General Discussion Triathlon Talk » IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2011-06-21 2:57 PM

User image

Elite
3140
2000100010025
Subject: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

First of all Congrats to any of you that have finished one or multiple IM brand or other 140.6 races!!

I have yet to join the fraternity, I completed my first oly 2 weeks ago and have my first HIM in october and hope within the next 12 months I will join you, if all goes well!!

In this time preparing I have become a "student" of triathlon and learning and preparing as much as I can until that day sometime in the next 12-18 months when I "toe the line "

As I train and learn most everything is pretty self explanatory ie commitment, training plan, nutrition, injury risk, preparation etc......not easy, but pretty straight foward.

The thing that baffles my mind and this is where my question to you come in is what goes through your mind when you are leaving T2 and starting the marathon?

The way I see it and I could be wrong is even though the start is stressfull, once you get out of the water you have only been "exercising/racing" for about 75 min or so (give or take depending on ability) so this really is not a long time compared to our training sessions.........so then in T1 you jump on the bike, proceed to ride for 5-7 hrs or so which many times is grueling......so at this point getting off the bike after 8+ hours (give/ take).....your mind must be going NUTS that now you need to get your butt out there for another 4-6 hours or so for the run.

I figure this must be not only physically draining but take a mental toll on you!.....at must be the pivotal time of the race.  Since many people who do marathons would be just starting their race and you have already been on the course for so many hours.

So how do you play the mental game with yourself to stay focussed and motivated during the race especially starting the marathon? or did the excitement of the moment and race carry you through?  If you had negative thoughts how did you deal with them? how did you pass the time mentally as you "suffered"?.....i just find that section of the race (from someone who has not done it yet) the most interesting in the fact that it seems like it is the most difficult part mentally

any thoughts...thanks

signed

Tattoo-less triathlete

 

 



2011-06-21 3:08 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2011-06-21 3:10 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Master
1584
1000500252525
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

Well, I was a runner first, so I've always spent the majority of any tri thinking "I can't wait to get to the run!"

For my IM, I basically felt a sense of relief, for several reasons. First, in my mind anyway, there's always a chance that I'll get pulled from the water due to getting kicked or some such incident, or have an unfixable bike issue that will pull me off the course.  Knowing that there was nothing between me and an IM finish but a run was exhilarating for me. 

But mainly, it was just the notion of only having one leg left, and a leg that I simply KNEW I could do (I had done 12 marathons prior).  Knowing that all of my training, prep, hard work, miles, etc. would be paying off in 4ish hours was just such a high, that it took me through roughly half the run.  Going out for that second loop at IMFL was kinda hard, but it really became a process of thinking "just X more miles - that's no more than such and such loop you do all the time".  My wife was also racing that day, so I spent a good chunk of time in the second loop looking out for her (saw her at mile 19!). 

I hope this helps, good luck with training.

2011-06-21 3:11 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology
You said you were going to do it. What else is there other than do it?

If you have a medical reason not to keep going, then don't. If you are still mobile, then you go run because you must. It's what you have trained to do, go do it.

2011-06-21 3:12 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Elite
4235
2000200010010025
Spring, TX
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

First, when I got off the bike, I was just happy that I didn't have to bike any more!

I was elated for most of my run.  A lot of work had gone into getting me to that day, and all I had to do was finish a measly marathon.  In comparison to all the work I had done in training, it really was a small feat.  I focused on never stopping running and drinking at every aid station.  It went by very fast and I finished with a smile on my face.  A 3:45 was slower than I'd hoped for, but I was pretty happy with it.

2011-06-21 3:17 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

Most folks are happy to be off the bike. Coming out of T2 is exciting time, big crowd of spectators after being out on the bike for hours with limited contact with others, motivation is high and it is exciting time.

Key to the whole IM day is to stay moment focused and don't think about what all more you have to do. Just focus on what you are doing right now. 

IM is about putting the training time in, on race day it's all about race day execution pacing correctly, taking in appropriate nutrition and keeping your mind in the right place.

After all the training, race is easier on many levels as you are well tapered, well trained, and you have aid stations, volunteers and lots of spectators motivating you.



2011-06-21 3:28 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Champion
7542
5000200050025
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

My one IM was an unusual experience...but...

