How do you know when you're ready?

I don't think it's a question of knowing when as much as it is a question of do I have the time to put the training in. Looking at your HIM at Vineman you have the right attitude to go the distance. I personally like doing the IM distance races and have a blast doing them. For you, adding a few hours a week training and keeping your positive attitude is all you need. You're ready!!

BTW - With Yanti on your side you are MORE than ready. You both have the right attitude about this wonderful sport. Good luck!!

I looked at many plans and paid particular attention to how heavy the workload was at the start, AND what the maximum workload was during the peak weeks.

If I felt that I could start the plan comfortably without fear of burning out or over training AND felt like I could dedicate the time the plan needed, I was physically ready.

I was mentally ready to tackle an IM after the first time I saw it on TV as a kid.  Took 15 years or so to start the journey, but I was hooked!

I didn't, at least not when I first registered.

But I know I felt the same way about a HIM, and now I have absolutely no doubts about that distance (finishing at least), so I just hoped that the IM would be similar.

"You Don't" to quote Byrne and Friel.

I think like others have said, it is just a matter of putting in the training and taking care of the things that you have control over. In the end, with Long Course Racing anyway, results are more about how we deal with the unexpected things that happen out there than anything else.

Still, there are days when we doubt that we can do it, but once completed, we will never forget that we DID IT! :cool:

Don't sweat it Dolores, you're ready and I will be standing in line right behind you and Faeron on Registration Day  

YIKES! I know I want to do it, I know I can - with training and a plan - which I have. I'm askeered! Thanks for all the input here - I just kind of wanted to hear some other thoughts on the matter besides my own.   I got a little shook up too by Matt's accident Sunday - its not that I don't know I could get hurt doing this but hey, I could get hurt!!  My crappy swim didn't help but I do know I can make that better too.  Hell, I finished the swim.

For me, I thought I was ready to "try it" when I had a solid base of training under me.  We triathletes tend to become a bit fixated on things.  When IM is what you are constantly thinking about...researching...studying training plans...looking at calendars...etc, you may be at the point where you sign up for one of these things.  I fell hard for the sport of triathlon after watching the 2004 Championships in Kona.  Finishing an IM race became a constant goal of mine.  Hopefully, 7 weeks from now, that goal will ge achieved in Arizona!   I will be ready and baring any of the unplanned, unpredictable events that can ruin my day, I will see that finish line.  16:59:59 or less!!

I think I knew I was ready when I no longer thought of a marathon as a can-I-do-it challange.  I find great motivation in great challanges. 

~Mike

I know what happended.  When you saw me cross the finish line you said, "OK, if HE can do this, anyone can!"  :-)

~Mike