Are IM races like crack cocaine?

Former_User · September 7, 2007, 7:12pm

Here I am less that two weeks out from IMLOU. I told my wife no more IMs for a while. I’m done. Finished. So . . . why the hell am I feeling so eager to sign on for another one? I know it takes time away from the family. And sure, I can minimize that, but it’s still time away. And costly? Oh yeah. I could have bought new furniture for our house or upgraded the kitchen for the cost of a race or two.

And yet, I am envying those in Madison right now. The atmosphere, the challenge…there’s nothing like it (at least that I’ve done). Part of it may be that my Louisville experience was less than optimal, but I don’t think that’s all of it. I’ve done four IMs and have not recaptured the excitment and good race I had at IMFL in 2003. Maybe I just want to end IMs on an up note. Or maybe if I did one and felt/raced great, it’d spur me to do even better. I just don’t know. All I do know right now is I’d love to sign up for IMFL for next year but don’t even dare approach my spouse about it. I’ve always been on the every-other-year plan anyway.

Hopefully, the IM craving will diminish soon. Perhaps some century rides or a marathon can give me the “fix” I need. Anyway, just wondering if I was the only one having a tough time walking away.

ckotte · September 7, 2007, 8:44pm

I think based on our personalities…we sometimes do act like addicts.

I know for me, I enjoy the thrill of accomplishing something very few others have done. After each of my Ironman finishes, I am ready to sign up instantly.

My only complaint…is the 4 weeks after the event…or recovery. I love to train and hate to take it easy.

squid · September 7, 2007, 8:52pm

lol, I’m experiencing the same thing. At the finish line at IMLou I told my GF that she didn’t have to worry about me doing anymore for a long time. Well, I’m already plotting my comeback.

I’d love to sign up for IMFL for next year

My thoughts exactly! I’ll decide in the weeks leading up to Nov.

RACERX · September 7, 2007, 8:56pm

I am glad I am not the only one that feels this way. I did IM in 06 & 07 and am taking 08 off. I am already bummed about it and it’s not even 08 yet. I have however put my focus into shorter races which has helped. I will give it a few years before I sign up again, if I still have the will. Hang in there.

doubleplay · September 7, 2007, 10:11pm

I know for me, I enjoy the thrill of accomplishing something very few others have done. After each of my Ironman finishes, I am ready to sign up instantly.

My only complaint…is the 4 weeks after the event…or recovery. I love to train and hate to take it easy.

Compared the general population Ironman can be something very few others have done.But if you think that somewhere around 500,000+ people finished Ironman distance since the beginning you are not one of the few in the triathlon community.

desert_dude · September 8, 2007, 12:16am

Are IM races like crack cocaine?
Not even close.

Former_User · September 8, 2007, 12:29am

And you are probably the one person who can compare Ironman with just about any drug out there.

desert_dude · September 8, 2007, 12:31am

.

Trirunner · September 8, 2007, 12:53am

“Ironman is whack” doesn’t have the same ring to it. Ask Whitney Houston.

Former_User · September 8, 2007, 12:58am

Not to derail my own topic, but judging from your screen name you’re probably excited about the new Speed Racer movie coming out right?

I’ve the Six Gap Century coming up in three weeks so I’m hoping that will alleviate some of my restlessness.

dave_w · September 8, 2007, 1:01am

I’m going with NO. I just did IMLou, had fun, it’s a neat experience to do an IM. Beyond the initial completion of a fairly big bite, I just don’t see why people are interested in doing more than one, unless they have the many hours and desire it takes to be able to RACE an IM. Looking for a good answer why so many are happy with survival as a goal in one race after another…

Murphy_sLaw · September 8, 2007, 1:02am

Whitney never did any drugs. And I quote:
“Show me the receipts!! Show me the receipts for all the drugs I bought!!!”

Yes Whitney, every drug dealer gives out receipts for your purchases. They even have a loyalty card you swipe so you can earn points towards free paraphenalia (sp?) and other exciting products!!

I dunno, I was able to give up IM cold turkey, and only have the occasional pang of craving for it again afterwards. Who knows, I might toke the IM pipe again someday, but for now I’m happy on my methadone program (HIMs only), and will go on the occasional weekend bender (SOS and A-Z) just to remind myself that I don’t need the hard stuff to feel good.

support_crew · September 8, 2007, 1:02am

As I am waiting here in the hotel for my husband who is doing his 50th IM on Sunday, I will say Very Definitely…yes!

,Support Crew

ironclm · September 8, 2007, 1:04am

It seems people either do one and not again, or keep doing it again, and again, and again. Not much middle ground.

clm

dave_w · September 8, 2007, 1:07am

As I am waiting here in the hotel for my husband who is doing his 50th IM on Sunday, I will say Very Definitely…yes!

,Support Crew

  You need to come up to GA and do some of the endurance MTB races, it'll make him drop this pansy-boy tri stuff.

ps. OTOH maybe like Forrest Gump…someday he’ll just quit.

support_crew · September 8, 2007, 1:11am

I suspect the Forrest Gump thing someday. “I think I will stop now”.

Support Crew

Mark_Lemmon · September 8, 2007, 1:13am

After 15 IMs in 13 years I think my IM habit may have ended, so yes, you can get over IM.

I still love to train like I have for more than 30 years, but I’m happy now with hour long runs, two hour bike rides and racing sprint triathlons.

I loved doing IM and I love the fact that I have been able to gracefully come down from the IM roller coaster in order to hopefully prolong my athletic career.

Everyone is different. Some can handle more IMs than others. I can only speak of my experience.

Former_User · September 8, 2007, 1:15am

It seems people either do one and not again, or keep doing it again, and again, and again. Not much middle ground.

Good observation. I’ve noticed the same thing. My friend who did IMFL with me in 03 had no desire whatsoever to do another one.

Former_User · September 8, 2007, 1:19am

After 15 IMs in 13 years I think my IM habit may have ended, so yes, you can get over IM.*

That’s awesome. I’ve only done four still enjoy long rides, walk along the beaches…(sorry, went into personals mode there for a minute). I’ve never been fast in any sport in which I’ve participated but I did my first marathon at 17 so my endurance has always been pretty good. Maybe that’s why the long-distance events interest me more.

Former_User · September 8, 2007, 1:23am

As I am waiting here in the hotel for my husband who is doing his 50th IM on Sunday, I will say Very Definitely…yes!*

You’re Joe Bonnes’ spouse right? I remember seeing him when I did the Great Floridian. In fact, I think he won it that year (01). The guy’s an animal and you are a saint for living with the lifestyle for so long.