Is this realistic?

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2009-08-05 11:36 AM

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Subject: Is this realistic?
I am 5 weeks out from my first Olympic and here is where I stand:

1. Swim: The most I've swam is 1500 yards, but know I could do the full mile.
2. Bike: The most I've ridden in 20 miles and the course is 27. Again, I know I could do it, but I'd be beat.
3. Run: The most I've done is 4 miles (run for 4 minutes, walk 1). I have ITB issues that have limited my training.

I've not tried to brick or piggyback any events yet.

This is my first season, and heading into the two sprints I did earlier this year, I knew I could cover each distance without a problem and even bricked the swim/bike and bike/run on multiple occasions prior to the race. As I am not even up to the individual distances yet I fear I might have bitten off more than I can chew. Is 5 weeks enough time (next week is supposed to be a rest week).

2009-08-05 11:44 AM
in reply to: #2329613

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Subject: RE: Is this realistic?

I think it depends on how much you want to suffer on race day and/or how much you want to walk the run.

2009-08-05 11:49 AM
in reply to: #2329633

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Subject: RE: Is this realistic?
Rencor - 2009-08-05 11:44 AM

I think it depends on how much you want to suffer on race day and/or how much you want to walk the run.



X2

Is it realistic to complete the distance?  Sure it is, although I personally wouldn't want to race with the amount of training you listed.  Not that you asked - but if it were me, I would either change to the sprint (if they have it) or plan to go out easy with each of the three disciplines and, as mentioned above, plan to walk some of the run.
2009-08-05 11:50 AM
in reply to: #2329613

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Subject: RE: Is this realistic?

If you will "be beat" after riding 27 miles I'm not sure how you plan to run 6.2 miles after concidering you haven't done the distance stand alone.  I'd guess you could go really easy on the bike and walk the run just to say you "finished" but why push like that especially if your fighting an injury?

2009-08-05 11:55 AM
in reply to: #2329613

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Subject: RE: Is this realistic?
goisles26 - 2009-08-05 11:36 AM I am 5 weeks out from my first Olympic and here is where I stand:

1. Swim: The most I've swam is 1500 yards, but know I could do the full mile.
2. Bike: The most I've ridden in 20 miles and the course is 27. Again, I know I could do it, but I'd be beat.
3. Run: The most I've done is 4 miles (run for 4 minutes, walk 1). I have ITB issues that have limited my training.

I've not tried to brick or piggyback any events yet.

This is my first season, and heading into the two sprints I did earlier this year, I knew I could cover each distance without a problem and even bricked the swim/bike and bike/run on multiple occasions prior to the race. As I am not even up to the individual distances yet I fear I might have bitten off more than I can chew. Is 5 weeks enough time (next week is supposed to be a rest week).


It looks to me like you have.  Here is my take. What are your goals for this? Is the Oly distance what you are wanting to do in the future? Longer distances? I think 5 weeks would be enough time to at least be able to do ok, but it's hard to tell, how many times a week do you bike? Swim? Run? You could use this race as a springboard to get a good idea of how to tailor your training next season if you are wanting to do the longer distances.  For me, I need the experience of doing a certain distance to really get a good idea of how I need to train. I did a HIM this year, I found out what my weaknesses were and now I have a really good idea for a training plan for next season. It's really up to you.  If you want to make sure you are completely and totally trained prior to going into it, then I would say find another sprint to do. If you are like me and you need to see and experience what it is going to feel like, and where your weak points are, then I say go for it.  No one says you need go out and completely set the course on fire your first time. For me this now a lifestyle and each year I will be getting better.  That's my take. Good luck whichever way you go!
2009-08-05 1:29 PM
in reply to: #2329613


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Subject: RE: Is this realistic?
If you, "float, coast, and shuffle" you will most likely be able to complete the event, if that is your goal. It is all about pacing and how much you are willing to suffer. You are undertrained but as long as you don't try and push yourself beyond what your body is capable of you should be OK. You most likely will be sore the next morning.

Good Luck either way.

Edited by browncd 2009-08-05 1:30 PM

2009-08-05 2:06 PM
in reply to: #2329613

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Subject: RE: Is this realistic?

In addition to your "longest" workouts, what are your weekly volumes?  There's a big difference in being ready between "I've ridden 20 miles (once)" and "I've ridden 20 miles once and ride 12-16 miles three times a week." 

An Olympic-distance race is getting into the timeframe where you should be paying attention to nutrition/hydration and not just pace.  If you've got enough time to practice and work out how you'll do over 3 (or more) hours, it can still be done.  I'd agree that you can probably float/coast/shuffle to a finish, but you should look honestly at how long will this take you and is that what you want to do?  If you'd be finishing 20, 30, or 40 minutes behind the next-to-last finisher (look at last year's results), you might contact the race director.  You wouldn't want him bringing the course down on you (i.e. opening roads to traffic and shutting down the aid stations). 

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