I’m interested in doing 1 or 2 ultra distance tri’s; either UltraMan, Double Iron or the 24 hours of Triathlon but my main objective now and for the next 2-3 years is to qualify for Kona. I’m in no hurry to do the Ultra’s if it will derail my training for Ironman; would the longer distance training and race be good for IM training or would you be putting in too much volume at lower intensity like training to walk fast and 3 mile open water swims that it would negatively affect IM training where you’re trying to go 9:30? Background is that I have done 7 Ironmans. Thanks
well stuff like that might injure your forever
something to think about
but then so can trying to Q for Kona =)
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If this was the best path to qualifying and performing at Kona you’d see many pros doing it.
Did you ever notice that top pros don’t even run open marathons whereas tons of age grouper do? (recovery penalty too high)
Anyway, I think you answered your own question. I think the simplest summary of how to do Ironman fast (not that I can do it myself) is log lots of volume week over week at faster than IM intensity…not even more volume at lower than IM intensity.
It is a common mistake to think that to do well in Ultra-tris you need to do stupid training miles.
If you get yourself in good enough shape to go sub 10hrs in Ironman then you will also be in good enough shape to do well in any Ultra-triathlon provided you get your nutrition right and can get your head around the distances on race day.
Hard Ironman training is enough.
And for Dev,comparing the goals of a pro and the goals of an ager is for the most part a waste of time.Pros are(or should be) approaching the sport from a different mindset than those of us who are doing it for a hobby and their training reflects that.
I guarantee you that if Ultraman had a big prize purse then it would be stacked with pros but as it stands there is no point to go through hours of hell for no financial reward.The only reason Ultraman Hawaii has attracted some top pros is that it is an end of season event that won’t affect any major events on the calendar or important training blocks.
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Good points Dev.
Ultra-Tri-Guy you might the best firsthand experience. Do you mind me asking if you mix in Ultra tri events in the same year as IM’s and how has your IM times been those years? Also, do you alter your IM training when preparing for Ultra tri or, as you suggested, do you use your training gains from IM to propel you through the Ultra’s?
My first Ultraman was done with only 30hrs notice.I was training for Ironman Canada at the time and was supposed to crew for Tom Price in Ultraman.He dropped out and I took his place.On my Ironman training I won Ultraman that year but I dnf’ed in IMC due to major dizzy spells on the bike.That was the year that all kinds of people passed out in IMC and a couple of people went into comas.I blame my sad performance that day to getting drunk with Ray Browning after the carbo-party.
My fastest Ironman soon after Ultraman was 1999 when I again won Ultraman and was on sub 10hr Ironman three weeks later but lost the plot on the run and came in around 10:30ish I think.
I am a really bad person to ask about proper training 'cause I rarely do it as I’m lazy.In 2005 Ultraman Canada I did one training run all summer at that was 1h 6mins long.I won a very slow run that weekend and came second overall.The next time I did it I only did three swims and had done all my training on my MTB touring Argentina and Bolivia.I was trying to run my way into second place when I had to withdraw with a major stomache bug after having thrown up or most of the morning.
Every Ironman I have done since 1994 has been training wth Ultras in mind.
The best advice I can give is to train yourself up to do that 9:30 Ironman but throw in a couple of really over-distance rides during your training year.Enter a couple of long open water swims for fun and to get your OW nutrition right.That fitness will see you do well in any Ultra.Don’t sacrifice your Ironman goals by doing an Ultra before your Ironman that season as finishing an Ultra well is not that hard but finishing an Ironman in 9:30 for an age-grouper is!!!
The number one thing that stops people from doing Ultras is thier own fear and self doubt but don’t worry even the best in the world have a problem getting their heads around those kind of distances(I know as one certain Kona winner and I had a chat about it one day).The key to doing well(or just finishing) an Ultra is to be smart enough to plan everything to the last detail and have the right mindset on the day.
I have beaten athletes who are way more talented than myself.I just didn’t let the distances overwhealm me.
P.S. While I have podiumed in four out of the six stage race Ultras I have done,I have a crap record at double irons.That riding through the night is what kills me every time.