Half IM prep b4 IM?

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2004-10-24 11:07 PM

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Subject: Half IM prep b4 IM?
Wonder if any of the veterans here have an suggestion of how long b4 the IM should I do a Half? I'm trying to use the Half to practice transitions, test my overall fitness levels, to get used to the wetsuit swimming and gain some race experience.

I'm going to follow Don Fink's program which listed a Half IM at 8 weeks b4 the full. I spoke to a 2 time IM veteran at my local tri-club and he said 4 weeks is the best choice.

I read in some article that 3 months is good.

I got a few choices as of now, a 7 week, a 5 week and a 12 week.

Anyone here got any advice???

THANKS!


2004-10-25 1:02 AM
in reply to: #75779

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?
I would suggest doing a sprint to practice transitons and work out any issues. Or do your tri club race, if they have them. That would be even better, it's alot cheaper and won't take that much out of you. I asked my coach about doing a half 3 weeks before my IM. He asked if doing a half would have any sort of affect on me. If it would then I shouldn't do it.
2004-10-25 11:36 AM
in reply to: #75779

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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?

Not a vet but if it were me I would probably go with the 7 or 12 weeks..  The time after that can be used for recovery and getting in some long bike rides.  Physical aspects aside, I wouldn't want the mental stress of having my 2 biggest races 4 or 5 weeks apart.  Also if you find that nutrition or something else wasn't working during the half you'll have time to adjust.  I've never done a half but would imagine a that it would be a good place to practice drafting during the swim.

Although transition time is free time, it seems that most people are not quite as rushed in an IM transition, being organzied is the main thing.  I looked at the average times in my AG at IMCDA last year and its about 7 minutes.



Edited by Drinking Buddy 2004-10-25 11:38 AM
2004-10-25 1:22 PM
in reply to: #75779

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?

The "Going Long" training program has a sprint - 4 weeks before; an Oly - 7 weeks before; a century - 10 weeks before; and a 1/2 IM - 16 weeks before the IM.  

Gary

2004-10-25 8:43 PM
in reply to: #75901

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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?
Thats the problem with all these guides. Each of them tell a different story.

I havnt done a half yet so I really want to get that down before the full.

Ah, confusion. Which one to go for?!? =(

5 weeks seem alittle too short for comfort.....
2004-10-26 9:52 AM
in reply to: #76048

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?

I think these plans are a lot like diets - if you stick with 'em and do what they say, they're all effective.

Gary

2004-10-26 11:24 AM
in reply to: #76155

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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?
Be IRON Fit has an Oly ~20 weeks out, and a 1/2 9 weeks out ... as part of a 30-week program.

IMO, the important thing is to do the 1/2 early enough that you can [1] completely recover and still go through a peak cycle, and [2] correct any mistakes or severe limiters that were exposed during the 1/2 race.
2004-10-26 12:03 PM
in reply to: #75779

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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?
Personally, I feel 7-8 weeks is optimum. This gives you enough time to recover and still put in a solid block of race-specific training before starting your taper.

scott
2004-10-26 9:39 PM
in reply to: #76198

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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?
Thanks for all the recommendations everyone!

I'll try to shoot for a 7-8 weeks half. There are 2. The Gulf-Coast , and the White Lake Half.

The 5 week one is tempting though....its the World's Toughest Half in Cali...

Can't go for Jamba Juice Half because it falls on convocation weekend...heh.....

2004-10-28 10:17 AM
in reply to: #75779

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?
Personally, I did my Half 30 weeks before my Full .  I would hesitate to do any race within 12 weeks of an IM race.  After the effort that you put forth in a Half or even and Olympic race, you need some time for recovery, not to mention a taper leading up to the race in order for you to have a decent result and leave with some confidence...  This is time that, IMO, should be spent training for the IM.  Especially when you are within three months of your IM race date.
2004-11-01 6:57 PM
in reply to: #75779

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Half IM prep b4 IM?
charles81 - 2004-10-24 10:07 PM

I'm trying to use the Half to practice transitions, test my overall fitness levels, to get used to the wetsuit swimming and gain some race experience.


I just had this conversation with my coach yesterday. He told me to remember that IM transitions are COMPLETELY different than 1/2 IM transitions.

1. You have wetsuit peelers

2. You have a changing tent

3. You have people taking your bikes from you (don't have to rack them yourself after the bike leg)

4. You have people helping you put on sunscreen, getting you H20, etc.

5. You have special needs bags halfway through the bike leg and run leg so you don't have to carry so much on the bike

The reason he was telling me all this is because he said the logistics of an IM race is completely different because the IM is "ALL ABOUT THE BAGS"

they give you like 6 bags or something for different parts of the race and you have to plan on what to put in which bag and how much to put in them.

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