Subject: RE: Ideal timing between HIM and IM? Originally posted by g_shotts Several well established plans have a HIM built into them at around 8-weeks out. Lots of ways to structure training around an HIM. I'd suggest that the key is to have a written plan and follow it as closely as practical to avoid making crazy choices when the volume starts to increase.. This is what I saw in IM plans. If you're following one of the 'canned' planned like Be Iron Fit, i am pretty sure one is built into the schedule so it should have the appropriate build/recovery right in it. It really comes down to what purpose you will race and if you can dial the effort back when needed so as not to prevent you from continuing training afterward. If you know you're competitive then definitely give yourself longer runway. I did one about 6-7 weeks out but i never had intentions of racing it all out. I did it for a number of IM preparation reasons: mass-start swim (which was applicable to my IM), nutrition practice, transitions, pacing, etc. It was great confidence booster. That said, the day was hot but even without the intention of racing hard it was a super hot day and the run course was not shaded so it was a hard day. I got pretty sunburned - i took an extra rest day the next day and then was back at it. That's the great things about the IM build, you're working at a way higher volume and apparently can handle it better (it was very surprising but pretty awesome too) But then we're also constrained by the actually availability of races - the one that i did was the only one reasonably local and somewhat close to the time frame we were looking for - if you can travel to whichever races then you may have more choice. |