IM Finishers: Pulling the "trigger" on IM entry

Pull the trigger.

Then train.

You will never feel really ready. Once you commit to it in your mind, then sign up you will be motivated. You are taking a thoughtful approach which is wise. You must have time to train, and if the time in your life is right, take the leap.

Yep, just pull the trigger!

If you really, really want it ~ you will find a way.

I signed up for my first IM without even owning a bike (I really, really wanted it!).

Good luck & enjoy the pursuit (it is most definately worth it)!

Another vote for pulling the trigger.

I registered for my first IM before having done any tris at all.  It gave me great motivation to train.

As Samuel Johnson said: "When a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully."

Only you can know. Asking here is asking a bunch of enablers.

I'm impressed you changed your goal after finishing your HIM. Most don't listen to that little voice that says maybe the original plan should be altered.

You need to consider....

family: are they on board? Anything expected that might conflict with training?

work: how will training load line up with busy time of year?

desire: do you have it?

injury history

ability to train consistently

expense

I changed my mind as well after a tough race that I came in last. I trained another 14 months until I did that distance again with much better results.

Be open to listening to your little voice to decide to sign up or not. Many just caught up in the excitement and sign up.

I didn't make up my mind to do my first IM until about two months before the race.  I was just completing buildup for an HIM and since things were going well I thought I could do it with some cramming on my bike.

It is hard now with most IM's selling out a year in advance.  You just don't know what is going to happen with injuries, etc.  I figured since I was on a roll to just pull the trigger.  If you are healthy and have the support from family then do it while you can.  You never know what the future will bring. 

Are you committed to training for an Ironman?  (And as KathyG pointed out, is the family on board with that committment?) 

If so, sign up.

If not, don't.

Thanks everyone fore their responses...i guess a part of me knew the answer before asking.  Fortunately my training continures to go well and I am grinding out jorges plan on the trainer. Even in the winter I seem to be making gains and will be stronger this spring compared to last

Re: Kathys questions

Family: yes on board but may need to explain those long bike rides, but my youngest next year will be 4 so it will be a lot easier on wife

Work: good thing is I am self employed so I have flexibility, the bad thing is I am self employed, so many times if I dont do it , it doesn't get don

Desire: All I THINK ABOUT, if not taking care of job, kids and husband dutues lol

Injury: shush!!!! so far so good (while knocking on wood)

expense: ok with that and the nY race is in my backyard

Ability to train consistently: essentially yes, but as mentioned life issues get in the way so there will be obstacles but hopefully no more than others.

So I presume after my HIM in May and a couple oly and sprints in June July , if I still have the drive, I will do it!!! thanks...even though the answer sometimes is right in front of you its good to hear others perspective thanks again

^^This. If you have the time and support to prepare, then pull the trigger. Then let the fear of what you just did drive you.

the most difficult thing for me was signing up a whole year in advance (for many IM's this is the case), and battling all the obstacles that pop up over time.

many variables over the year may threaten your race plans, and be prepared to fight to keep them on track. 

the key to success, is your deep down commitment to the race. if you pull the trigger, you are married to the concept.

It wasn't about me being ready physically or mentally.  My training took care of that.

For me, it was about preparing my boss, staff, and most importantly, my wife and daughters for the selfish endevour that I was undertaking.

While my race was important, it was more important that I keep my job and family.

Go for it!  I am in my third IM season and I envy your position.

For me, the training, prep, anticipation, unknowns of training for the first IM will remain one of the highlights of my life.  For me, IM was all about the journey to the starting line.

The race just gave conformation to the journey traveled.  I met so many wonderful people who helped me along the way who are still great friends today.  Sign-up soon!

Where does your fitness have to be to just finish an IM??  You might look at some popular beginning IM training plans to get an idea.  I bought Fink's book & basically followed Intermediate Plan.  Look at the workout schedule & honestly try to see yourself keeping up with it give your motivation, health, & overall life situation.  As non-athlete I had survived a couple marathons & a HIM before I started thinking my middle age body just might hold up to iron distance.  With DW support & burning some vacation time I knew I could stick to a training plan if I made the commitment. FWIW- I would not train to just finish but aim for 14-15hr race to allow a cushion. Something always happens during 140.6mi to challenge you. 

For 1st IM I chose to do independent race (non-IM branded ironman) that does not fill a year in advance.  A buddy really enjoyed B2B & kept encouraging me to tri it.  Was able to get half way into my training plan before being forced to pull trigger as B2B entries were selling out.  When signing up I had some confidence from good training to that point (no injuries!!), but still wondered what the h*!! I got myself into.  I think the latter is just part of the 1st IM experience.  It can be an interesting, enjoyable, & rewarding journey.

And add my +1 to KathyG's advice.

Good luck whatever you decide!!