to taper.  This looks pretty good on paper for me.  If I went 7 weeks I could fit in a 3 week taper.  So 5 weeks gives you the 1 recovery week and then 2 week build 2 week taper.  If your training is already there you should be fine.  For some of our folks they have so much base that it is no big deal.  For us new IM folks it is more critical I think.  I will let you know in 4 weeks (first IM).  

Doable, but not really ideal--especially going into your first IM.  It would be much better (assuming you want to race a HIM) to find one several weeks earlier, if possible.  It's generally better to be focusing on the 'core' of your race-specific prep in that window than get in a 'training' race.

Otherwise, maybe find a shorter race (like an oly distance) in that time frame.  That kind of race can be a solid 'hard' effort with relatively low recovery costs.