Login required to started new threads

Login required to post replies

Prev Next
Re: do it yourself ironman? [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
HuffNPuff wrote:
Mike Prevost wrote:
HuffNPuff wrote:
M~ wrote:
The GMAN wrote:
I don't see the point but to each their own.


1. No entry fees
2. True test of mental and physical toughness (nobody to draft off of, nobody cheering you on)
3. If you need to bail for whatever reason you aren't out $700+
4. If you need to move your race from one week to another, pretty easy to do.
5. Do it in the off season when you don't get hosed on hotel fees.

I could likely go on if you want.


I don't see the point either. This is like the question "If a tree falls in the woods, but there is no one around to hear it, did it make a noise?"

Regardless, the paradox of #3 is that the probability, at least for me, of bailing out of a non-event halfway through the run is close to 100% while the probability of bailing out an event where I paid $700+ is exactly 0% (at least to date).


Your point about #3 is exactly the reason to do it.


But there would be no POINT in doing it since I already know in advance that as soon as I got to that POINT in the run that I would bail because there would be no POINT in completing it. :)

Agreed. If you don't have the mental toughness to do this, and you know it, then attempting it is a bad idea. On the other hand, those of us who don't need the crowds, the recognition, the finishers medal, can readily see the value in stepping up to a big challenge with nothing to gain other than the self satisfaction that you did something hard when you didn't have to. You rose to the challenge and did not quit, even when nobody was around to watch. To those who don't understand the value in that, too bad for you. You are missing something.

Simplify, Train, Live
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [len] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
In the trail running world we call this a "fatass <Enter Distance/Event Here>". I've done several 50k's and 70.3's similar to this, grab some friends and make a training day of it. Personally a 140.6 is a little too long for me though I did discuss it with some friends. When people ask me I just say I did a fatass <distance> and then have to explain what I mean by fatass.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [Mike Prevost] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Mike Prevost wrote:
Agreed. If you don't have the mental toughness to do this, and you know it, then attempting it is a bad idea. On the other hand, those of us who don't need the crowds, the recognition, the finishers medal, can readily see the value in stepping up to a big challenge with nothing to gain other than the self satisfaction that you did something hard when you didn't have to. You rose to the challenge and did not quit, even when nobody was around to watch. To those who don't understand the value in that, too bad for you. You are missing something.

Be careful not to torque your shoulder patting yourself on the back at the same time you are denigrating the perspective of others while making gross assumptions about what motivates them. My perspective is mine only, but equally valid to yours. I train to race in organized events both large and small. So by definition, if I'm not racing then I'm training. And following the precept to not leave your race in the training log; I think completing a full distance on your own is counterproductive to performing your best in an organized race...hence, pointless from my view. I would get no satisfaction from a solo, counterproductive training effort that hinders my ultimate goals. I learned this the hard way decades ago when experimenting with overdistance training for the marathon. I once ran 32 miles in training to prepare for a marathon ... neither satisfying, nor helpful ... although I eventually cracked 2:30 in the marathon so there's that. To this day, I do not consider that I've ever completed an ultra because that was merely training and not an organized event which requires competing with others under the same circumstances, hoopla or no hoopla.

If the OP and yourself get a warm fuzzy from a long day in the training office, then I say go for it. But it's definitely not for me; and presumably many others who feel the same as I do.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
HuffNPuff wrote:

If the OP and yourself get a warm fuzzy from a long day in the training office, then I say go for it. But it's definitely not for me; and presumably many others who feel the same as I do.

Then why even come on here and take a crap on his parade? Why not just say Good luck, I hope it is fun for you. Instead of doing what you and another have done....
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
HuffNPuff wrote:
Be careful not to torque your shoulder patting yourself on the back.... although I eventually cracked 2:30 in the marathon so there's that.

HuffNPuff wrote:
Be careful not to...denigrat[e] the perspective of others while making gross assumptions about what motivates them...If the OP and yourself get a warm fuzzy from a long day in the training office

Oh the irony!

