ironman> gimmie a peek

All Highs   I felt sick for a little bit on the run, but it wasnt too bad.  There were not that many bigger girls at the IM distance.  I did notice that.  Anywho, read my race report if you want (link to it under my race log below

I can't wait to get to do another one

Have you done a Tri of any length yet??  If not, i would recommend trying a shorter distance first, then move up from there.

If you have done others and IM is all that is left, then by all means start training and do it.

Everyone's experiences will be different, and personally, i have not done, nor will i ever do a full IM.  I have done 2 half iron races and they were hard enough on me between the run training and time commitment that i have no desire to train for a longer race. Each person is different, just make sure you enjoy the ride and train properly, it makes such a significant difference in the experience.

Good luck in your quest!!

read the race report, congrats very good read.

@ rudedog, no i have not currently out with a torn menicus.  was going to do my first sprint this aug.  but i do enjoy reading the stories of people who were prob. like myself and never thought they would be able to do them.  i do plan on doing the steps sprint, oly, him and im(maybe). 

Awesome, then feel free to check out some of my earlier reports. I started with a micro sprint, and moved up the following year to 3 longer distances. Each has its own nuances, and are enjoyable in different ways. I know all about the injury thing, i have battled running injuries since before my first tri, and only recently, 3 years later, been able to get any significant run training injury free. I only asked about other Tri's cause i know as soon as i started training for my Halves, i had realized i would never want to do an IM, solely because of the run.  I hope you heal up well, and continue on the path to fulfilling the dream!!

I did Ironman Arizona in 2009.  You can see my finisher picture here:

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In a nutshell, it was one of the greatest days of my life, and I don't know how I could have gotten more out of the experience of preparing for it and executing it.  I had been through a couple of full seasons and had completed an HIM before I felt comfortable signing up. 

Here is a link to my race report that provides some details.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=188461

I also agree with the other posters to do shorter distances first.

It is my honest opinion that nobody should consider doing an IM until they have completed a HIM distance race. You have to respect the distance and you can't really do that if you havne't done a HIM. Many people have done century rides and many have run marathons but putting it all together on one day with months of training ahead of time is a different story.

I have done a HIM distance race and that is how I know I won't do a full IM distance. The limiter is different for different people and for me that limiter is the bike. 112 miles is a LONG time and then to save enough to run a marathon after.... well.... it's a LONG day for a lot of people.

Can someone skip a HIM distance? Sure. Should they? I don't think so.

i agree with the last two poster, this year i did a half marathon, and know i will probably never do a marathon.  now i know this makes no sense if i want to one day consider a ironman.  but the storys and race reports are what sparks the drive for me at least. 

so yes i will start off slow, but never say never.  for now consider it just asking for reading material, while i recover.  so if you feel you have a good race report i would love to read it. 

I have done a marathon (in 2005) and an Ironman (2010).  I will never do another stand alone marathon, but woud do an IM every year if I had the money and time   My body doesn't like running 50 miles a week.

IMAZ 2010, 13:51 at 234 ponds.   7 days after I did IMAZ i signed up for IMCOZ.  

The experience is very different fo everybody,  I had a great time and was happy witht he results.  The hardest part was the second half of the marathon.  As a result of that,  I am working on my run this year.  I am actually more nervous about IMCOZ this year becasue I am not sure how my body will react to the tropical  heat and humidity

It is very posible if you put your mind to it and your family is on board.  I am lucky my wife is 100% behind me on this ventures

Good luck to you on whatever you decide to add to your bucket list

Did IM Canada at 275 lbs.  It's definitely a commitment but if you work at it you can do it. I would have to say that an IM is as much a mental race as it is physical. It's pretty funny because you will experience every emotion possible. Happy, sad, angry, dejected, elated... It's a real mind screw. Get some sugar you feel better, climb a hill want to die. But crossing that finish line is absolutely one of the most incredible feelings in the world.

Train right and become an IRONclyde!!!

leopard8996 - 2011-07-07 9:18 AM I've started 3 and finished 2. My race reports are on my blog which is in my profile. I used to be extremely heavy and lost weight prior to undertaking the distance. I was still a 5'7 185lb female who finished the first 2 well within the time cutoffs I'd also never run a marathon before the IM nor would I. Read my reports (2007 & 2008 IM CDA) and feel free to ask questions!

nice read im 2008, im from south texas so the water surrounding us is pretty "perfect" temp.  so when i read reports like those from up north.  WOW.   again nice read.