Official first HIM nerves thread

Beej - 2010-06-16 1:56 PM My first HIM is Saturday. I'm looking at my logs, reading threads, thinking about gear, checking weather reports, and generally being alternatively calm and nervous. Training since Feb. 1. Swim: 36.8 mi. Bike: 715mi. Run: 255mi. Mountain run: 16 mi. 126 hours of training was about 85% of what I planned. Most of the skipped work came within the past month neglecting my long bike rides. On a positive note my running shape is better than expected. Weather calls for 85 and sunny so hydration and overheating will be a concern. I wish I had hit my long rides. On the other hand my bike power, run speed, and swim speed still improved significantly over the course of the past 4 months. I'm more nervous than before my first Oly because I had done 30 miles rides followed by 10k runs in training. I knew my body would do the work. I'm not sure how my legs will respond after biking 56 miles. At this point I am trusting my calculated power limits for my bike (aim for 204W not to exceed 240W for any lengthy period) will keep the legs from burning out so my run strength can take over. I still have no clue how I'm going to stay hydrated enough without bloating for the run. I'm a larger athlete (6 foot, 200#) and a heavy sweater and would much rather it be 60 and overcast. Mostly typing here so I don't drive my non-tri friends nuts. Can it be Saturday 7:30am soon, please?

Boston Beginner - 2010-06-16 2:31 PM

Congrats on the training so far.  It is a great bike course, assuming the fixed some of the flooded areas from last month.  They repaved most of the roads from previous years, so you don't have to worry about that.  The course is such that you will have "recovery" time for your legs on the bike.  The swim is in a great pond, (it was a little to more than a little short last year). Some people came out of the water in 19 mins.  I did the run portion of the race last year and it was the first time I had ever ran 13.1 non stop.  Plenty of water stops.  When you turn the corner for home, there is a big hill, but other than that, pretty flat and pretty shaded.  

You should be fine.  Good luck.  Nerves are normal.

KathyG - 2010-06-16 3:39 PM

Patriot will be a fun first HIM for you!

What is your FTP and what percentage of it did you use for your power goals? and power max?

What I did on my last HIM was stop taking calories and fluid in 20' before the end of the bike to let my stomach empty out for the run and it worked well.

I'll be there...hope to meet you there.

charlieq - 2010-06-16 1:49 PM Nerves are good, but do not over think it and remember to have enjoy the experience.

Here is an article that I wish someone had sent me before my first HIM, it is about a full IM but is fairly applicable to the HIM as well.

http://www.trifuel.com/training/triathlon-training/the-endurance-nation-four-keys-to-ironman-execution

I read it before doing New Orleans for a second time this year and found it comforting on the bike as I kept getting passed, and great advise on the run as I was almost 25 minutes faster on the run than the first time I did the course.

KathyG - 2010-06-16 3:39 PM Patriot will be a fun first HIM for you!

What is your FTP and what percentage of it did you use for your power goals? and power max?

What I did on my last HIM was stop taking calories and fluid in 20' before the end of the bike to let my stomach empty out for the run and it worked well.

I'll be there...hope to meet you there.

pmt - 2010-06-17 8:27 AM

So glad to see this thread! 
My first HIM is 7/11 and I'm terrified.   It's the heat that is scaring the heck out of me.   Last Sunday I did a 60 mile bike followed by 6 mile run in 90 degrees, and had complete spaghetti legs on the run.    I hope it was insufficient fueling.  I weigh 115.  I did 270 calories over 3 hours and 48 oz water.    No calories on the run.     My run base in 20 miles per week this year, after 6 years of steady marathon training at 40-50 miles per week.

Seriously considering trading down to an aquabike and waiting for my first HIM for when it is cooler.

charlieq - 2010-06-16 2:49 PM Nerves are good, but do not over think it and remember to have enjoy the experience.

Here is an article that I wish someone had sent me before my first HIM, it is about a full IM but is fairly applicable to the HIM as well.

http://www.trifuel.com/training/triathlon-training/the-endurance-nation-four-keys-to-ironman-execution

I read it before doing New Orleans for a second time this year and found it comforting on the bike as I kept getting passed, and great advise on the run as I was almost 25 minutes faster on the run than the first time I did the course.