To answer the OP's actual question - "anyone ever done this before" [not: please make me feel like a chump] - yes, I've done it. For the very reasons you and others have mentioned. I'm not making a living at this, so why spend $2,000+ to travel to and compete in a race every time I want to gratify my desire for suffering or self accomplishment. Worse yet is spending less money - HITS, for example - and basically doing a solo day anyway. I agree with another poster, though, in suggesting that you consider other distances that might not exactly measure out to an Ironman, but might offer a more interesting route or a more unique challenge. Good luck in whatever you choose.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [len] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Yes! It wasn't at all like you're planning, but last summer the only local long distance race in our mostly very rural area was cancelled, and a friend of mine who had been intending to race decided not to quit his training or travel to an expensive race further afield, but instead hosted his own race at his farm. Only a handful of friends and his wife joined him for parts of his distances, but someone was with him at all times and it's all on his Garmin and he actually went faster than he'd ever gone before, finishing under 11 hours. Everyone involved had a great time, and in fact there's conversation about doing it again this summer.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [brooktrout] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
That is the most awesome post in this thread. Thanks for everyone who posted. Today just to stir the pot with the guys who were arguing about half-marathon pbs not in a race I did a mini-taper this week and attempted a middle age half-marathon pb as a time trial. My pb is 1:46:30 and I did 1:47:10. Considering my pb was on a course with a significant net downhill I am calling it a pb. I turned around an old race number and sharpied in the name of my race and even pinned it on my t-shirt. I did multiple loops in the park behind my house and a few people thought I was in an actual race. Then I had a few beers and a major nap. Brooktrout is my favourite fish especially the little ones who live in small creeks.


brooktrout wrote:
Yes! It wasn't at all like you're planning, but last summer the only local long distance race in our mostly very rural area was cancelled, and a friend of mine who had been intending to race decided not to quit his training or travel to an expensive race further afield, but instead hosted his own race at his farm. Only a handful of friends and his wife joined him for parts of his distances, but someone was with him at all times and it's all on his Garmin and he actually went faster than he'd ever gone before, finishing under 11 hours. Everyone involved had a great time, and in fact there's conversation about doing it again this summer.

They constantly try to escape from the darkness outside and within
Dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good T.S. Eliot

Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [len] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I am in the process of doing a 70.3 on my own. All indoors. I am doing the Boulder 70.3 in August. This is my second year in the sport of triathlon and have completed several sprints and an Olympic distance. I'm using this indoor "race" as a dress rehearsal of sorts and to also see where I'm at, and see what I need to work on for the outdoor race in August.

It's a little crazy, especially riding 56 miles on a spin bike, but hey, the work is real and I feel beat after every workout! One of my friends is doing this with me. I'm also picking up my first 13.1 along the way. I've even scheduled a virtual event for that- so it's "real" to me.

I struggled at first with the concept of real vs. on your own/virtual/indoor. But I get the same benefits I would get at a regular open race, without the stress and anxiety. I know for some those are motivators, for me I'd rather do it as smoothly as possible. After this run through, I definitely will look into organizing more smaller, neighborhood races- indoor and out. I would also like to get the help from USA Triathlon. Good luck with your race!!!
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [len] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I do a few Olympic do it yourself training workouts, but since I have to drive to and from the pool, and take my time during the bike/run transition it’s just really a tough training day. As others have said, the time to recover, and subsequent lost training makes a training IM sort of impractical. Three of us once did a half IM; pool swim and had to drive to T1, but we still called it a half IM.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [vonschnapps] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I'm doing my own 70.3 next month. Reasons:
1. I couldn't find a race that fit my requirements.
2. I didn't want to spend the money on flights, hotels etc. just for the sake of it.
3. I'm moving house after 4 years and wanted one last big day on familiar roads.

My family will support me - I'll swim in the local beach, then jump on the bike in the car park. T2 and finish will be in my front yard so family don't have to hang around after the swim is done. All will be in strava, no breaks. I love to train, but need a goal to keep me focused.

My race site: https://racesandplaces.wixsite.com/racesandplaces
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [len] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
See Mark Lemmon Soloman. I believe he did a solo Ironman in Hawaii a day or two before the Ironman in the mid to late 90's.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [trischolar34] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
trischolar34 wrote:
I am in the process of doing a 70.3 on my own. All indoors.

This sounds cool! You could get one of those "0.0" stickers on your car - lol.



https://www.strava.com/...tes/zachary_mckinney
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
HuffNPuff wrote:
I don't see the point either. This is like the question "If a tree falls in the woods, but there is no one around to hear it, did it make a noise?"

Not to change the topic on such a wonderful thread, but the surprising answer to this question is no, it doesn't.

Strava
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [plant_based] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I don't do it for the stickers.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [trischolar34] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
trischolar34 wrote:
I don't do it for the stickers.

