Having a wee tiny thought about half-Iron distance

don't do it, it hurts

If you have the time to train and can commit to spending time away from your friends and family, then go for it... but if you can't commit, then this is a long distance to try and fake

That's the thing. I'm chronically overcommitted as it is, and whenever things start to let up a little, I get started on a big new project to take up all my time and energy and then some. Sometimes I think I need therapy more than triathlons, but triathlons are such good therapy!

I certainly have no idea if you'd enjoy it - I've never done the distance. BUT, that hasn't stopped me from sending my money in for 3 of them this summer
Only you know if you mean it! I like the warning about it being hard to fake.
Good luck with your decision

I let a buddy talk me into doing a 1/2 for my first triathlon. I didn't know any better - that there were shorter distances out there - but I would do all over again. I'd say GO FOR IT!

I've been training with a coach now for a few weeks with the ultimate goal (this year) of a 1/2 IM in September. It's definitely a big commitment in terms of time. I may be doing it with more intensity than some because I've got a coach pushing me to a higher level than I would do on my own. But if you're already feeling time-challenged, don't be disappointed if you don't get there this year. I would recommend making it a goal in your mind, get on a 1/2 IM program and try to maintain it. It will take you to the next level. Then you can re-evaluate as time goes on whether it's something you want to maintain for the next 6 months or not.

I don't want to discourage you in the least. I think it's a great goal and you'll get a lot out of it in many ways. But when it's more stressful to reach for a goal than it is fun, it's time to take a step back, re-evaluate all your goals, not just the athletic ones, and let something go. (I'm speaking to myself as well as you.)

Mike

Carrie -
I say Go For It. If you don't do one this year, you'll be a year older when you do.

And is this person still your buddy?

I think that it is already too late to talk you out of it.  Once the bug hits you have no choice but to find a good Half IM training program, taylor it to your needs and follow it until tri time!  Have fun and ... good luck!

In the words of Gordo Byrn, who was 2nd at this years Ironman New Zealand and 2nd at last years Ironman Canada, "it's not about pain management, it's about PACE management."

I'd say go for it!

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I'm tempted because there's a half-Ironman very nearby on a course I'm familiar with because they also do a sprint tri there every year. However, I haven't yet done Olympic distance and I think the jump from sprints to half-Iron sounds rather extreme. Maybe next year.

CLL, there are people out there whose first triathlo0n was a full IM. There doesn't have to be this step-ladder approach. I think you should ttri!!~

Sounds like the venue is pretty convenient, and that's a big plus. I will be training for my 1st 1/2 IM later this year (got my 1st marathon on tap currently) for a late-season race at the end of October. From looking around at a bunch of 1/2 IM training plans and stuff, it definitely seems like a manageable race to train for. You do have to commit to getting long rides and runs in on the weekends, but for the bulk of your training, you should be able to squeeze it into a hectic week with a little planning and committment! Now what really scares me is training for a full IM... on my long term goal list, I want to do an IM next year.... SCARY!

If the swim doesn't frighten you, do it.

Nothing frightens me, Mista Finsta.

Mate I am doing my first half Im in october and i feel the same way but i figure i'm better to DNF than to DNS so if you go for it so will i keep me posted

Cheers

Greg

I am an obessive type, which seems pretty typical of those on this board. I have done marathons, century rides, etc for the past few years, but had never even considered a TRI. I was at the host hotel of the 1/2 Vineman last July attending a funeral and started talking to the participants and decided I had to do it. This will be my first TRI and I have moments of doubt, but mostly visualize crossing the finish in under 6:45. Better to TRI than wish I had. GO FOR IT!