I did a 50-mile ultra 10 weeks before IMCdA.  My goal for the ultra was to simply keep moving forward 8, 10, 11 hours into the day in preparation for running 11 hours into my IM. 

What will help is for you to truly understand why you are racing an IM and what you hope to accomplish that day.  Are you internally motivated?  Was it a dare from a friend?  Are you on track to accomplish what you set out to do?  For this last question, it's OK for things to change on you during the day.  When that day started, I had an outside chance at finishing <12 hours (I have a better chance at Vineman in 5 weeks).  That goal started slipping away in the swim and crashed hard (literally) half way through the bike and my new goal was to get to the finish line with no additional damage.  I tell people it wasn't the race of my dreams, but it was the race of my lifetime. 

2011-06-21 3:34 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Member
198
100252525
Baton Rouge
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology
I was just happy to get off the bike and see/speak to my wife. That was enough to get me going.




2011-06-21 3:36 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Master
2010
2000
Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology
It feels awesome.

You are off the bike, no worries of mechanical issues.

Its just you and your two legs. And off you go.
2011-06-21 3:38 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

I think this shows how I felt coming off the bike (but not how I felt 10 miles later  )

2011-06-21 3:39 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Master
1430
100010010010010025
Calgary, AB
Silver member
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

Putting on your shoes in T2 is like looking down the barrel of a loaded shotgun. A marathon is a tough chore fully rested, let alone after already spending 5-8+ hrs working out. Savor it. Expect it. Feed off the crowd and the fact that you didn't DNF due to mech failure or crash on the bike. Know that if you can make it even if you walk (but don't). Then yah, try and break it into chunks - 4 10ks or 8 5ks or whatever floats your boat. I have a loop I do at work that's exactly 5km and doing that 8 times "sounds" better than running around our lake twice. Also note that as bad as you might feel starting out, you'll probably feel much worse after the first 12km or so IMO.

 

 

 

 

 

 



2011-06-21 3:39 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Champion
7136
5000200010025
Knoxville area
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

I thought to myself

"Wow it's awesome to be off of this bike"

Honestly by that point your (my) mind has let go of  "how tough"  things are and all the training you've done comes into play and just takes over.  You do the marathon because, hey, it's only 26.2 miles out of 140.6.

2011-06-21 3:55 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Elite
3140
2000100010025
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology
wow great info everyone...did not realize how more people were just happy to be off the bike....thanks for input thus far..
2011-06-21 4:41 PM
in reply to: #3560792

Master
2638
200050010025
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

I, too, was just relieved to be off of the bike.  I was also completely loopy from the heat and going to hard on the bike.

A lot of the other posters have given you good advice about keeping in the moment, but I think these guys say it best.  "Stay in your box" and do what you can do.  When you start the marathon, you have your plan and you stay within that until something happens that alters the plan.

Now, I completely did not heed any of their advice and "ran" a 7:03 marathon, but I made up my mind (as everyone and his brother passed me - even the ones who were also walking) that forward progress was good.  Faster progress was better, but keeping moving was OK and I was happy to be doing it.   You will have trained your whole year for the race, so quitting simply won't be an option.  It is as simple as that.

Best wishes on your journey! It's a heck of a lot of fun! : )

2011-06-21 4:43 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Champion
5312
5000100100100
Calgary
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology
add me to the list of people just happy to get off the bike without being crippled by some mechanical issue, so happy. Of course I was just planning on jogging through the marathon, not really racing. I imagine your perspective may be a bit different if you are really racing the thing.
2011-06-21 4:55 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Elite
3498
20001000100100100100252525
Laguna Beach
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

Have you ever heard of the guy who ate a car? (it's true).

He did it a little bit at a time. That's my approach to Ironman: break the event down to manageable sections. At Ironman Canada I don't run a marathon, I run four different sections:

Section 1: Run out of town, don't overpace with the crowds but get your legs under you and use the crowd to carry you.

Section 2: Welcome to the race. Run hard to the turnaround.

Section 3: You did it: you're at the run turnaround, there is a net elevation loss from here to the finish and you only have 13.1 miles to go in a 140.6 mile race. That's an easy training day. No sweat.

