General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 6 months enough time to train for IM? Rss Feed  
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2006-10-30 12:02 PM


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Subject: 6 months enough time to train for IM?
I'm a former roadie who on a dare from a friend signed up for Ironman Wisconsin. In another life I was a Cat 2 but havent raced in a couple of years because my wife and I have two young children. I'm still riding the bike frequently and lifting weights but not doing much of anything else. I want to do a couple bike races early next season before I get into tri training. Until then I'll mostly ride and probably swim a couple days a week, but dont plan on any run training until sometime in April or May. So is 6 months enough time to train and comfortably finish an IM?


2006-10-30 12:07 PM
in reply to: #583002

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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?
Do you have any running background or is it purely cycling?
2006-10-30 12:09 PM
in reply to: #583009


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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?
Not a huge running background. I've run some during every offseason since I started bike racing over 15 years ago. But nothing more than that.
2006-10-30 12:11 PM
in reply to: #583002

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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?
What has been your longest run lately or in the past 6 months?
2006-10-30 12:12 PM
in reply to: #583018


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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?
my longest run lately has been 30 minutes
2006-10-30 12:18 PM
in reply to: #583002

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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?
I am new to this IM thing also. I will be doing my first next fall so take my advice for what it is worth. I have ran almost 20 marathons in the last five years so I guess I can speak on the running distance thing.

I would start increasing the running now and start building a base. Having a good swim and bike means nothing if you are walking in the last 10 miles of an IM.

I wouldn't go crazy starting out but try to build to maybe a 10-12 miler by late winter. Maybe 3-4 runs a week to build the legs for it.

Curious what others might say to my 2 cents!!


2006-10-30 12:20 PM
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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?
Thanks! and I appreciate your advice. I'm curious as to what others have to say/
2006-10-30 12:26 PM
in reply to: #583002

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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?

You have many years of cycling base, so that will benefit you.

The biggest weakness is probably that your joints/bones are not built up to running, despite your cardio fitness from the cycling. 

A run focus is probably good, as is getting up the long distance rides on the bike.

The best advice that I can give would be to make sure to not overdo the run training.  You want to make it to race day without accumulated injuries from trying to push your running too far too fast.  Since you have nearly a year, you can probably do it fine, just take it slow and don't increase your run distances/durations too fast.

Also, working with a coach would probably be one of the best investments you can make, as they can help with allowing you to squeeze the most out of the next year without incurring any injuries.

 Good luck! 

2006-10-30 12:39 PM
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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?

I would agree with Shermbelle.  Best if you start incorporating running ASAP.  Obviously, your legs are going to be tired during the marathon so you want to build their durability as much as possible before then.  The only way to really do this is to run often.  You certainly don't want  to risk injury by over-doing this off the bat as coredump notes, but the longer you have to gradually build-up the less risk you'll actually be taking in that department.

My guess is that if you really want to focus on "comfortably" finishing the IM, you'll probably have to sacrifice a little bit of the cycling prep you'd like to do for those early season races.  Of course, this is where your individual priorities come into play.  As long as you learn to swim the 2.4 miles, you'll have little problem finishing the bike with plenty of time on the clock to get through 26.2 on the run.  How "comfortable" you'll be during that 26.2 will be determined by your pacing during the race and your preperation before it.

2006-10-30 1:15 PM
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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?
I'm not a coach, but if it were me, I would start to incorporate SOME running before April or May...even if just once or twice a week short and easy. I think this would help to start getting your legs ready to BEGIN to train, rather than start from scratch in late spring. Good luck!!
2006-10-30 1:48 PM
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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?
In part I'd say it depends on what (if any besides finishing) your time objectives are. I was in almost the opposite situation as you - I came from a running background (though hadn't run a great deal recently) but didn't even own a bike a year ago when I signed up for IMWI 06 - got the bike in Nov, road on the trainer over winter, but didn't really start riding outdoors until it got warm enough for me to ride in my shorts (so around March or April). I didn't have any time objectives - just to finish - which I did w/o struggling too badly. But I had done long bike rides years ago, so I felt that my body would eventually "remember" what it was like. Given that you haven't done much running, I guess I'd echo that you get some runs in before spring. And don't forget the pool!
Good luck & have fun.
MCM


2006-10-30 3:29 PM
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Subject: RE: 6 months enough time to train for IM?

Seems like it can be done since you have a bike base, you may just have to plan to walk some of the run - which is not uncommon so don't sweat it.  Better to plan to do this than overdo your run training and get an injury (I speak from experience). 

My advice since you have 6 months is to pick a training plan and get started.  I think there is a 20-week IM plan available on this site. 

Good luck!

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