I am competing in IMLOU on the 26th of august and was wondering if a half ironman 6 weeks before the ironman is too close. Would that give me enough recovery time? This will be my second ironman, and I would like to do a whole lot better than the first.
Only YOU know how fast you can recover from a long-course race. Some people need only a few days, some need weeks.
I agree that only you know how you recover. Also, keep in mind which race is your A race. If you go into the half and go balls to the wall then you might not recover as well as planned. However, if you approach the half as a training race, go through the motions, and make sure you have everything in order then it can be a great confidence builder…IMO. I did my first ironman this year (AZ) and did a half (Cali) two weeks prior…but i treated this half has a training race. I made sure my bike was in good working order, i did a mini-nutrition plan (pre-race, during, and post race), and just had a fun/relaxing race. I am doing both IMAZ and Cali 70.3 again next year because the combo worked well for me.
Yep… go for it… 6 weeks is plenty of time… try to plan that the week after the HIM is somewhat a recovery/easy week…
However, If you sign up for a HIM, go for it, don’t hold back… Otherwise, you can do the same in your “backyard”
Races are about to challenge/shock you body… Otherwise it is call training…
cheers,
Fred.
Mark Allen is a big proponent of doing a half 8 weeks prior and then an oly 2 weeks out. CATS arkadelphia half works for Kona as its the only place i’ve ever been close to the heat in Kona. Praireeman in Dallas would work for IMFL.
I would say no.
1st reason - Six weeks out is the heart of training for IM (at least the way I train). This is the middle of the most intense push of training load. It’s not the time to taper (or even be concerned about taper) or recover.
2nd reason - You should never use a race as training, IMO. If you really race it hard, it may affect your recovery. If you race it half-ass as training, your time won’t be that great and it won’t likely help your confidence. Seems like a no win to me.
Legitimate reasons to race is if you really want to do the race or if you’ve already been in a high volume training program and need a break in the action. But if you’re like most and your true focus is on IM then I don’t think it’s worthwhile.
Your fifth or sixth week prior to an IM isn’t the time for recovery. That’s the time you should be hitting peak volumes of training and leaving the recovery to the two to three weeks before the IM event. If your objective is to race your best in the IM then I say it’s a bad decision, IMO. However, if you’re just interested in getting through the IM and not too worried about it then I’d say do the 1/2 as well.
(I see I was late to the post button, but spot on with Terra)
i agree with Terra-Man. doing an event and not getting a good time is not good for the mental aspect. even on a very tough course, it is bad for the confidence. i’m just now coming out of the toilet from getting my ass handed to me at little smokies…and am much further out then 6 weeks.
also, a HIM is still an intense experience., 10 weeks out is one thing, but at 6 could be a distraction.
I would, but would probably do it closer than 6 weeks. I did a pretty hilly 1/2 three weeks out from IM Brasil this year with a PR at IMB. It’s a good long training day and you can practice your race day nutrition in a race setting which doesn’t always have the same effect/consequences as as nutrition in training.
clm
I’d do a half as a training race, but you’re probably better off doing a s/b/r of HIM distances as a race simulation and holding back a little. Race day tends to fry you a bit and could cause a break in your training when you need it the least (about three weeks prior to taper). Six weeks isn’t a lot of time to recover, resume training and be ready to race.
All racing is training.
But not all training should be racing.
It may actually help you quite a bit to do a 1/2 six weeks out, it should also give you an idea of where you are at. And, Its a great chance to try out all the stuff you will use at IMLOU.
"All racing is training.
But not all training should be racing".
PAW nailed it!! 6 weeks is lots of time… providing you have a very solid base and can afford to miss 10 days of distance training.
But very few have the type of base you do. Someone earlier mentioned Mark Allen’s program, and if I was doing that type of volume, I’d welcome a half 6 weeks out for a break. But I’ll be hard at it 6 weeks out from Moo to add some endurance to my M2 speed. Sorry to read that you won’t be able to race there (not devastated though since I’m 45-49 ;-)). Good luck healing.
Well good luck at Madison. Have you done that race before? Not an easy course and it seems that the weather is always a challenge. I am gearing my season to IM Florida. I’m going to be racing with alot of anger and a ton of hunger. Good luck with the remainder of your training.
Did Moo in '04 as 1st IM. We’re due for good weather. Will be my first race as 45 year old, glad to be leaving 40-44. Best of luck in PC.
I would, but would probably do it closer than 6 weeks. I did a pretty hilly 1/2 three weeks out from IM Brasil this year with a PR at IMB. It’s a good long training day and you can practice your race day nutrition in a race setting which doesn’t always have the same effect/consequences as as nutrition in training.
clm
Hmm, that’s just about the same as the Rockman '08 / IMCdA combo I’m contemplating. IMCdA is definite, the question for me is whether Rockman fits. After experiencing it this year, I want to come back for more next year.
June 8, 2008 Rockman 1/2 → June 28, 2008 IMCdA
I recover pretty quickly from 1/2 distance, so I think that’s doable. My coach has veto power though. 
My coach has veto power though.
So does mine.
In addition, I’ve also done two half IM races two weeks apart, and usually go faster at the second one. (Nearly the same course)
If you can keep the 1/2 as a training race (especially the run) and will not get caught up in the racing, I say it is ok. I can not do that. I get into racing mode and then regret it when my “A” race comes up.
Naturally, much of it depends on your fitness, recovery, and are you injury prone. I have found that I am very injury prone after a race.
Good Luck!
…I think it’s OK as a training day, but can you peak for it and take some rest afterwards and still be your best for IMLou…?
In my opinion, No. You can not.
You may feel great and finish both, but I think you will be giving something away in Louisville.