1/2 IM 4 weeks after 1st Marathon??

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2008-10-15 10:14 AM

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Subject: 1/2 IM 4 weeks after 1st Marathon??

A question for those who have been at this longer than me: I did my first Marathon on Sunday, which went very well, but now I feel wasted (no injuries, just spent). Question is, I wanted to wrap up the season with my first 1/2 ironman in one month -- this event has elevation gain (total 5000'). Is this too soon after the marathon to try to take it on? thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply, all comments welcome. lm2

The reverse side also has a reverse side.
     - Japanese proverb



Edited by fireskye 2008-10-15 10:14 AM

2008-10-15 10:20 AM
in reply to: #1743972

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Subject: RE: 1/2 IM 4 weeks after 1st Marathon??

Its all up to you!!

Since you did mention that you are going to wrap up the season!!..... i say giver, whats the worst that could happen? you get tired?

Just do it.

-Nike/Jyles

2008-10-15 10:21 AM
in reply to: #1743972

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Subject: RE: 1/2 IM 4 weeks after 1st Marathon??
Ouch. I'm usually all for doing whatever you can handle, but my body would rebel hardcore. Marathons hurt a whole heck of a lot, and if you are feeling pretty wasted, than you ARE. How trained are you for the HIM? If you didn't do the mary, could you have done the HIM?
2008-10-15 10:42 AM
in reply to: #1743972

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Subject: RE: 1/2 IM 4 weeks after 1st Marathon??

1st marathon!?!?  1st HIM!?!?! 

Could you do it?  Sure.  Would I do it?

No effin' way would I do it!

FWIW... I've done 3 marathons and 2 half-iron events.  DO NOT underestimate marathon recovery.  Even when you feel better, your body is still busy putting itself back together at the micro level wholesale.  High probability for injury and total body shutdown during the run.

 

2008-10-15 10:48 AM
in reply to: #1743972

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Subject: RE: 1/2 IM 4 weeks after 1st Marathon??
I say go for it.  Spend most of the 4 weeks in recovery, easy runs, easy rides, spend a lot of time in the water.  I think it is totally doable.
2008-10-15 11:31 AM
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Subject: RE: 1/2 IM 4 weeks after 1st Marathon??
If you were properly trained for the HIM (without regard to the mary) and you do not feel sick or injured, then go for it. If the HIM would have been a stretch in the first place then I would hold off. Recognize that this is not the equation for optimal performance at HIM, but remember why you are doing this stuff. If you want to, then do.

And back off if your body gives you the signal (the reverse side of the reverse side).

5000' elevation change, my goodness. You are a glutton for tough!

2008-10-15 11:32 AM
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Subject: RE: 1/2 IM 4 weeks after 1st Marathon??

I would go into it as a learning experience if I really wanted to do it.  A whole marathon will beat you up, if you put everything into it, more than a HIM.  The reverse scenario is much better, a HIM 4 weeks before a marathon.  A whole marathon where you really try to do well, you have a two week taper, it takes a good week before you are back to any quality of running and then you have the half ironman (hence your fitness for the late race HIM is compormised).  Half marathons are easy to recover from but wholes are not the same (complete glycogen depletion for the most part etc.).  With a HIM, you have split your races up into three components that are quite different and individually none of which are that killer.  Two weeks after a half marathon, I always feel my fitness benefits from having done that duration of a run at high lactate threshold.  After a marathon, I feel my fitness goes back a notch for a month or so.  You can do the HIM, just take it as a learning experience and you'll be alright. 

By the way, congrats on your first marathon.

2008-10-15 3:03 PM
in reply to: #1743972

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Subject: RE: 1/2 IM 4 weeks after 1st Marathon??
I almost did exactly that in 2007 (my first mary, then first HIM 27 days later)...decided not to register for the HIM and I was glad I didn't. No real injuries from the marathon, but it took me that long to recover.

Now, however, with more fitness, experience, and training, I'd probably be more likely to give it a 'go'...only you can gauge how you think you'll feel...though the fact that you're asking probably gives some indication on that score...
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