IM training without a plan

Yes. Aaron's a freak.

But then again, I set a marathon PR on almost literally zero training.

Yes, but was it your first marathon?

There's no reason you need a highly structured plan, especially if it would take the fun out of it for you.  But you could put a "plan" together much the way it sounds like you have done so far ("get in shape, do the long workouts, do all the disciplines".  Probably a good idea to set targets for yourself over a few weeks or month at a time.  As long as you're hitting those targets (swim 10 times, do 2 rides over 4 hours, 4 runs at leat 2 hours...whatever they may be)  then you're good.  If not, you'll either have to rethink race goals or try to alter your training somewhat.

I actually enjoy structure so detailed plans work for me.  But if you don't enjoy that then definately find another way.

No...it was my 7th!

I basically winged my way through the IMFL 2006 training. I have no idea if I was overtrained going into the race (but I felt good and rested). I am sure there is a plan out there that could have made me faster and stronger, but I didn't want to deal with it. As long as I didn't get injured on the way to the starting line, I was happy with how things went.

Like you, once I get bored or feel like I "have" to do a certain training plan I risk resenting the program and no longer enjoy the journey. Besides that, I travel for a living and not having my bike or lap pool to train in when I am supposed to as per some plan.....well, that won't work. So being away, I just had to do what I could.

I spent the whole summer playing - doing organized rides, ocean swim races, and finding new places to explore while on my long runs. I did all the long stuff as long as I felt my body could handle it, and when I was dog tired, then I rested. But not once did I have any resentments getting prepped for IMFL. I didn't use a HRM when I trained either.

NOW.....

Since I signed up for Lake Placid in July, it is only 8 months from my first IM in FL. I never really quite felt like I recovered from IMFL -- in that rejuvenated, chomping at the bit kind of way.

It has been 3 months since IMFL, and only 164 days to go til Lake Placid. YIIIIKES.

Training sucks in the winter here in New England, and if I was winging it to get to this race, I'd probably wait til March to start training. THIS TIME AROUND, I also knew that I'd have to need a little more structure and help since I don't feel like I gave my body enough down time.

I picked a 30-wk program to follow this time and I am training with a HRM.

I HATE TRAINING WITH MY HRM, and I'm already altering the training plan to accommodate some fun runs I want to do with my friends.

For the most part if you've already done marathons and HIMs, I think you already have a very good grasp of how your body works. It's not like you've only done 5K sprints and want to know how to train for a long endurance event.

I say go with your own whims on your training for your IM. In my opinion, a training plan might make you faster during your race, (or even make you enjoy your race more because you are more trained up for it), but 30 weeks, 6 mos, or whatever is a LONG TIME to gut out some training program you'll absolutely resent.

I had great memories of a fun summer "training" and was a little sad when my 13:23 IMFL was over as opposed to that "I'm SO glad that stupid thing is behind me!" feeling.

I have only done a few HIMs but like to use a training plan. It used to bother me but now I just look up what I have to do and just do it. I'm getting pretty good at avoiding the mental excuses.

Prior to the following week I will spend some time and go over whats in store for the full week. I then move things around to accomodate what might conflict with work & family. I still do whats in the plan but change the days and exercises around.

You do what you want and what works best for you.  If it is just your goal to finish, then you can pretty much do anything you want as long as it involves a lot of aerobic base training.

But did you ever stop to think why all the pros use some sort of plan and why the coaching industry is so successful???

Just sayin' ..........