Is it possible to make 2010 the year for my first Ironman?

the 2009 race is this weekend i think and looks to be pretty flat

otherwise how about an Non WTC event like chesapeakeman in sept in maryland?

Dude, you would not even believe what the human body is capable of!  Not a crazy consideration at all.  I just finished my first IM (IMFL) at end of my 2nd full tri season.  Never did more than a (long) sprint last year, and just started swimming roughly 18-20 months ago.

Went into this year only wanting to build up to a HIM, then - once that was done - was about where I'm guessing you would be after building the base to effectively complete the HIM distance (i.e., why not try for the full IM).  If you can do a HIM, then you are not too far away from being ready for the full boat.

For me, it became all about the 'right' year to try it.  From my work, travel, family, kids perspective (all considerations of which are key), 2009 made more sense than 2010.  Plus, I already had the HIM base.  So, after a short down period in the summer, I went on to do a 16-week IM plan which had me plenty prepared to do the race.  As a first-timer and typically racing as a Clydesdale, I also wanted a flat course (and also cool weather, wetsuit legal).  I would've chosen IMFL or IMAZ for this reason.  Maybe I'm short-sighted, but I figured if I were only to do one full IM, then would want it to be an IM 'branded' event.  I chose to pay for a Community Fund slot.

Would note trade the journey nor the day of the event for anything.  It was 1000% worth it.

Good luck in 2010, whichever way you choose to go!

Cheers,
Mark 

x2 Chesapeakeman is a great race, the bike is as flat as flat can be.

You can most certainly do an IM next year. You just have to want it and be willing to make the sacrifices neccesary to achieve it.

x2 and it's FLAT!
I think it's a great time of year, too - Sept. 25 for 2010.
 

You know I didn't even realize that there were non WTC santioned event out there. thanks for the tip. I ended up signing up for The Great Floridian Tri Oct 23 of next year. Clermont is a little hilly, suprising since it is Florida, but most of my familly lives there so I would have a great support group.

I tell yeah I had bigtime butterflys as I was clicking the sign-up button. Now what am I going to do?

Edited by x_caliber50 2009-11-24 1:00 PM

Just FYI... GF is NOT a flat bike course. That is, according to my friends that did it this year, akin to the IMWI course in it's hills.

Good luck! Kentucky would have been flatter!

I cant echo enough what others are saying about this topic. 

I got back from Iraq in March of 2009 did my first "ever" sprint race in April, ran a half in May, and did Kona this last October (8 months later).  Anything can be done if you put your mind to it.  To be honest the hardest part of the day is just showing up.  Trust me, you can do it.

Good for you!  Good luck with your journey......it's an awesome experience.

Good to see you decided to go for it, you'll be fine! I learned to swim 16 months ago and did my first IM this year after only two short seasons in Triathlon. It was my 7th tri ever. If you train and really focus, it's completely possible and a great experience. Don't be afraid of hills - IMWI was my race and the hills make it more interesting