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2013-01-14 12:41 AM

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Subject: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
So ten weeks out. Swim good definitely can get that done. Run intention was always to have enough time to walk it. Bike disaster. It's not been outside yet lots of drainer work. I am not a cyclist far from it. I feel like if I pull out now I'm letting everyone down but for me I don't mind! It's too much too soon I've done a handful of sprints an Oly and HIM. My original plan was IM 2014 but I got caught up in the excitement. I don't believe this is last minute nerves at all I'm just not ready. It's all paid for not much of a refund so close to the race. BT world any advice apart from HTFU!!!


2013-01-14 12:55 AM
in reply to: #4576830

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
If your A-Plan was to walk the run and you do not feel you can do that; pull out and work on getting the HIM distance in under 7 hours.
2013-01-14 1:44 AM
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

any advice apart from HTFU!!!

But this is the best advice

2013-01-14 1:59 AM
in reply to: #4576830

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Master
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

Ten weeks out and not been outside yet?  "Not a cyclist far from it"?? (!!)  You best option probably is to cancel and admit to yourself and the world you're not ready.  IM is not for the ill-prepared, but even so let me ask a few followup questions:

Which race it is?  That helps determine difficulty.

How long is your longest trainer ride?  (hours:minutes

How much of a runner are you?  Longest run so far? 

2013-01-14 2:17 AM
in reply to: #4576830

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Regular
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

For what it's worth, I was under-trained for a century Feb of last year and I bailed.  I had only trained on the trainer and I realized the trainer doesn't prepare you for.... wind.  And it was extremely windy.  (tons of people bailed, Palm Springs had reportedly never been that windy).  It was a freaky windy day, no one was expecting it.  Some people completed it without issue, some did part of the distance, one person got blown off and broke some ribs.  I was also afraid of other people because others weren't riding straight.

Sooo..... there's a lot of little things like that that you may not think about until you're there and go, hey, kinda windy, the trainer didn't prepare me for this!!

2013-01-14 5:25 AM
in reply to: #4576830

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
I go through this debate so often! I got ten weeks!!So trainer I'm comfortable so far at three hours. Run 24km. Swim whatever you give me I will swim it. Now on the wind issue- IMF it's that windy then the swim also comes into question.The race is Melbourne ... I'm gonna keep training the experience us good for me!


2013-01-14 5:37 AM
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
Are your logs at all accurate? If so, then I think you're right to consider pulling out now... It doesn't look like you have near enough volume for an IM in 10 weeks - at least one that you can enjoy.... In reality, there's a reasonable chance that if you were to go very easy on the bike and are willing to walk most of the run, you COULD finish - but it probably wouldn't be a very pleasant experience, and IMO you would likely be pretty beat up for a good while afterward. So, it depends on what kind of IM experience you want. If you're okay with a long, uncomfortable day, then go for it. If you want to go into the IM distance feeling better prepared, then re-group, and look at signing up for another race next year. Don't worry about letting anyone else down... You need to assess what YOUR needs and YOUR goals are. Don't go into a race you don't feel prepared for just to make "everyone else" happy...

ETA - Don't underestimate the discomfort factor of sitting on a bike for 6 or 7+ hours compared to the 3 hours you've done on the trainer...

Edited by jsnowash 2013-01-14 5:42 AM
2013-01-14 7:52 AM
in reply to: #4576830

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

Big hugs! Making those kinds of decisions is really hard  

2013-01-14 8:01 AM
in reply to: #4576830

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

It's not for me to tell someone they cannot do it......but I have been training tri specific for 3 years and signed up for IMLP and have been busting my butt and I have approx 7 months left and I am still slightly concerned.....I want to finsih with a smile or at least a grin, not torture myself.

You may be able to gut out the bike, but how are you going to feel starting the run, walking is ok if it comes to it, but do you really want to go into it with the preconcieved notion that you will walk a lot and be an even longer day.....would just think you would want to go in a little more prepared to be safe and have some fun....but good luck anyway

2013-01-14 10:29 AM
in reply to: #4576830

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
Is it close to you?  (ie how much additional out of pocket expense would it entail)   If not much and you feel confident about the swim, just turn it into an aquabike since you have already paid for it (sunk costs).    If it is a looped course take the first one easy (very easy) and then gauge how you feel.   It might be good to be around the environment to help motivate you for your next attempt.
2013-01-14 10:55 AM
in reply to: #4576830

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
I have never done a IM so take this for what it is worth.  I would follow through with the plan and it will make you more prepared for the next time.  Say you get through the swim but can't finish the bike then you will get a better understanding of how much you need to workout.  It will also give you experience with setting up for the race, nutrition, the mass swim start, etc...  Just my $.02


2013-01-14 10:57 AM
in reply to: #4577396

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Master
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

roamingseaside - 2013-01-14 9:29 AM Is it close to you?  (ie how much additional out of pocket expense would it entail)   If not much and you feel confident about the swim, just turn it into an aquabike since you have already paid for it (sunk costs).    If it is a looped course take the first one easy (very easy) and then gauge how you feel.   It might be good to be around the environment to help motivate you for your next attempt.

