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2010-10-24 9:32 AM

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Champion
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Subject: 2 Ironman's in one year
Wondering for those of you who have done 2 Ironman races in a year what your thoughts are on it? Advice or things to think about.

I'm doing IMFL in a couple weeks, have signed up for IMLP next July and am considering doing IMFL next year as well. They would be about 15 weeks apart. I've talked with my coach about it and he thinks from a training perspective I can do it with recovery time then build again. Question is how will doing Ironman training twice be and what will the mental aspect be.

IMFL next year is the day after I turn 50 and thought doing my 5th IM for my 50th birthday would be a great way to celebrate. I need to decide if I will register or not in a couple weeks.

First IM was '08 so 2011would be my 4th year doing IM races. I'm not fast, but train consistently as I don't work so I can train when my kids are in school.

I worry a bit about the grind of doing a second IM same year, training long on bike in Fall in MA is challenging, missing cyclocross season again, and how my body and mind will handle it.

Thoughts? Suggestions?


2010-10-24 11:06 AM
in reply to: #3169080

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Champion
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Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
It's tough from a time standpoint, clearly, a lot of training. If you are smart about the training though, you can carry the fitness from the first into the second, so that helps a lot in terms of managing the training load.
2010-10-24 11:24 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
My thoughts after just doing 2 IMs in a year are- you have to REALLY want it, mentally, in order to stay sharp for both races. Our situations are a little different, because this was my first year at the Ironman distance, and I hadn't really planned on doing the second IM. My body took a lot longer to recover than I had anticipated, and my motivation was really lacking during training for the second race. Since you are planning ahead of time, though, and can mentally prepare for both IMs, then maybe it wouldn't be as tough.

However, you've already mentioned a lot of strong reasons not to do IMFL- training in late fall, missing cyclocross season- those things might really start to get to you, mentally, around sept./oct. next year. Unless doing your 5th IM for your 50th birthday is extremely compelling motivation, I would say stick to LP, then have a blast in the Fall.
2010-10-24 11:33 AM
in reply to: #3169080

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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Hi Kathy. Barring any injuries, I doubt you would have a problem completing both in the span of 15 weeks. I did IMLP in 2009 and then also did Beach 2 Battleship which I believe was on the same day as IMFL. I took it easy for about two weeks and then started the peak phase of my training again although not quite as intense. IMLP was my 1st IM and since it was a hilly course I took it easy on the bike. B2B was a much easier course and I finished almost 1.5 hours faster.
2010-10-24 1:29 PM
in reply to: #3169080

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Master
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Hi Kathy.

I think you nailed it be being concerned about the mental aspect and the training aspect. I've done two IMs in one year twice and one experience was bad and one was great.

In 2008 I did IMAZ in mid-April and IMC in late August and IMC was a disaster for me. Work + family + summer = undertrained for IMC and it was a sufferfest. I was hoping IMAZ was going to be a B race leading up to IMC being my A race and it didn't work out. IMAZ was OK but I had problems due to heat. "Not my fault" so to speak. But then leading up to IMC I kept wanting to train more but things kept getting in the way. I wanted to PR in Canada but wasn't getting there, and I was stressed out. Due to various problems with lodging and the like, race week was a huge hassle. And on race day I did not lower my hopes & expectations to match my training, and IMC 2008 was by far my worst race in terms of "low lows" as well as finishing time.

In 2009 I also did IMC in late August and IMCOZ in late November and had much better race. I had realistic expectations for IMC based on my training, and the same realistic expectations for Cozumel. I knew neither was going to be a PR and I paced myself correctly on race day. My entire IM Cozumel experience was great - I enjoyed the venue tremendously, I was not overly OCD about everything leading up to the race, and the actual race day was a ton of fun. And my family enjoyed the trip as well because Dad wasn't a basket case.

Your plan for IMLP in July and IMFL 3 months later parallels my IMC / IMCOZ experience. Your first race is tougher, and your second race is easier. You have more time to train for your first race, and a shorter time for the second race. And your second race is training in the fall as the weather turns.

I suggest you make IMLP your 'A' race, and IMFL is your "celebration" race. You're there to race, but to have fun too and enjoy the experience.

Edited by brucemorgan 2010-10-24 1:30 PM
2010-10-24 4:14 PM
in reply to: #3169080

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Pro
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year

I did Ironman Canada (10:57) and Ironman Wisconsin (14:16) within 2 weeks of each other.  The lingering fatigue I felt on the bike was expected during IM WI...if it wasn't for my stomach rebelling on me on the run I would have had more fun at WI.  Maintaining a good mental attitude wasn't an issue since I only had to wait 2 weeks.  I did zero training the first week after Canada and very little the 2nd week.  The recovery following 2 so close together continues....



