Big Al's Macro Thread

Al Etienne

Coach Patrick,

Coach Rich, during the into call, and you, during the webinar, advise another race during the season.  I thought so as well, but was looking for some advice.  Most races are in the March-April time frame or in October.  Too soon (swim) or too late.  Is a 70.3 in March or April of any value?  I hate swimming.  I hate swimming even more in the winter.  Also an unwanted amount of admin time involved for me over the winter.  I am a 40 minute half with moderate effort, so not a great swimmer.

I am looking at the following:   http://floridachallenge.com/  or  IMFL 70.3  or  IMNO 70.3  in that order.

My parents live in New Orleans and I grew up there, so that would be cool and less expensive.  Money is a factor.

Thanks - Al

Coach Rich

Any opportunities for an Olympic in/near that Get Faster block I have for you? That would be ideal.

Al Etienne

July and August are rough for races in central Florida.  I will keep looking.  Any guidance on how this race fits in with the tail of the OS plan?  Best price performer for me, but two weeks later on 4/26 vs 4/13.

http://www.sommersports.com/Events/Runs/LakeMinneolaHalf.aspx

Thanks - Al

Coach Rich

Posted By Al Etienne on 19 Jan 2014 05:34 PM

July and August are rough for races in central Florida.  I will keep looking.  Any guidance on how this race fits in with the tail of the OS plan?  Best price performer for me, but two weeks later on 4/26 vs 4/13.

http://www.sommersports.com/Events/Runs/LakeMinneolaHalf.aspx

Thanks - Al

That's fine. Half marathons are good events pretty much anytime.

Al Etienne

Coach,

Really bummed about the swim being cancelled at IMFL.  Looking to get in another full distance race asap.  Thoughts on doing HITS in Naples in early January?  To soon?  Just right?  It is close enough to work for me financially and I feel like I still have enough gas in the emotional and spousal tanks to train hard for another two months.  Thoughts?

Al

Coach Rich

Posted By Al Etienne on 07 Nov 2014 08:26 PM

Coach,

Really bummed about the swim being cancelled at IMFL.  Looking to get in another full distance race asap.  Thoughts on doing HITS in Naples in early January?  To soon?  Just right?  It is close enough to work for me financially and I feel like I still have enough gas in the emotional and spousal tanks to train hard for another two months.  Thoughts?

Al

Some quick notes:

• I'd really do some research into athlete experiences at that half. I've see stuff all over the map re HITS full distance experience. You could be setting yourself up to train for an IM through the holidays...and then race with like 35 people on a poorly marked course, etc. Again, do some research.
• 100% depends on where your head is and what CEO Home say about it. Training for an Ironman across the winter and during the holidays is tough, tough, tough. Even though you're likely not "as" worked as you would be if you had done the full 140.6 distance, you still incurred a big mental cost from the training. I'd be extremely hesitant to suggest that anyone go straight into another IM training cycle so close to the end of the year after having already incurred that debt...and take that IM fitness to what could potentially be a shitty race experience. 

Anyway, do some soul searching and have a very clear conversation with the family about this.