Looking for some input on doing a 1/2 IM two weeks before IM Idaho.
Having finished 4 previous IM’s I’ve used the three week taper approach leading up to the races and feel “flat” on race day - mostly on the bike.
My thought is to treat the 1/2 as a long, easy training day (the course is dead flat) with the idea that this will carry me into Idaho with a two week rest and possibly some better muscle memory. Thoughts?
Most of what I have read has suggested not doing half within 4-6 weeks of the full. That said, if you are really capable of holding off and not racing (I know I wouldn’t be), it might not be bad. I have, however, seen a recommendation for doing an olympic race since it fits within the taper better (i.e., shorter, intense workout) than a half ironman. Good luck!
Since you are experienced at the distance, you will know if your body can recover in time. 2 weeks seems a little short to me. And I know people say that they will treat it like a training day, but honestly if you come out of the water ahead of schedule and then are having a good day on the bike, can you tell yourself that you will hold back? Sometimes, the competitive side of us just takes over and therin lies the risk. You don’t want to leave your IM day out on the 1/2 course.
Best of luck to you. Hoping to be able to contribute better after I get through IM #1 this year.
I think 2 weeks is not nearly enough time.
It will only make you faster.
i think the biggest problem is whether you can hold back and not race the 1/2im. a long training day is fine. a 1/2im at race pace might be a bit much. why risk your A race?
I appreciate the feedback on this. Yes, like the rest of you, the competitive spirit doesn’t always allow me to hold back during a race. With age comes some wisdom but in the heat of battle it’s hard to put on the cruise control.
I’ll mull it over, but on a similar topic what have you used as a taper program that’s keep you fresh for IM race day? Number of weeks, structure of workouts, ect.
Thanks,
dietrying