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2013-01-14 12:40 PM
in reply to: #4576830

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

jobaxas - 2013-01-14 12:41 AM So ten weeks out. Swim good definitely can get that done. Run intention was always to have enough time to walk it. Bike disaster. It's not been outside yet lots of drainer work. I am not a cyclist far from it. I feel like if I pull out now I'm letting everyone down but for me I don't mind! It's too much too soon I've done a handful of sprints an Oly and HIM. My original plan was IM 2014 but I got caught up in the excitement. I don't believe this is last minute nerves at all I'm just not ready. It's all paid for not much of a refund so close to the race. BT world any advice apart from HTFU!!!

I think that line is very telling. There are times to HTFU but I don't believe this is one of them. I am NOT a supporter of going into an event when you are not ready. 

Do what is best for you. No one else.



2013-01-14 12:40 PM
in reply to: #4576885

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

ETA - Don't underestimate the discomfort factor of sitting on a bike for 6 or 7+ hours compared to the 3 hours you've done on the trainer...

I don't know, maybe my bike's not fit well to me, but I can't do more than an hour on the trainer, due to comfort, but I had no problem spending 6 hours on my bike outside.  I feel like you can stretch and change positions and rest a lot more outdoors than indoors.  3 hours on the trainer seemed pretty substantial to me, especially if she has 6 more weeks to build miles.  

2013-01-14 12:46 PM
in reply to: #4576830

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
Thank you all for your feedback. I will definitely do the swim. Tight now that's where I am with the decision making. It is very local I swim the course on Saturdays if I OWS those days my weekend runs are on the marathon course. Only the bike is on a freeway so that's unfamiliar. I think the swim is all I will do at this stage. I'm away this weekend will discuss with my IM friend. Thanks so much guys. Really helps
2013-01-14 12:51 PM
in reply to: #4576838

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
brucemorgan - 2013-01-14 1:59 AM

Ten weeks out and not been outside yet?  "Not a cyclist far from it"?? (!!)  You best option probably is to cancel and admit to yourself and the world you're not ready.  IM is not for the ill-prepared. 



This. If your cycling is a disaster you won't have to worry about the run. 3 hour trainer sessions will not get you to 112 with enough time to make the cut off.

Zanne



Edited by LittleCat 2013-01-14 12:52 PM
2013-01-14 12:53 PM
in reply to: #4577721

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
If I were your training partner, friend, or family, the last thing I'd want is you to do this unprepared. I'd worry about you the whole day and as a spectator, longer is not better! I am unclear about how you'd feel you'd be letting them down, but my point is trying the race would let me down if I were them.
2013-01-14 12:57 PM
in reply to: #4577684

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
bcraht - 2013-01-14 1:34 PM
rrrunner - 2013-01-14 10:09 AM
jmkizer - 2013-01-14 10:56 AM

Jo, as others have said, the decision is yours.  You know that the Manatees will love ya regardless of your choice!

Abso-FRICKIN-lutely!!!

X3.  It's your race and your decision Jo.  Don't worry about what anyone else thinks or doesn't think.  We'll support you either way.

Exactly!



2013-01-14 1:14 PM
in reply to: #4576830

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
Ah BT and Manatees you rock. This will I won't I has been keeping me awake for a while. I think I am known in my circle of friends and training groups as the one with the positive attitude one even wrote a paper on me 'inspiring through communication!' Anyway be that as it may I do not want to a) kill myself between now and IM - I don't have that kind of spare time and I missed two whole weeks in Dec / Jan making a trip to the UK. More importantly I want to enjoy my first if at all possible my two marathons have been fun trained as well as I could and felt prepared on the day.Again thks
2013-01-14 1:19 PM
in reply to: #4576830

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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

Heh, have refrained from posting so far because Jo knows my opinion on this honestly there's no decision I see that HAS to be made now ... you like the training and it's going to benefit you regardless (and for future races) so keep doing it as you said and heck, make a decision on March 22.

The only thing I have to add is that--and you know this better than I do for sure!--Melbourne is a logistical nightmare. I think you should try riding Eastlink as it's such a great experience you won't be able to have any other time (and invaluable for 2014), as well as IM course experience generally, but have a good exit plan for bailing before lap 2, especially since there may not be any markers on the bike course, indication of turnaround etc.