Edited by Birkierunner 2010-10-24 4:15 PM


2010-10-24 7:51 PM
in reply to: #3169161

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Champion
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
rgretsof - 2010-10-24 12:33 PM Hi Kathy. Barring any injuries, I doubt you would have a problem completing both in the span of 15 weeks. I did IMLP in 2009 and then also did Beach 2 Battleship which I believe was on the same day as IMFL. I took it easy for about two weeks and then started the peak phase of my training again although not quite as intense. IMLP was my 1st IM and since it was a hilly course I took it easy on the bike. B2B was a much easier course and I finished almost 1.5 hours faster.


Did you find it challenging mentally to train for second one?

You live in FL so weather was probably great for fall training.
2010-10-24 7:55 PM
in reply to: #3169156

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Champion
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
jazz82482 - 2010-10-24 12:24 PM My thoughts after just doing 2 IMs in a year are- you have to REALLY want it, mentally, in order to stay sharp for both races. Our situations are a little different, because this was my first year at the Ironman distance, and I hadn't really planned on doing the second IM. My body took a lot longer to recover than I had anticipated, and my motivation was really lacking during training for the second race. Since you are planning ahead of time, though, and can mentally prepare for both IMs, then maybe it wouldn't be as tough.

However, you've already mentioned a lot of strong reasons not to do IMFL- training in late fall, missing cyclocross season- those things might really start to get to you, mentally, around sept./oct. next year. Unless doing your 5th IM for your 50th birthday is extremely compelling motivation, I would say stick to LP, then have a blast in the Fall.


You sum it up quite well. Not sure how compelling it is compared to the downsides.

This year has been rough for me with both parents having major medical issues, getting Lyme's disease, having my knee scoped. I'm pretty sure the unique things about this year have impacted how I feel right now. Fall IM living in MA has been a grind at times. Getting long bikes in has been challenging...runs and swims not as much of an issue.

My husband is super supportive and says it's a no brainer to sign up for IMFL.

It would be so much easier if we didn't have to sign up a year ahead of time.
2010-10-24 8:09 PM
in reply to: #3169221

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Champion
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Bruce..thanks for the insights....hmm hard to know mentally how I will be a year from now.

I like the A race and the celebration race idea.
2010-10-24 8:49 PM
in reply to: #3169080

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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Can only relate my experience, but i trained for IMAZ April 08 and Nov 08.  Granted, they are more than 6 months apart...  but it was a verrrrrry long year, and I was well done with IM training in October, after nearly a year of IM training..
2010-10-24 11:07 PM
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2010-10-25 6:35 PM
in reply to: #3169561

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Fleming Island, FL
Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
KathyG - 2010-10-24 8:51 PM

rgretsof - 2010-10-24 12:33 PM Hi Kathy. Barring any injuries, I doubt you would have a problem completing both in the span of 15 weeks. I did IMLP in 2009 and then also did Beach 2 Battleship which I believe was on the same day as IMFL. I took it easy for about two weeks and then started the peak phase of my training again although not quite as intense. IMLP was my 1st IM and since it was a hilly course I took it easy on the bike. B2B was a much easier course and I finished almost 1.5 hours faster.


Did you find it challenging mentally to train for second one?

You live in FL so weather was probably great for fall training.


I wanted to do B2B in 2010, but my wife told me if I wanted to do a second iron distance race I needed to do it while I was already trained. She was tired of me being out training every weekend. Looking back on it, the training did suck and I am not sure if I ever want to go through that amount of training again anytime soon. As far as the fall training in FL, it was a lot better than all the summer training I did for IMLP. I was dripping sweat before the first mile on each run even if I left an hour before the sun came up. I guess that may be better than riding/running in the snow.
2010-10-25 7:51 PM
in reply to: #3169725

Champion
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Paulette thanks for your insights...really a lot for me to think about.

Most of the time I love the training, but at times it can be a grind to get it in with family conflicts and weather issues. But on a nice day I love to go run, swim outside or bike.
2010-10-26 7:57 PM
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
I have done 2 im in one year and with the right attiude it can be done. I will also be doing L.P. and Florida this year. I live in CT so I can relate to training in New England. I will take 2 weeks completely off after L.P. and then will slowly ramp my volume back up. You will have a solid base from L.P. which will carry over into FL. I think you should race FL. and enjoy the journey.
2010-10-27 8:09 AM
in reply to: #3169080

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Huntersville
Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Hi Kathy,
Last year I did IMWI and B2B, which were just under 8 weeks apart.  It was mentally challenging to get back into training, but my long bikes were shorter (80mi was the longest) and I didn't do nearly as many double workouts.  I also needed a lot more sleep.

