Hello. What do you guys think of doing an Oly two weeks before an Ironman? I would assume most would say not to do it. Has anyone done this and/or is there a situation where it might make sense to do it? I’m in my final build for IM CDA (also doing IM WI in September) and would like a little more intensity. My endurance seems to be pretty good and I’m looking to get a little more speedwork. Is this too much too soon? Any tips are much appreciated. Thanks.
-Matt
Although I am not an exercise physiologist, it sounds reasonable to me. I did a half IM two weeks before IMFL last year, as a “race simulation” or some such. It ended up being much hotter than I would have liked and I suffered on the run. But two weeks later in PCB, I felt great all the way through mile 22 or so of the run, and just suffered a bit over the last four miles of that. I think a race of shorter duration and higher intensity would be okay, or at least I would give it a shot without worrying.
Ben
I too am doing IM CDA and have scheduled an Oly for June 4. I want to do it for the same reason, a little more intensity, and to get some transition practice. So I’m thinking it is a good idea to do one. Mine is in NH and with the current weather the water should be nice and toasty by the time we go, the other day H20 temp was 57! The key I a told is to stay away from the 1/2 IM a month or two before your race.
Rover
Don’t risk it. You have put too much time and effort into training. Races can be unpredictable seeing that there are other people racing hard that could crash into you or who knows what. Or your ego might kick in (which happens all the time with me) and you may find yourself going way too fast and end up with an injury 2 weeks before IM.
I think you are always “risking it” everytime you leave the front door. Whether its for a 6 hour training ride or an interval session on the track. I have found I always learn something new after doing a tri and that info could come in handy in a tight situation. You have a valid point about others racing all out but I still think its a good idea to race.
Rover
Mark Allen’s 18 Week Ironman training plan as published in Inside Triathlon’s Season Guide 2002 specified an Olympic distance race in week 16 - two weeks prior to your Ironman weekend…
Don’t risk it? Go too fast? - what’s that?
Sounds great to me. More races = more fun. A two hour hard effort two weeks out will have no negative effect on your ironman.
My coach (Marc Becker) once advised against “sharpening the edge” too much before an Ironman. It’s not a risk issue so much as a “focus” issue. If your focus is on IM, then ensure your training (AND RECOVERY) are preparing you for CdA.
Do you know what you intend to accomplish with the Oly? The speed per se may not be important for CdA. However, the logistics may provide a good relief. If that is the case, it may make sense.
With that said, the worst thing you can do during taper is negate recovery. There is no such thing as an “easy” race. They all take recovery. With that said, do you honestly think this will aid in recovery following a big IM build? Is there stress associated with the race? Is there travel? How will your sleep be impacted?
Cheers,
Jonathan C. Puskas
Did it last year 2 weeks before IMC and it was great - it was a strange season however in that I did 2 Open water swim races, couple of bike races and a couple of half marathons but no other tri’s in the build up. It was great to get back into the tri routine and dust off the cobwebs.
I did this exact thing last year before IMCDA and it was a great way to break up the last few weeks of training and waiting for the race.
Plus it was a great confidence booster because I had a PR. I say do it and have fun. It’s so short it’s not going have a negative impact two weeks later.
Good luck!
I am ALWAYS sore for a day or two (or more) after a race- no matter what the distance. Sometimes a little sore, sometimes a lot. It doesn’t seem like an extraordinary effort at the time, but obviously I’m doing a little something extra. Unless you have the experience at Oly distance racing to know you’ll recover, or at IM racing to know it won’t make a difference, I’d err on the side of caution and get in that last big volume ride or run or both instead of racing (relatively) short. You’ve gotten lots of differing opinions already, so clearly like most things about training, it’s peculiar to you- but ask yourself- which race is more important to me? Good luck,
Ken
I’d do it if I were already feeling well-rested from a drop in volume. It wouldn’t be smart to use it as a file to sharpen off the final point, but, as a speed-stimulus a couple of weeks out from an IM…yep. Just make sure you REALLY take some recovery time afterward, and don’t keep “testing” your fitness the following two weeks. Nice, easy, restorative rides and swims, with just a little running, and it should be fine…maybe even adviseable!
Good luck on your IM!
Surely a taper for IM lasts longer than 2 weeks and considering the recovery for an oly must be at least 3 days this doesn’t fit in. If you’re going to do it to a set Hr this doesn’t fit a taper either so my advice would be to leave well alone and don’t risk your IM which should be a great experience for you !