How do I get there from here?

Typically 2 years of consistent training to get to a Full IM is considered kind of standard minimum unless you have a really good bike or run base to start with. Ya it can be done, but a 2 year window is probably best.

Also, almost all of the 2009 IM are sold out except for the charity slots ($1350) or whatever they are called. I would also recommend completing a HIM before completely committing to a full IM. It gives you a taste for what kind of shape you might need for twice that distance. It was an eye opener for me and I will need to really up my distances in training to get to an IM next fall.

I have trained for 1 year and this year's training totals should be 2500+ miles biked, 1000+ miles run and 80,000 swam. I hope to up my vollume 20 percent next year. In the past year I have completed a 5k, 10 mile run, half mary, Sprint Tri, Oly and HIM 2 weeks ago. Enjoy your training, build a solid bace for an Oly and HIM and then settle into the bigger vollume for the IM probably a year after the first HIM.

PLan on 10 to 15 hours per week of training for 2 years. It sounds like a lot, but then it is an IM. Not designed for those who have not put in some serious time to get in shape, but you can get there with consistency.

Edited by Baowolf 2008-10-15 1:15 PM

Thanks for the advice. That is really what I felt in my gut. But for some reason it sounds more logical coming from someone else. I understand IMFL to be Nov. 1 of this year, with 2009 registration opening the next day. Anyway, I guess the most logical plan would be to train for and complete the HIM in April of 2009, volunteer to help at the IMFL 2009, and set my sights on IMFL 2010. Sound good?

this is what my plan sortof looks like as well. and i did 2 half Irons this year (my second year of Tri)

What others have said seems to be a common theme.  I started with olys and finished year one with an HIM.  Started year two with an HIM, did some shorter races after that, then got geared up for the IM.  If things go well, I will finish my first IM a month before my two year anniversary of officially starting "tri training".

I don't know you or your fitness level, so I won't comment as to when you should do an IM. If 2009 or 2010 should be it.

But you are right, you can still go watch IMFL and register for IMFL 2009.

I would say do not do a marathon next year if you do IMFL in 09. Do the HIM.

With all of that said, what's the rush? You have done one sprint? That's it? No Oly's, no HIM's? You haven't trained in the past 6 months and now you are all geared up towards IMFL 09?

Those other races are not a requirement by any means... but why not enjoy the journey. It's like you have something you just want to cross of on your "to do" list? But what do I know?

Good luck with whatever path you decide.

Most people 'rush' into IM in my opinion and would be better off training for several years before doing one.  But if you 'really want to', most people with reasonable fitness and body composition can get to the finish line in relatively short order (as long as they commit to the training).  So you need to decide for yourself why you want to do it and your goals (in the sport and in the IM).

It's do able. My history:

1) Bike commuter to work and back (7km each way) and the occasional run

2) Aug 07 started training for a Century ride

3) Nov 07 completed Century in 6h then sat around getting fat and lazy for a month or 2 because I din't have a plan what to do next

4) Feb 08 first Oly tri - 2h 52

5) Apr 08 first 1/2 IM - 6h

Recently bought a road bike (all previous stuff was on a mtn bike) and now training for first IM in Mar 09. So that will be 20 months after getting off my to train for my first ever event.

I'm well on track towards meeting my expectations, and they are a lot more than just finishing within the cut off time.

If you believe it's possible then you'll make it happen.

Go for it!
Gerrard

Edited by Gerrard 2008-10-15 2:31 PM

I've been a runner my entire life. And it is true, completing an Ironman is one of the things on the top of my "to do list". I'm not intentionally "rushing it," but I tend to complete my goals as soon as possible. Fitness and exercise is a way of life for me - healthy living is the ride that I intend to enjoy for the rest of my life, not competitive triathlons. With regard to my comment concerning a so/so base, I have been running regularly over the past six months, but no events or serious training due to busy work schedule and new baby.

Completing an Ironman, in my opinion, is the ultimate accomplishment. As far as I am concerned, it is not a competition with anyone but myself. I will continuing to run, participate in triathlons, and stay in shape after completing an IM -- but goals are goals and I do not intend to wait any longer than necessary before achieving it. I don't know if I will ever do more than one IM in my life, but I will do everthing in my power to cross it off my list. Who knows what tomorrow brings or how long I have to finish my "to do list," but hopefully it will be mostly crossed off when that time comes.

I saw a t-shirt yesterday that said "procrastinator's unite . . . tomorrow." I thought it was very funny, but do not share that mindset. Hopefully this response won't come across as snippy, but I felt that my IM motivation should be more fully explained in order to receive the most beneficial comments from you all. I appreciate everyone's input and the encouragement I have received from reading the threads on this forum. I look forward to utilizing any and all advice received. God knows you guys are more experienced at this stuff than I. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

FYI- if you have a new baby in the house, it's a wise decision to let you wife completely understand how much time IM training takes.

I'm sure people with kids can tell you how to juggle the training around family, but it is a challenge.

Some spouses aren't too keen on signing up for it.

Anyways, based on what you have said, I'm a big advocate of getting a coach. Since you want to complete an IM with so little base and time in tri's a coach would probably be a huge benefit to you. Then you can have a training plan customized to YOUR "new baby in the house" schedule, and you will know that you are doing the proper training to cross the finish line.

Good luck!

Hope you don't take my comments & opinions the wrong way.  Many people share your ideas of IM and are quite happy with their results when they cross the line--just read all the IM race reports here as most are finishing their first IM after only a few seasons in triathlon (mine was in my third and I have no regrets about it, even though in many ways I know it would have been 'better' putting it off longer).  If you just need to cross it off your list, I have no doubt that you can do IMFL next year and wish you luck on the journey regardless when you do it.

I'll let you know in 5 weeks, but it seems like it going to be doable for me.

My history:
March 2007 - Weight 260lbs. Not able to bike 12 miles - REALLY SAD.
July 2007 - First 5k in 20 years
September 2007 - First half marathon @ 2:10
October 2007 - Start swimming, can't do 100m without gasping
November 2007 - Confuse my Tri-Club by asking a coach if they thought I could be ready for IMAZ in November 2008. She did say yes, but then started me working out harder. 2nd half marathon @ 1:53
March 2008 - First Marathon @ 3:54 - Weight about 190
April 2008 - First sprint tri
July 2008 - First HIM - Weight about 180
November 2008 (upcoming) - IMAZ

At least according to my coach, one of the goals of an HIM when you're training for an IM to get get practice on nutrition, so, if you can only do one or the other before IM Florida, I'ld probably lean towards the HIM. Otherwise, try to get an HIM sometime in the summer.