I think if you are thinking about it this much, you should sign up for it.  Wear a jersey that says, "I'm turning 50!"  and pose for every photographer!
2010-10-27 8:25 AM
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Kathy,

I have been considering this as well and was debating the whole 2 Ironman's close together or a beginning and end of the year race.  Let us know what you decide to do and give an update on how it worked out.  I'll be very curious to hear your thoughts on it. 


2010-10-27 1:20 PM
in reply to: #3169080

Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Well, make up my mind, would ya? I'll sign up for IMFL if only to see you cross the finish line on your 5th at 50 race!

2010-10-30 9:26 AM
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
I did IMLP on July 26 and IMWI on Sept 12 and for me it was a really great choice. I had 7 weeks between the races and aimed for IMWI to be my priority race. I trained conservatively for IMLP and would say I was about 80% trained, which gave me the time in between the two to hit 100%. I had a 2 week recovery that included really light/easy activity daily, a 3 week build with long rides and long runs (but nothing over 15mi), and a 2 week taper.

The mental engagement for me was opposite of what most people have shared. I was excited to keep training for IMWI and it made my experience at IMLP a lot more fun. From a training standpoint I also performed much better at IMWI, setting a 43-minute PR.

I don't think the approach is right for everyone, but it's perfect for me. My only thoughts on your plan is the long distance between the two races. I'm not sure I'd want to draw my season out from an early IM all the way to a November IM, I think that would become mentally fatiguing. Two months for me was the perfect length of time. But if you see IMFL as a celebration, I think that will keep it in perspective and allow you to have a really enjoyable and really memorable season.
2010-10-30 1:58 PM
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Kathy, I like what Kristen has to say.

I say view IMLP as your A race and train for it like you normally would. Treat IMFL as a celebration of your life to this point in time. Have fun with it.  Your fitness will be such that you should be able to scale back on the workouts and still perform well.
2010-10-30 5:24 PM
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Calgary
Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
I think you could do it no problem and that it would be super cool to do your fifth IM, or any IM, the day after you turn 50. That is a celebration. I can see it being draining and boring training for the second one but that will make finishing IMFL that much sweeter.

Not sure why you have to miss cyclecross season, is the training that agressive for it. Hell I don't even know when cyclecross season is, guessing during training for IMFL. Really, how much IM fitness can you lose in 15 weeks with the amount of biking that you do.

Anyway, my 2 cents.
2010-10-30 8:08 PM
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A little slice of paradise
Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Good insight from everyone. I am hoping to do two IM's next year also. WI, which I am already registered for, and hoping to get into FL.

Your question about the mental aspect is difficult to answer. I am really excited about the physical and mental challenge of doing two IM's and my Coach would not support me doing two if she did not believe I could do it.  

The statement I am going to say to you is "Know your reasons" that will keep you going mentally.

You sound like this is your lifestyle and you are not just 'training' for Ironman.
Dig down into that passion and go for it and register for FL.

Celebrate your 50th with 2000+ of your friends.
I hope to see you there, and that I am rocking it out at Ironman when I turn 50.


2010-10-31 2:43 AM
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Master
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Muskego, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Lots of good stuff to think about. BT'ers are always full of insight and wisdom.

If you can stay healthy, I know you will find the time to train. Between you and your coach you'll have a fantastic plan in place well before hand. I say go for it.

I'll be doing two in 2012, when we get back to the US. I'll also be a stay-at-home-Dad again, so training time will be aplenty.
2010-10-31 7:41 AM
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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
no new insight but I'm planning on doing 2 as well so we can suffer together nah, you can totally do it.  you have the experience, the right attitude and you definitely know what you are getting in to. looking forward to a fun and challenging 2011 and happy early 50th
2010-11-01 10:33 PM
in reply to: #3169080

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Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
Kathy,

Having just turned 50 I absolutely understand the impulse to want to celebrate it with a race. I wanted to do the same, but just couldn't train up in time for the race I really wanted to do. (It's now on my bucket list for another year.)

Instead, my DH took me away for the weekend to a spot where I could run and bike. Biked 50 miles on my 50th, and plan to make it a b-day tradition to bike as many miles as I am old. For me, it isn't racing that's the best part of tri, it's being out, enjoying the day and the workout. And it was a perfect way to celebrate.

So I encourage you to think about why you do tri. If it's competing and racing, go for it. If it's the joy of working out, do that.

Let us know what you decide.
2010-11-02 3:50 AM
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Champion
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MA
Subject: RE: 2 Ironman's in one year
I appreciate all the thoughts and input.

I'm still not decided but have thought a lot about it.  I have been waffling back and forth.

I have until Sunday to decide unless it becomes clear I want to race and I'll sign up Friday.
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