This is a great idea, Jo. Especially since it's already paid for.

2013-01-14 11:31 AM
in reply to: #4577441

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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
rrrunner - 2013-01-14 8:57 AM

roamingseaside - 2013-01-14 9:29 AM Is it close to you?  (ie how much additional out of pocket expense would it entail)   If not much and you feel confident about the swim, just turn it into an aquabike since you have already paid for it (sunk costs).    If it is a looped course take the first one easy (very easy) and then gauge how you feel.   It might be good to be around the environment to help motivate you for your next attempt.

This is a great idea, Jo. Especially since it's already paid for.

My thoughts fall along these lines.  I think the experience would be invaluable no matter how far into the race you get.  You know you will complete the swim without too much discomfort.  Even if you pulled out after that you will have gained great experience for the next time.

In the end, the decision is yours and if it is stressful and is taking away the enjoyment of the journey I guess I'd pull the plug.  Tough call.  I wish you well.  

2013-01-14 11:41 AM
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2013-01-14 11:47 AM
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
IMO I would strongly discourage you from doing the IM. If your logs are up to date, your race will be one big sufferfest. I have done 8 IM's from a 16:15 (unprepared) walked the entire Mary and each step hurt more than the last. My best. IM was 11:56 and I felt great entire race. I think it would benefit you immensely if you regrouped and did the IM next year. Do not underestimate the bike even if you take the first 50 easy 112 miles will sap every bit of energy if the bike fitness is not there. I am not trying to scare you, but walking the Mary is not fun. I have been there . Good luck with your decision. Dave
2013-01-14 11:56 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

Jo, as others have said, the decision is yours.  You know that the Manatees will love ya regardless of your choice!



2013-01-14 11:57 AM
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
I've been putting in 12-15 hours of swim+bike+run plus 2-3 hours of weights for close to 13 months now and I'm still freaked out about my first IM in June lol
2013-01-14 11:57 AM
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2013-01-14 11:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
After reading the last few comments, I took a look at your logs and if they are up to date I'd have to revise my comments a bit.  I know you are a capable swimmer but the bike/run volumes are not quite there yet and while you might still want to gain some swim experience IMO the rest of the event would probably be pretty unpleasant.  Are you logging all your trainer time? 
2013-01-14 11:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

You can do this in ten weeks.  go in with one goal time-- FI:NI:SH

 

If you continuosly move forward...you will finish in 17 hours.

2013-01-14 12:06 PM
in reply to: #4576830

Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks

Sounds like you're worried more about what people will think rather than if it's right for you.  At least that's how I read "I feel like if I pull out now I'm letting everyone down but for me I don't mind!"  Just my .02, but you can't do an IM,or even try to, if you are not doing it for you.  Going in on your training base (assuming logs are accurate) is a recipe for a very long, very painful day, to prove something to others?

Good luck with whatever decision you make.  I know it's a hard one



2013-01-14 12:09 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
jmkizer - 2013-01-14 10:56 AM

Jo, as others have said, the decision is yours.  You know that the Manatees will love ya regardless of your choice!

Abso-FRICKIN-lutely!!!

2013-01-14 12:34 PM
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
rrrunner - 2013-01-14 10:09 AM
jmkizer - 2013-01-14 10:56 AM

Jo, as others have said, the decision is yours.  You know that the Manatees will love ya regardless of your choice!

Abso-FRICKIN-lutely!!!

X3.  It's your race and your decision Jo.  Don't worry about what anyone else thinks or doesn't think.  We'll support you either way.

2013-01-14 12:34 PM
in reply to: #4576830

Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
Jo!!! Tough decision, girl!  But I know you will follow your heart and do what you know is smart.  My 2 cents: you've paid for the race,  just go do the swim, then remove yourself from the race.  You will still get a taste of the IM experience without the suffering that may occur without being quite ready for the bike. Like Janyne said, the manatees will love you no matter what!!  Just be smart and know your limitations when making your decision.   Oh, and ignore my sig line...

Edited by melbo55 2013-01-14 12:35 PM
2013-01-14 12:36 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Tough decision - IM in less than 10weeks
don't make the decision based upon what others will think of you.  we are behind you whatever you choose to do. 
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