2013-01-14 1:24 PM
in reply to: #4577801

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
TriAya - 2013-01-15 6:19 AM

Heh, have refrained from posting so far because Jo knows my opinion on this honestly there's no decision I see that HAS to be made now ... you like the training and it's going to benefit you regardless (and for future races) so keep doing it as you said and heck, make a decision on March 22.

The only thing I have to add is that--and you know this better than I do for sure!--Melbourne is a logistical nightmare. I think you should try riding Eastlink as it's such a great experience you won't be able to have any other time (and invaluable for 2014), as well as IM course experience generally, but have a good exit plan for bailing before lap 2, especially since there may not be any markers on the bike course, indication of turnaround etc.

hi Yanti! I think if I was in a position where I had more hours right now in the day I'd just say to heck with it and do it- a lot of my friends are on school summer break being teachers so 6 weeks of long training available. I know this would be the case anyway but if I was already at an acceptable volume it wouldn't be an issue. Yes Melbourne is a bit spread out on race day! You are right I love training so why not do what I can with that?! And no real decision until march 22 ha!
2013-01-14 1:33 PM
in reply to: #4577801

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
TriAya - 2013-01-14 2:19 PM

Heh, have refrained from posting so far because Jo knows my opinion on this honestly there's no decision I see that HAS to be made now ... you like the training and it's going to benefit you regardless (and for future races) so keep doing it as you said and heck, make a decision on March 22.

The only thing I have to add is that--and you know this better than I do for sure!--Melbourne is a logistical nightmare. I think you should try riding Eastlink as it's such a great experience you won't be able to have any other time (and invaluable for 2014), as well as IM course experience generally, but have a good exit plan for bailing before lap 2, especially since there may not be any markers on the bike course, indication of turnaround etc.

 

I'm with Yanti on this.  Keep training, show up and make the decision later.  If nothing else, start the race and just do what you can do that day.  No pressure, just go out and play it by ear and don't be afraid to pack it in whenever.  As Yanti points out, at least you'd get an opportunity to check out the course you might not otherwise get to pre-ride.

 

Call it a long training day.

2013-01-14 1:44 PM
in reply to: #4577598

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
jmkizer - 2013-01-14 12:56 PM

Jo, as others have said, the decision is yours.  You know that the Manatees will love ya regardless of your choice!

Exactly!  I don't know what the best option is, but I support whatever you decide.



2013-01-14 1:49 PM
in reply to: #4577826

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
cgregg - 2013-01-14 2:33 PM
TriAya - 2013-01-14 2:19 PM

Heh, have refrained from posting so far because Jo knows my opinion on this honestly there's no decision I see that HAS to be made now ... you like the training and it's going to benefit you regardless (and for future races) so keep doing it as you said and heck, make a decision on March 22.

The only thing I have to add is that--and you know this better than I do for sure!--Melbourne is a logistical nightmare. I think you should try riding Eastlink as it's such a great experience you won't be able to have any other time (and invaluable for 2014), as well as IM course experience generally, but have a good exit plan for bailing before lap 2, especially since there may not be any markers on the bike course, indication of turnaround etc.

 

I'm with Yanti on this.  Keep training, show up and make the decision later.  If nothing else, start the race and just do what you can do that day.  No pressure, just go out and play it by ear and don't be afraid to pack it in whenever.  As Yanti points out, at least you'd get an opportunity to check out the course you might not otherwise get to pre-ride.

 

Call it a long training day.

x2.  You still have 8-9 weeks of training left, make the go/no go decision much closer to race day.  But I like the idea of starting and seeing what you can do...

2013-01-14 2:23 PM
in reply to: #4577826

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
cgregg - 2013-01-14 1:33 PM
TriAya - 2013-01-14 2:19 PM

Heh, have refrained from posting so far because Jo knows my opinion on this honestly there's no decision I see that HAS to be made now ... you like the training and it's going to benefit you regardless (and for future races) so keep doing it as you said and heck, make a decision on March 22.

The only thing I have to add is that--and you know this better than I do for sure!--Melbourne is a logistical nightmare. I think you should try riding Eastlink as it's such a great experience you won't be able to have any other time (and invaluable for 2014), as well as IM course experience generally, but have a good exit plan for bailing before lap 2, especially since there may not be any markers on the bike course, indication of turnaround etc.

 

I'm with Yanti on this.  Keep training, show up and make the decision later.  If nothing else, start the race and just do what you can do that day.  No pressure, just go out and play it by ear and don't be afraid to pack it in whenever.  As Yanti points out, at least you'd get an opportunity to check out the course you might not otherwise get to pre-ride.

