All,
I have been away from Triathlon for around a year and a half at this point due to some life changes (new job, divorce, coming to faith, etc.) in 2014 and then tore my calf at the start of 2015 (Feb.) trying to get back into shape too quickly. I want to run my first full Ironman this year at Louisville, but I want some advice first. To get it out of the way, I’ve completed one HIM in 2013 in around 6 hours, and I’ve still kept in relative shape (I can run a half marathon at slower pace - 9:00), and I can still get on the bike and average 19-20 over 40 miles (a few weeks ago). Also, I just jumped in the pool again over the last month, and have regained some endurance swimming 2000m consistently without stops. I know I’m not in the shape I was for my HIM, do you think I have enough time for Louisville if I dedicate 12-15 hours a week? I’m not going to win or come close, but would like to finish in a respectable time for myself (12 hours or so). Let me know what you think, I don’t want to dedicate myself to it and then find out I bit off more than I can chew instead of focusing more on shorter courses (70.3). Thank you for any advice, looking forward to a great 2016 race season.
I took break until July 14 - the break was about 11-12 years during which time I put on approx 40 lbs and only ran when chased
I started working out on the 6th or 7th July, the days after my 40th b’day and target was to finish an IM before I turned 41.
June 26 15 I finished France - it was not quick or fancy but with a year old and one on the way it was a good year. I averaged approx 8 hours / wk for the 50 weeks to race day. I finished a half in June in 5 hr 40 I think, the full was 13.5. I think I could have taken an hour off it had I been a little more ambitious and less concerned about not finishing it at all.
This year I have France again, I’m doing less hours now I have 2 under 2 - on the upside I don’t have to lose 40 lbs again.
I’d like to go 12:xx - we’ll see. I don’t know when LO is, but France is approx 18 weeks away and thats loads of time to get in shape to finish it - I might not be racing it but its plenty of time to complete it
Louisville is in October and I have IM Muncie 70.3 and the new IM Delaware, OH 70.3 on the schedule as well. I just want to make sure I’m not increasing my training load too much like I did last year and break something. I don’t think an IM in 10 months is out of the question with 12-15 hrs a week training, but I’m no expert, figured I would get some opinions!