Section 4: You're just coming into town. It's time to pick it up in front of the crowd and run the last two or three miles hard. This is what you trained for, it's your last chance, make it count. Once you hit the finsh line it's over and there are no more chances. Race.

When I divide things up into tangible portions with a specific strategy for each the race is more engaging and easier.

I don't recommend eating a car before the race though.... Surprised



2011-06-21 5:27 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Champion
10154
500050001002525
Alabama
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

When you come out of T2 think about running 1 mile....making it to the first aid station.  Try to imagine what food and drink they have and what you will eat/drink when you get there.  If the idea of 'running a marathon' gets in your head, dismiss the thought and think that your task at hand is running 1 mile.  You will deal with what happens after that later. 

 

 

2011-06-21 5:45 PM
in reply to: #3560792

Champion
9600
500020002000500100
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology
FELTGood - 2011-06-21 2:55 PM

wow great info everyone...did not realize how more people were just happy to be off the bike....thanks for input thus far..


Yep, it's the most common thing people say. You are just sick of it and ready to do just about anything else. And the run isn't like running a marathon, it's more like running to the next aid station a mile down the road repeated over a few hours. You never think of the run leaving T2 in it's totality at all, or at least you shouldn't.
2011-06-21 5:50 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Champion
7595
50002000500252525
Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology
Here's what a lot of people (myself included) should be thinking:  Slow down!  Slow down!  Slow down!
2011-06-21 6:30 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Master
1588
1000500252525
San Francisco
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

I'm the same as many others...I'm happy to get off the bike.  I was also a runner before doing tris and have also been doing ultras so I'm no stranger to running on tired legs.  For me, once I get to the run, I know I'll finish, even if I have to walk (e.g. i had knee issues at IM NZ).  That being said, sometimes coming right of the bike, I feel like crap for a few miles.  But I trust in my training and my past experience and know that it's temporary (hopefully) and i just need to stick it out.  Endurance events (tris, ultras) do teach you to become "comfortable" with discomfort.  When you get over that mental hurdle, then you just let your body do what it needs to do.

2011-06-21 6:45 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Champion
9600
500020002000500100
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology
It also helps to have a little pace booty (Lins and Gina)

Image and video hosting by TinyPic


2011-06-21 7:27 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Expert
1139
100010025
Austin
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

I wish I had enough bike pace to catch pace booty like that in my IM.

 

As many others have already said, I was just happy to get off the bike and into different shoes. The run was a relief at first, but that starts to change as the miles tick away. But I also broke it up into mental sections, out to the turn around was a quarter then back to transition was half and then so on until crossing the line at the finish.

2011-06-21 8:19 PM
in reply to: #3561031

Champion
7595
50002000500252525
Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

bryancd - 2011-06-21 7:45 PM It also helps to have a little pace booty (Lins and Gina)

Yeah, but you're looking the wrong way.  Was your wife watching?

Oh and by the way, you are about to heel-strike there.  You need to fix that.

2011-06-21 8:55 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Master
2468
20001001001001002525
Muskego, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology
Getting off the bike is one of the best feelings out there.  Such a huge accomplishment to get that far.  The only thing I think about is getting back out of transition and trying to stick to the plan....whatever it may be.
2011-06-21 8:59 PM
in reply to: #3560636

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology

You should be prepared physically AND mentally with all that training and preparation that you have accomplished.

The ability to get through the race comes from all the factors:
1). Training
2). Family's support
3). Friends' support
4). Optional - Coach's support
5). Nutrition
6). BALANCE
7). All the positive energy, determination, perseverance, desire, etc. that you absorbed and already had in you.

Yes, the support and energy of the fans during the race do "lift" you, but it's what's inside you that gets you through.

I fed off the energy of the crowd and gave it back just as much with saying "Thanks" to the volunteers, with having fun with people on the course, and with getting a "lift" emotionally when I saw a few of my friends participating.

Some people may have a spiritual influence to get them through.

Signed,
1TT - 2 x IM finisher and tattooless (and staying that way)  <-- but this isn't knocking anybody that does have their tattoos or plan on getting one.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » IM Finishers: Lets talk post-T2 psychology Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2