General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Pipe Dream? Rss Feed  
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2008-06-29 11:11 PM

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Subject: Pipe Dream?
Right now i pretty much consider myself a non-swimmer. I can do a self taught breast stroke about 100m but I have zero formal training. Is it remotely feasable to learn to swim well enough to complete an ironman distance triathlon in 13 months?


2008-06-29 11:19 PM
in reply to: #1498065

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?
I think it is definitely doable in 13 months.  Get some formal instruction to get things going and good luck!!
2008-06-30 8:44 AM
in reply to: #1498065

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?

If completing an Ironman distance race is important enough to you, then YES! 

Check with the YMCA, park district, local university, etc. and get some lessons.  Hire a coach if you need to, but learn proper technique before you build a lot of bad habits. 

2008-06-30 9:22 AM
in reply to: #1498065

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?
Is it possible sure.

Why not start with smaller goals? You can still keep the IM in the back of your mind as your ultimate goal, but you may be cheating yourself of a number of small victories.

1. Find a swim coach. (Local tri club, masters group, ymca)
2. Swim 100 then 200 then 400 then 1000 yards without stopping.
3. Work your way to 2000yards 3 times a week
4. Compete in a sprint tri.
5. Finish in the top half of the swim, at a sprint tri.

etc...
2008-06-30 9:27 AM
in reply to: #1498478

Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?

hurtin - 2008-06-30 10:22 AM Is it possible sure. Why not start with smaller goals? You can still keep the IM in the back of your mind as your ultimate goal, but you may be cheating yourself of a number of small victories.

This is what I always wonder when I see posts from people (usually men) who are like "I've never set foot in a pool, I just got a bike, but hey, I want to do an Ironman in a year!". Really, what is the rush? It's not going anywhere. And personally, I'd rather be super-prepared and have a couple years of solid racing/training before I attempted an Ironman - I'd want to enjoy it, not suffer through it. Sprints are for doing on the fly to see if you like it and often making an a$$ of yourself in the process.

Of course, we don't know what the OP's background in the other sports is like. But still, I'd be more inclined to think it'd be a good idea to train smart, get some experience and then tackle the big ones. Triathlon is not just about Ironman and for a lot of people, it never will be.

2.4 miles is a whole lot of swimming, esp. if you don't have the background.

I've never done an Ironman and maybe never will, so take it with a grain of salt if you want. But I would want to be prepared, stay injury-free and actually enjoy the experience.



Edited by wurkit_gurl 2008-06-30 9:30 AM
2008-06-30 7:34 PM
in reply to: #1498065

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?
Thank for the encouragement everyone. I know its a lofty goal but we all do this for the challenge, right?

hurtin, I agree 100% and all of those things would be part of my overall goal. I've always liked to set my sights high so that i have to really push myself to achieve.

wurkit gurl, I dont think gender has anything to do with it, I just need a goal that I can aspire to at this point in my life and if I cant do it then I will back up and punt. As far as my background goes, I became serious about my run training in December of 07 and ran my first half marathon in April with a 1:27:00. I am descent but not great on the bike so I know that I have a long haul ahead but that's what I like. As far as enjoyment during a race, I derive enjoyment from pushing myself as hard as my preparation will allow, whatever level that puts me at.


2008-06-30 7:49 PM
in reply to: #1498065

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?

 Read this thread  

Sure you probably can do it but why rush it? IMs will always be there.

Enjoy the process of building to do your first IM as you get to do a first one only once. 

 

2008-06-30 7:58 PM
in reply to: #1498504

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?

My opinion: 

I did my first Ironman a year after starting triathlon.  For me rushing it was necessary, you never know how many chances you're going to get at certain things. Why not take it when you can.  I had some time, and wanted to go for it, so I did.  It doesn't mean that I didn't train smart, it doesn't mean I didn't get experience before hopping into it.  If you want something bad enough, and are willing to work to achieve it, 13 months is an eternity. You're going to suffer, that's part of the Ironman culture.  That's why it takes a certain type of person to go for it.  I think couch to Ironman is one of the coolest things (it doesn't happen often), because it can show the power of motivation. So I say if you're motivated go for it, work your butt off, and claim that finisher's medal.


For some people, Ironman is triathlon.

2008-06-30 8:03 PM
in reply to: #1498065

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?

if you want to learn to swim I have two words for you:

TOTAL IMMERSION       http://www.totalimmersion.net/

I has worked great for me.

2008-06-30 8:13 PM
in reply to: #1498065

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?
I agree, the book did me wonders.
2008-06-30 8:29 PM
in reply to: #1500491

Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?
LawStudent - 2008-06-30 8:58 PM


For some people, Ironman is triathlon.

I wasn't denying that for SOME people, it's all about the Ironman. But I have friends who are competitive and want to improve and definitely want to do an Ironman, but they've taken a few years and will take another couple to train more, get better at the other distances, etc. I just don't see why the rush.

I'd rather know that I had the athletic base to complete it and complete it well. It's one thing if you are already a marathoner, or a really great cyclist, etc, but with no real background...I'd rather be safe and enjoy racing and training and build up to it.



Edited by wurkit_gurl 2008-06-30 8:31 PM


2008-06-30 8:49 PM
in reply to: #1498504

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?
wurkit_gurl - 2008-06-30 10:27 AM

Sprints are for doing on the fly to see if you like it and often making an a$$ of yourself in the process.

What are you talking about sprints are for doing on the fly to see if you like it?  I couldn't disagree more with this statement.  All though that may be true for some people but for others sprint races are a great accomplishment even if they do make an a$$ out of themselves.

Back on Topic:

If you want to do an Iron Man...go for it!  If you put yur mind to to it, you can do anything!!

2008-06-30 9:03 PM
in reply to: #1500584

Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?
orphious - 2008-06-30 9:49 PM
wurkit_gurl - 2008-06-30 10:27 AM

Sprints are for doing on the fly to see if you like it and often making an a$$ of yourself in the process.

What are you talking about sprints are for doing on the fly to see if you like it?  I couldn't disagree more with this statement.  All though that may be true for some people but for others sprint races are a great accomplishment even if they do make an a$$ out of themselves.

Back on Topic:

If you want to do an Iron Man...go for it!  If you put yur mind to to it, you can do anything!!

Oh never mind, that wasn't the point I was making at all - y'all can go about your macho business. Sheesh...

 

2008-06-30 9:59 PM
in reply to: #1500449

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Subject: RE: Pipe Dream?

Mad Lt. - 2008-06-30 7:34 PM Thank for the encouragement everyone. I know its a lofty goal but we all do this for the challenge, right? 

No, I think that a lot of us do it more for the lifestyle, and the races are just the icing on top.

Pretty much any healthy human being can do an Ironman in 17 hours, so I'm sure that you can too. Personally it has taken me 8 years of training and racing to sign up for my first IM, and I'm feeling a little hasty

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