Two HIM races within two months

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2007-09-10 10:15 PM

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Subject: Two HIM races within two months
I just finished out my 2nd season and 1st year in Triathlon and have done 4 sprints and 2 OLYs and lost a total of 75lbs. and am in the best shape of my life.  I've set my eyes on having a stellar year next year starting with a Half Mary in January 2008 followed by the California 70.3 in March and then the Florida 70.3 in May.  Am I reaching too much by doing 2 HIMs only 2 months apart?  I have 6 months to train until the California 70.3.  Will my body have enough time to recover?  Should I enlist the help of a trainer or will the BT programs suffice?

2007-09-10 11:26 PM
in reply to: #959323

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Subject: RE: Two HIM races within two months
ON my first second. (first started mid july last year) and I did 1 him in June this year and 1 in july. Recovery is based on your training and how hard you race. If you train hard and do not kill yourself it is possible. The problem is it you have to sign up way in advance. best to sign up after the first one when you think you will be ready for the second one.
2007-09-10 11:33 PM
in reply to: #959323

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Subject: RE: Two HIM races within two months
I would say it really depends on pacing during the first.  If you truely do it as a training race it is probably possible.  I did my first HIM this week and it was pure hell.  Leg cramps on bike for no reason and a 3:12 half mary make for a long day.  That being said if I had $, time to train I feel I could do another in 2 months probably alot faster.  It really depends on you but I would say take the first one SLOW and throw time out the window.
2007-09-11 12:08 AM
in reply to: #959323

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Bend, OR
Subject: RE: Two HIM races within two months

By the way, to clarify what I said above, this is my first full year since I started August 21, 2006.

Actually, even though the California 70.3 is closest to me, the Florida 70.3 was originally planned to be my first HIM because we vacation there every year but then I thought about the humidity and no wetsuit swim.  The idea of doing California 70.3 was to gauge where my fitness was before Florida. So, I guess it is kind of like a training race. If I sign up for Florida and realize after the California race that I don't think I'm ready then that's ok. 

 



Edited by Omega 2007-09-11 12:16 AM
2007-09-11 4:27 AM
in reply to: #959323

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Subject: RE: Two HIM races within two months

First - congratulations on a spectacular first full tri season!  That is awesome!!!

I achieved my goal of two HIMs this season - my "A" race was Musselman on July 15th, where I set a PR of 6:01:32, and the Patriot's Half on September 8th where my time came in at 6:06:41 and I had my best bike split during a half (3rd in my AG).

So, it's doable, but this is my 5th tri season and I did my first HIM last year.  As long as you have a good plan - especially covering the recovery/bridge between the two - and stick to it, you can probably tackle it.

Good luck deciding!



Edited by tnt2tri 2007-09-11 4:28 AM
2007-09-11 7:22 AM
in reply to: #959323

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Portland, ME
Subject: RE: Two HIM races within two months

You should be able to race both of them as A races.

Plan your training schedule to peak in fitness for Cali. Take a week off from training, with cross training or very light recovery stuff, after the race and then pick up your training plan on the week where you'll peak for Florida. So say you are using a 20 week plan and there is 8 weeks to FL then pick up the plan at week 13.

I have never used the BT plans but if you feel that they are fine for training for one HIM for you then it will be fine for two and there is not need to get a trainer involved.

 

 

 

 



Edited by Jackemy 2007-09-11 7:23 AM

2007-09-11 8:43 AM
in reply to: #959323

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Subject: RE: Two HIM races within two months
Very possible to do both. I did two 4 weeks apart this summer and as others have said, make sure to recover fully from the first. Your fitness for Cali will carry over to Florida.
2007-09-11 11:18 AM
in reply to: #959323

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Mountain View, CA
Subject: RE: Two HIM races within two months
Just did my first HIM on Sunday. I think I could definitely do another one in two months. I'm even feeling okay about my first marathon, which is in four weeks. I followed the BT Beginner HIM plan, although not as closely as I had wanted to. You'll be fine, especially if you stick to your schedule (whether that's a BT plan or a coached schedule). Good luck!
2007-09-11 12:08 PM
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Subject: RE: Two HIM races within two months
congrats on both your race and weight loss accomplishments.  In general, two months between races should be quite doable.  in the end, everyone recovers differently so make sure you give recovery it's due measure, but again, this should be very doable.  Perhaps I'll see you at IM Cal.
2007-09-11 2:42 PM
in reply to: #959323

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Subject: RE: Two HIM races within two months

I think it's doable to race them both, as long as you recover reasonably quickly (~5-7 days). Last season I did 3 half irons, on May 7, July 16 and Sept 10.

I used BT programs almost exclusively for those half-irons as well as IM Arizona early this year, and have no complaints.

However, I do think you might be better off choosing a later-season half over the Florida 70.3. Otherwise, the second half of your season might be empty, or you might get burned out. Having time to take a week off to rest, and then a couple 4 week cycles to build into the next race is nice.

good luck!
tom

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