 

Call it a long training day.

For ME - I would probably lean towards this as well.  The race is in your area and you've paid a lot of money for it.  Go and do the swim, enjoy the experience - and if you want, get on your bike afterwards for a couple of hours to get a brick workout done.  If you only ride for an hour or two - it will not only let you experience the excitement of the day, but you'll also get the experience of what race day will be like when you feel like you're more prepared. 

Whatever you decide, make sure it's the right decision for YOU - in this scenario you're opinion is the only one that matters.   

2013-01-14 2:58 PM
in reply to: #4576830

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

A lot of options.  I say do it!  Mainly because that's the Manatee way....But also consider doing the swim, cruising the bike (call it your first Century whatever....), then just don't do the run.  Who gives a Rats A#$ that someone might see DNF on a RR or results page.

I read race reports about people walking the run and having some cool conversations with other walkers.  I also hear things about people encouraging others during that time and that's something you're good at.  You may actually positively impact another athlete while you're dealing with your own issues etc.  You paid some $$$ so go have some fun.

The other thing is that yes, time is short and if your logs are up to date, the bike miles look a little light...OK VERY LIGHT but you could still hammer out some serious miles/rides etc. as very few injuries come out of cycling lots, mostly hard, sometimes etc. bla bla bla.

And if you pull out now, who is "everyone" you would be letting down, really?  Do you have commitments from sponsors?  I'm joking Jo, those who love you will not feel let down.

2013-01-14 6:48 PM
in reply to: #4577859

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
Artemis - 2013-01-14 2:44 PM
jmkizer - 2013-01-14 12:56 PM

Jo, as others have said, the decision is yours.  You know that the Manatees will love ya regardless of your choice!

Exactly!  I don't know what the best option is, but I support whatever you decide.

Best advice and sentiment.  I vote this. 

Actually, I did like Yanti's advice about moving forward and seeing where it takes you.  No decisions have to be made today.   I plan on doing the same with Big Sur (and thank you for giving me the courage to say this).  I will see where I am knowing I have the option to drop to a lower mileage race.   It takes a ton of courage to self-assess and then make whatever decision is right for you.  We will all stand behind YOUR decision!!!  

2013-01-14 6:59 PM
in reply to: #4578465

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
jogo - 2013-01-15 11:48 AM
Artemis - 2013-01-14 2:44 PM
jmkizer - 2013-01-14 12:56 PM

Jo, as others have said, the decision is yours.  You know that the Manatees will love ya regardless of your choice!

Exactly!  I don't know what the best option is, but I support whatever you decide.

Best advice and sentiment.  I vote this. 

Actually, I did like Yanti's advice about moving forward and seeing where it takes you.  No decisions have to be made today.   I plan on doing the same with Big Sur (and thank you for giving me the courage to say this).  I will see where I am knowing I have the option to drop to a lower mileage race.   It takes a ton of courage to self-assess and then make whatever decision is right for you.  We will all stand behind YOUR decision!!!  

yes it's a real shame that there is no option to move to a smaller event or change to a relay.  I had that option presented to me for Auckland HIM this weekend and for a small fee joined a relay so I get to swim and run.

I think I just need to do what is right for me - whether that be the Manatee way or any other way, if it's right for me then it's right. 



2013-01-23 12:56 PM
in reply to: #4578481

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
After much soul searching the decision is made I'm out. Thanks for the honest feedback. Roll on Challenge Wanaka January 2014!!!!
2013-01-23 12:57 PM
in reply to: #4591339

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

jobaxas - 2013-01-23 1:56 PM After much soul searching the decision is made I'm out. Thanks for the honest feedback. Roll on Challenge Wanaka January 2014!!!!

Good plan!

The only problem is now the Manatees need to stick together for another year :-)

2013-01-23 1:17 PM
in reply to: #4591341

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
jmkizer - 2013-01-24 5:57 AM

jobaxas - 2013-01-23 1:56 PM After much soul searching the decision is made I'm out. Thanks for the honest feedback. Roll on Challenge Wanaka January 2014!!!!

Good plan!

The only problem is now the Manatees need to stick together for another year :-)

Without the manatees I wouldn't have got through the last few weeks!!!
2013-01-23 4:01 PM
in reply to: #4576830

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

I'm glad you've settled this mentally. Maybe it'll help some emotionally too!

We'll be waiting to support you when you go for it!

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