I’m trying to draw up a budget for training and racing an Ironman. In this case, Coeur d’Alene 2006. Have I missed anything?
Race fees
Lodging and transportation
Pool fees
Running shoes x 3 or 4 for the next year
Misc bike gear (tubes, CO2, etc.)
Nutrition
Misc Clothing
Training aids (Computrainer? Videos, etc.)
If I take the plunge, I’ll do so with most of the necessary gear to complete the race, i.e. I own a QR with race wheels, I have plenty of clothing for training and racing (but always need more!), I have new bike shoes and and a safe helmet, etc. But what little things (that add up) could be missing?
Most important: a thankyou gift for my wife for her support.
Always consider the extra food you’ll be eating due to the increased mileage and the cost of any flowers for the wife or gf to make up for all the time on the bike.
If you are a triathlete aren’t you paying pool fees already? Or do you only swim for Ironman distance races? Many of the items on your list are in the budget of triathletes of ALL distances. Granted some of them increase with the added training for an Ironman but the difference is not astronomical.
Yes, that’s my point. I have all of this stuff but how much will my costs increase and are there any costs associated with an Ironman that you wouldn’t see in a shorter race? I think not, but I’m just asking.
I think the biggest single difference over training for your first IM, over any other Tri is simply the time it takes to prepare. Even when you’re not training, recovery time takes on a whole new meaning as your sessions get longer. I’ve only done one IM, but planning, training and recovering definately became my primary occupation (no matter what my boss thought).
Race fees, travel, etc. are definately more costly but I think that’s primarily because IM tends to turn into a week-long adventure as opposed to a single day event like most other races. IM is the only race that I’ve ever called a vacation.
I suppose there is also a difference in nutrition, especially supplements (gels, powders, etc.). Much of your preparation is getting your nutrition plan dialed in. To do that you have to experiement with what you will use in the race until you get it right. You can use a lot of carbo pro & gels when you’re doing 5-7 hour bike rides in training.
Your most important item is right on. Buy a thank you present for your wife now, at the end and anywhere in the middle that you feel you need to. Rule of thumb: Each trip to the bike shop = one trip to Tiffany’s.
Plan on massage costs for one a week starting with your peak training block (last 8-10 weeks)
I plan on at least two chiropratic adjustments a week during my entire training season.
Subscribe to a boquet of the month club now so your wife gets fresh flowers once a month with a special message from you about how much you love her and appreciate all the sacrifices she is making for you to make your dream become a reality.
Spring for season passes for the kids to waterworld or some other fun place that they can go for a long time so you can train and they are not at home bugging you wife every day during summer break from school.
Plan on more than 4 pair of shoes. I go through 5 pairs a year not training for ironman.
Will you need a bike transport case or will you be shipping your bike by carrier? That costs $$
Plan to take all your friends out for a night on the town before you start training to let them know you are still their friend and value their relationship, but for the next 10 months you are going to disappear off the face of the Earth. Then when you are done, take them out again and party like there is no tomorrow, thanking them for not abandoning you during your vision quest.
Are you going to get a coach? They cost $$$ but are often very worthwhile.
Will you be joining any race clubs with dues?
Don’t forget the mid-season warm up races you need $$ to sign up for also.
wife’s activities during race week(i.e. what is she going to do to keep busy while you ride the course, swim the course, run the course, register, get massaged, go to athletes’ meeting, march in parade, hang around swim start early every morning, cruise the expo, etc.)
good meals for the wife. She’s on vacation. Youi got to find great restaurants for her.
something cool for her to wear on race day.
sometihing cool for her to wear the day after the race while you’re wearing your "finishers’’ T shirt.
a month’s worth of slave labor after the race. You owe her big time and she knows it!
don’t forget to factor in the $$$ savings from the lack of alcoholic beverages you’ll be consuming for however long in the lead up - I am sure I saved nearly a thousand bucks (OK more) in my last race lead up - three months off the booze.
Made up for it though from the day following the race.
Everyone is right on the money - factor what your wife needs, wants and will feel flattered by - it is a huge sacrifice she is making for you as you make this journey together!!!
Good luck - you are doing the right thing by laying out the anticipated costs ahead of time - many people get too far down the track and blow budgets
You’ve covered all the basics. However, none of us can know by what factor these basic costs will increase as you prepare for IM. Only you can estimate. Be conservative. It’s easier to get a conservative budget passed by the financial committee (i.e.-the SO) than a liberal budget. It’s also easier to ask for forgiveness if you burn through an extra pair of shoes or shorts, etc…than it is to ask for permission to set aside the extra money now.
I would also include a line item for a coach. Maybe not for your base phase but for more specific training geared toward IM prep. Some would argue that you can do it on your own, but if you can work it in the experience of someone else is worth it.
If you are flying (with your bike), don’t forget a rental vehicle large enough for a bike case. Also the transportation of the bike itself (airline charges $80 each way) or you can use SportsExpress
