General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 6 months enough time for first Ironman? Rss Feed  
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2006-04-28 12:12 PM


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Subject: 6 months enough time for first Ironman?

Do you think 6 months is feasible to do the Bahamas 2.4/120/26.2 Race November 11th?

I'm signed up for Timberman 1/2 in August and that was going to be my season finisher but apparently just won a race entry to the Bahamas Full or Half.

I'm in decent shape right now, my long run is 8mi and long bike is 50. Maybe a little intimidated at never having run anything close to a marathon. Thanks


2006-04-28 12:58 PM
in reply to: #409312

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Not a Coach
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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time for first Ironman?

Welcome to BT.  There are a bunch of us doing Timberman and planning to get together up there.  Hopefully you can join us.

As to your question, you have enough time to follow a plan that should get you through an IM if you want but you'll have to commit soon.  Take a look at some of them and see if you have the current base, etc. to start any of those.  There are a few plans on this site (Beg. IM, Full IM, IM Bridge) as a start.  You have to join as a performance member to get the full detail, but you can read the summary and get an idea of the plan now.  And there are lots of others too.  Most of them should give you an idea of what kind of background/fitness level they assume before you start the plan.

2006-04-28 1:14 PM
in reply to: #409312


2

Subject: RE: 6 months enough time for first Ironman?
Thanks for the reply. Yea would def like to meet some people at Timberman.

The 12 week bridge seems ideal actually. Though one thing it doesn't address is the recovery after the 1/2. I was thinking to take at least one week light afterwards.
2006-04-28 2:52 PM
in reply to: #409385

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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time for first Ironman?

The 12 week bridge seems ideal actually. Though one thing it doesn't address is the recovery after the 1/2. I was thinking to take at least one week light afterwards.

That's probably a good idea.  Do some easy cycling and swimming early in the week (highly recommend the easy cycling the day after the race to help recovery) and then add in some easy running later in the week.  Then start the IM plan after that.

2006-04-28 8:07 PM
in reply to: #409312

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Elite
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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time for first Ironman?

You could probabaly complete an IM but beware that since you do not have endurance training under your belt your body will be more susceptible to injuries during an IM build-up than another athlete than has done a marathon or two and/or a couple years of HIM races.

Also keep in mind that 17 hours is a LONG time to complete an IM and if you can get to T2 before the cutoff, you're pretty much home free if you can walk 4mph... 

Good luck and really be careful to avoid injury during your build up/peak period for the IM trng.

 

2006-04-29 5:05 PM
in reply to: #409312

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Expert
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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time for first Ironman?
I took 25 weeks to train for an ironman, but I probably took a total of 10 of them off because of injury and overtraining. Anyway, that training plan worked for me.

Six months is plenty of time to train, but yes you will get injured. The key is figuring out how to avoid a total blowout and stay on track in spite of injuries. Listen to your body and take care of minor injuries before they completely stop you from training. Make ice your best friend.

A first ironman is about finishing, and patience. The only workouts you should consider essential are your long workouts. The others will probably end up just being maintenance, and in my opinion if you become hurt then they are completely expendable.

-dave



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