DNF Guarantee
Let me preface this by saying the following: This is completely unsolicited and represents some thoughts that I have been percolating on since I saw the plan DNF guarantee announced.
1. I am amazed and impressed that the coaches are willing to do this. It clearly demonstrates the depth of confidence that they have in the EN plans and their ability to guide someone to their individual fitness goals. It is the ultimate "put your money where your mouth is" move and, as someone who has never completed an IM distance race, I applaud it.
That being said, I do not think that I will take advantage of their generous offer. When I first read the posts about the plan, I was excited for the reasons expressed above. As a 50 year old guy who has been racing triathlons for about 3 years and who has never done a full IM distance race, it seemed tailor made to insure that I would complete that goal. I already have my IM on the schedule for October, PERFECT.
But then I thought a little bit more about it. I have been an EN member for almost a year. I have lost 25 lbs since last May by following the EN plans. I have read and accepted the EN 3 year plan for my training path. When I started EN, I just wanted to race a better sprint, I never even really considered much beyond that. Every time in the past year that I read the training plan for the day and was pretty sure that I could not do it (based on my previous perceptions of my ability) I found out that the coaches were right and I was wrong. When I did my HIM RR swim this morning, I finished in plenty of time to get to work, no problem. Last year it took me an hour to do 1800 yards. I guess my point is this: I applaud the coaches for making this plan and it may be great for some folks to give them the confidence to believe in the EN way and R&P as coaches. For me, I am already a believer. Based on their guidance and the team mojo, I am performing at levels that I had never considered possible and now it is just a matter of following the plan. If I fail at my first IM attempt, so be it. It certainly won't be due to a coaching failure and I can't in good faith hold them responsible for it. In the mean time, I am proud to be a part of this organization and I continue to be amazed at the way this team is improved and expanded by the coaches and all of the amazing members. Thanks for making EN the most welcoming and supportive space in the triathlon world.
Comments
x2 Ralph....I am similar (1.5years doing tris - sprint/olympic/HIM), but never attempted a full IM. Signed up for IMTX. I was interested in this "offer" too, but completely agree with what Ralph said and can't say it any better. If I don't finish it's my fault or I crash, or don't put in the work before race day, or don't follow my nutrition plan, etc. I will never win anything (unless I live long enough with good health to be the only one in male 85-90!), but I CAN finish and do so respectfully.
Hey guys,
Thanks for the good words! As you might imagine, we are still building out a lot of the components of this program but expect a pre-launch email + video from us either later today or on Monday.
The short answer is that us putting this FTF guarantee out there will force PnI to improve a lot of aspects of EN and everyone, regardless of whether they are eligible for the program or simply choose to not participate, will benefit from that.
I joined EN in Jan 2013 for one reason, to be sure I would finish IMFL. There was no guarantee then but from everything I saw initially, I knew I would finish my race. I drank the EN kool-aid and you know, it works. I set a goal for IMFL but my friends (non-EN members) said I had a pretty lofty goal for my first IM and maybe I should consider just worrying about finishing. I stuck to my plan, even through moments of doubt and frustration with training. I finished my race 20 minutes below my goal. My friends now believe me when I tell them work works!
Everything you need to finish is here on the team but you must be willing to take advantage of it. Going through the wiki, reading race reports, and learning how to execute like a ninja are vital parts of making each one of us a finisher.
I think the FTF program is great. I think it will only make EN better than what it is now. I look forward to supporting those new team members in their quest for their own IM finish.
@Ralph-I'll be there to see you finish your half and your full!
FTF will formalize ^that^ in a process and checkboxes that FTF athletes need to fulfill in order to keep the guarantee current. Similar to a 100k warranty on a vehicle that is contingent on you having all of the scheduled maintenance done, on time, at a dealer, have it documented, etc.
IOW, the process works but you (the athlete) must perform all of the actions within that process in order to claim your guarantee in the event that you don't finish.
Keep going y'all!!
- DPL
All,
The announcement is live here, in the Admin Forum.
I too was excited about this offer when I read it and thought this sounded like a guarantee that if I do not finish my first IM (IM Canada) I will get to do another one, for free. So I told my wife about it and she said we should NOT sign up for it, because we are both planning on finishing , no matter what happens that day. She told me I shouldnt be thinking about what could go wrong and why I possibly would not finish. And she was right. With the help of EN I have become a better athlete already, physically and mentally. I joined in October, and after a butt-kicking OS, I am now training for FL 70.3. The way I feel right now, there is no way I will not set a PR for a 70.3 distance. With all the good info available in the Wiki, it is up to me to execute on race day and practice in RR and other long training days. So thank you EN and thank you Melissa for pointing that out to me.
Jan, David, Jaime, Jeff, Ralph … it's people like you all that keep me an enthusiastic EN Team member after six years here!
X# Ralph!!! I am with ya!!! At first I read the offer, I thought this is great!!! But then I really processed it, and what this would do to my journey and then had a long discussion with the hubby, I opted not to join. I am so proud to be part of this team and have already come so far since I joined in October. I can't wait to participate in my races and I know if I do what the coaches have planned for me and do the work, I will make it to the end. I am also SO SO thankful for all my teammates because without you and your support and knowledge I would not be where I am!
I'm out of the IM training for .... awhile but continue to PR all SC races following the coaches plans. There is something for everyone doing all flavor of races here in the haus.
I have quite a few years here myself and continue to stay and learn plus share the things I have picked up along the Way. Me thinks I'll continue to hang around and be part of the evolving EN community, proud to sport the colors.