General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Ideal timing between HIM and IM? Rss Feed  
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2016-10-09 6:35 PM

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Subject: Ideal timing between HIM and IM?
I know nothing is ideal to everyone. But, what's the general consensus on the ideal timing between a HIM and an IM race?

Can we assume a one week "semi-recovery" period......and two weeks to get back to a full load? I'm also assuming a 2-3 wk taper for the IM.

The more I think about it, 2 months is probably close?

Thanks.


2016-10-10 8:03 AM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: Ideal timing between HIM and IM?

The HIM-to-IM Bridge plan here on BT is 12 weeks, and it starts off at 15 hours/week of total training including a little strength work.

I think about 15 weeks would be optimal - 3 weeks to fully recover from the HIM (also depends on how you approached that HIM - was it racing or training?) and then execute the 12 week plan.

It would also depend on what your fitness level was going into the HIM, as in "barely enough to finish it" vs. "racing the entire time".

2016-10-10 8:45 AM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: Ideal timing between HIM and IM?

As always, it depends.  But, for most, I think 10-12 weeks out is a good plan.  You train specifically for the HIM, race it (hard) and then do your IM-specific training, picking up the weekend after the HIM (that week should be active, but lighter, to recover).  This schedule has the added benefit that you don't have to mentally focus exclusively on the IM for an extended period.  Don't think about the HIM as a 'practice' race--it's not.  Focus on it as your goal until you finish it.  Then focus on the IM after that.

2016-10-10 8:26 PM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: Ideal timing between HIM and IM?
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..
2016-10-13 1:53 PM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: Ideal timing between HIM and IM?

I personally would not race a HIM before IM - but that's because I get beat up in a HIM and it takes me time to recover.  Different suggestion I've seen floated in the past, and would be my preferred choice, is to race an Olympic instead.  Lots to gain from racing with some additional intensity that you would not get from the HIM.

2016-10-13 2:52 PM
in reply to: g_shotts

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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. 

 



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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Ideal timing between HIM and IM? Rss Feed  
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