In the last two months of training for an IM, what is the most time you took off without training, i.e. to recover from an injury?
48 hours during some of my rest weeks.
I bagged a three day weekend in mid May last year before IMLP.
Unless you’re missing a full week (doing NOTHING at all) don’t worry about it (easier said than done).
I sprained my ankle on April 28, eight weeks before IM CdA. I didn’t run for the entire month of May. I was able to swim, but had to use a pull buoy for all of my workouts for a month, because I couldn’t kick without hurting my ankle. I did manage to get in some good rides, but only on the Computrainer. (I couldn’t go outside because I couldn’t unclip from my pedals).
Not exactly ideal training, but I still finished in 12:43.
Six weeks before this years IM South Africa I took two weeks off completely (on holiday in NZ) and had my best race (of 4 IMs) ever. I was fresh for those last 6 weeks of training and got some great sessions in.
Rob.
I was a mess after TTT this year (training for LP). The week after TTT, I only did 1 short run. Then, I got really sick and had to take it easy the next week too. I only did 2 runs and a long bike that following week. I was freaking out because I was so close to LP, but I think it ended up being good for me. I went into the last 6 weeks of training with a lot of motivation and had no trouble working through all of my workouts. The stupid cough lasted right up until race week, though.
I once took 2 days off (for a total of 4 days off that month and 3 days off the next month).
Fred.
I just took 9 days off. I think what I lost in fitness I gained in recovery. My body feels great and I have been able to slide back into everything pretty easily, except running. That will come with time I think.