Why don’t we save the money on all the accessories and training aids( PC’s, Computrainers etc . .) take a few years and really dial in the technique and fitness needed in all three sports to take on an Ironman. Not sure if this is case here, but what I am seeing more and more is people coming into the sport and then within 2 - 3 years jumping right up to the IM distance and looking for some silver bullet training accessory that will help them get to the finishline.
I am sure that some of these Training Tools are useful, but so is good guidence, advice and consistant proper training over the course of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years and beyond.
Best advice - Get a good coach/mentor who has a long term vison not for this year but 5 years down the road.
It’s fun spending money that’s why. The finish line isn’t 5 years down the road. It’s right now, everyday. I personally think IM’s are the most over rated thing I’ve ever done. It’s partly why I switched to bike racing, I can do more of them in a year. When you get past 40 you look at things to help you stay with the pack, cause when the pack leaves you, your done. I see your point, just not with me! Happy racing!
Why don’t we save the money on all the accessories and training aids( PC’s, Computrainers etc . .) take a few years and really dial in the technique and fitness needed in all three sports to take on an Ironman. Not sure if this is case here, but what I am seeing more and more is people coming into the sport and then within 2 - 3 years jumping right up to the IM distance and looking for some silver bullet training accessory that will help them get to the finishline.
I feel richer in money than I do in time. I’m definitely jumping into the IM distance early. However my goal is just a sub-17 hour performance, and if I can avoid injury between now and July I’m pretty confident I can achieve that with what I have now. Things like PCs and new Tri-Bikes are just the toys that go along with engaging in a sport which will also consume most of my accumulated vacation time at work.
and the winner is (probably)…
I think I will defer my next bike purchase, and try the Power Cranks first.
Pluses: Education lasts a lifetime, a new Tri-bike at most a few seasons. If it doesn’t work for me, I can get my money back from Frank and buy the bike. I especially liked the suggestion to buy a good frame, and cannibalize my Cannondale. However, I do want to keep a road geometry bike for my club rides which I greatly enjoy. I also don’t already own all the tools/expertise I would need to do all that work myself. However, the suggestion did help put things in perspective. A road bike gives me more position change options during IM-USA. My run needs all the help it can get.
Minuses: I’m still afraid of my only ride breaking days before IM-USA. I would sleep a little better with a spare bike available. I won’t be as aero at IM-USA as I would have been on a Tri-bike. If I’m going to ride PCs all the time, then I’ll need another set of PCs when/if I do buy my next bike! I don’t think Frank offers PC’s for my tandem, which fortunately my SO does not want to ride much between now an IM-USA anyway (she wants to practice her bike handling skills). Now I have to educate my SO on why she might want to get PCs instead of the new Tri-Bike I promised to buy her for X-mas. If she goes with the new Tri-bike instead, I predict trouble when/if I pass her with my new more efficient PC legs! If I don’t pass her, I’ll be the jealous one!