I know bro, just messing with you. It sounds like some motivating training!

https://www.strava.com/...tes/zachary_mckinney
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [kornpett] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Exactly!
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [Mike Prevost] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I agree. While there is something satisfying doing it in an event against other athletes to compete against, the distances still count, and in many ways it is even harder because of the lack of support, lack of cheering crowds, lack of a dedicated course, no drafting (assuming you ride outside). There is a wheelbarrow of pride in both.

The more people I encounter the more I love my cats.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [plant_based] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
It is man. Thanks What's crazy is that the training is still real as far as effort goes. And by sticking to a plan it keeps me focused and helps me set a goal. By including this little "race" during my indoor training, it will only get me in better shape for the outdoor season, which is right around the corner. And the Boulder 70.3 is very real. I'm pumped!
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [len] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
In Australia we call these fatass events. A quick google says they are everywhere.

No entry fee. No prizes. Just you / and mates.

My suggestion would be to actually do it over a weekend first time out as a trial.

Friday night swim
Sat bike
Sun run

Will make it easier and safer. You don't want to be running late without help around junst in case stuff goes wrong and you also don't want to swim open water in the dark or wait for a pool to open.

Rhymenocerus wrote:
I think everyone should consult ST before they do anything.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [len] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
len wrote:
I am getting into pretty good shape and there are not many races for the next two months. I could fly to new zealand and race but don't feel like doing it. I was thinking of just doing an ironman on my own. I could swim the distance in my local pool drive 20 min home hop on the trainer for 112 miles and then run a marathon doing multiple loops in the park outside my backyard. I've done one (Muskoka) before I think well below my potential because I bonked in T2 and took almost an hour to recover. I am definitely not anywhere near able to qualify for Kona and won't be unless I get way more committed and at 50 years of age I would be lucky to not get injured trying. Anyone ever done this before?

I reckon it would be a good thing to do.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [len] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
len wrote:
I bonked in T2

How can you bonk in a transition!? On the bike, yes. Late in the run, yes. But bonk while you take off your helmet...

Well, but seriously - why not. I run my own marathon from time to time, did my own half IM training day, couple parts of it with friends, do breaks whenever I want, take it easy and just enjoy it. I would just wonder if 5 or so hours on the trainer are enjoyable. But if that is the only option, why not. And running loops with plenty of fuel at your personal aid station sounds very reasonable, unless you have to run 52* 0.5 mile loop ;-)
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [motorcity] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Some of the Strava based event startup companies may turn this debate on its head once you can pay a few bucks and go do something via that avenue.

It isn’t competitive (definition wise) but it is a challenge. Look at it more like a mountaineer or explorer than from a “stick and ball” sports view.

Seek reward in it that way.

Ignore folks going out of their way to call it a training day. Call it your challenge day.

Nobody denigrates the guys and gals going on round the globe efforts without an “event”.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [chuy] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I think doing any race distance as a personal test is nice to prove one's ability to themselves. So on that end great! Go for it.

Regarding PRs, I would not consider any time not done in an actual competitive event as a PR. A Half Marathon is an event, a Marathon is an event, and Ironman is an event.

I run 13.1 miles or more many many times a year, but I only run a couple Half Marathons each year and one or two Marathons. I look to those races to achieve my PRs.

I looked up Eliud Kipchoge's PRs on World Athletics. As I would expect, it lists his Marathon PR as 2:01:39, not 1:59:40.
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [len] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I've done 10 self-supported Ironmans and even a self-supported Ultraman. PM me if you need tips on how or you have questions. They are amazingly fun and satisfying. :)

And I agree with Matt - My fastest Ironman time might be a self-supported one, but I wouldn't really go around saying that's my official PR. But if you do a self-supported Ironman with a few or more other people and the vibe is competitive, then I could possibly see it as a PR. When you have to race against others on the same course, it's you against the course and the dynamics of others on the same course. I definitely think self-supported is harder, but when you tell people your PR for an "Ironman", everybody is picturing you battling it out on a course with lots of other people on the same time.

----------------------------------------------------------
Zen and the Art of Triathlon. Strava Workout Log
Interviews with Chris McCormack, Helle Frederikson, Angela Naeth, and many more.
http://www.zentriathlon.com
Last edited by: ZenTriBrett: Feb 20, 20 8:55
Quote Reply
Re: do it yourself ironman? [synthetic] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
 
I like this idea. As a matter of fact, my husband doesn't think I have any business signing up for an Ironman event unless I actually can do the distance in "practice." If you guys do Lake Placid, let me know, I might do it too if it was later this year!
Quote Reply

Prev Next