Ironman stats (Page 2)

I was one of the 864(?) first-timers at IMCdA yesterday.  2032 finished (prelim results showed DNF's too, I'm guessing 2300 started and 2400-2500 were registered. )

I think this was more an acknowledgement of us (and somehow help make us less anxious) than a "good" trend.  I'd guess CdA is more "novice friendly" because it doesn't sell out so quickly. 

Am I done with IM?  Probably not, but I may not do another one for 2-3 years because it takes a lot of time away from my family to train. 

I have never done an IM, but even at the shorter distances, time management can be a nightmare. I looked at the CdA site today and as of this afternoon the registration was still open...for $550. To some of you who are doctors and lawyers and other well-salaried professionals, this is probably 2 days wages, but to someone like me who balances the budget on a government employees salary, this is not so easy.

However, I will say this. If I (or anybody for that matter), wanted it bad enough, then I would just find a way to put the time in and save up the money. It is my goal to do an IM within the next three years.

PennState - 2009-06-23 5:27 AM Chris, apology accepted, and I apologize myself

(nature of internet communication I guess)

If you gals are done making nice, can we move on with the discussion?!  :-)

I think the consensus is because the time, money, energy commitment of an ironman is huge, perhaps many people don't think it's worth it a second time around.  That is, the reward of #2 is simply not big enough to stay committed/focused/motivated again.

I think the DNS rate for 2nd timers is higher than for fist timers.  Becuase for many IM event you have to sign up a year in advance, I think many first timers, are still caught up in the glory of crossing the finishline, sign up again...but later decided they don't want to invest that much of their lives again.

Being a DNS myself this year, I'm intested in my DNS rates are so high at IM....most are like 20 to 25% DNS.  Injury, pregnacy, moving to a different part of the county, got caught up in the excitement of IM and bit off more than they were ready for, work situations that don't allow training,....life....

~Mike 

Maybe I am off based, but the economy might have something to do with it.  People are penny pinching.  Maybe veterans are waiting till they have more money.  These races are EXPENSIVE!! Not including the airfare, lodging, food, car rental.  Also some of the "Iron Distance" races are sometimes half the price if not more off of the sponsored IM race.  Ohio has a HIM race for $90, alot cheaper then Steelhead.

The time commitment is part of it but you can fit IM training around your family life.  It may mean a lot of 4am training but it can be done.

I would think that the money side of it is the bigger issue.  Entry fee, airfair, car rental, hotel, meals....  I've done IMCDA 5 times because it's in my backyard.  If I had to travel to an IM I might be a one-and-done or at least multi-year between races.