Crazy thoughts about double or nothing!
So I just wanted some input on a crazy thought I had. This year we did Roth (amazing race btw) which has a 15 hour cutoff. A couple of weeks later we did a mountain back to back marathon ( ie 2 marathons on 2 days) - which I *thought* would be a nice cool down event *rotfl* - it wasn't. But it was do-able.
So I got to thinking what about an ironman race 1 week, with a follow up the next week?
We have entered Roth again, and the week before is Frankfurt. What concerns me a little is the 15 hour cut-off.
So the training would have to be a lot of back to back long stuff or double rides in one day, I think.
We ( long suffering husband who gives in to my insanity by also entering these races) aren't quick, but steady. We 'get by' on minimal training because of our crazy workload, and didnt do any specific run training for the double marathon- we just rested up after the IM. So, think its do-able?
If you ever needed to really hold back and take it easy, the first event would be the decider for whether you could make it to the finish line (in time) of the 2nd.
We have done quite a few marathons, 5 IM races now and lots of 70.3. We have run marathons in ridiculous outfits and finished in reasonable times (ie a sumo suit in 36c weather after about 3 weeks of run training) so are pretty mentally tough.
All thoughts - good or bad - gratefully accepted!
Cheers
Monique
So I got to thinking what about an ironman race 1 week, with a follow up the next week?
We have entered Roth again, and the week before is Frankfurt. What concerns me a little is the 15 hour cut-off.
So the training would have to be a lot of back to back long stuff or double rides in one day, I think.
We ( long suffering husband who gives in to my insanity by also entering these races) aren't quick, but steady. We 'get by' on minimal training because of our crazy workload, and didnt do any specific run training for the double marathon- we just rested up after the IM. So, think its do-able?
If you ever needed to really hold back and take it easy, the first event would be the decider for whether you could make it to the finish line (in time) of the 2nd.
We have done quite a few marathons, 5 IM races now and lots of 70.3. We have run marathons in ridiculous outfits and finished in reasonable times (ie a sumo suit in 36c weather after about 3 weeks of run training) so are pretty mentally tough.
All thoughts - good or bad - gratefully accepted!
Cheers
Monique
0
Comments
I think it all comes down to your time expectations and pacing. Me and a few friends tossed around the idea of trying to do 10 Iron Distance races on 10 consecutive days. We thought this was crazy, but doable. Figured it would be a great way to raise a bunch of money for our charity. Then I came across this crazy dude who's planning to do 50 IM races in 50 consecutive days in all 50 states. http://ironcowboyjames.com/ So um, yeah. I think 2 IM's in 2 consecutive weekends is not only doable, but intriguing. There was also a dude this yr who did IMLP on Sunday, then did the whole course again on Monday for some cause. I really think it all comes down to pacing. If I were to do it, I'd probably do the whole bike leg of the first race at 0.60-0.65 IF, then run a REALLY conservative marathon (like an hour slower than my "possible" IM Marathon time). It's the hard marathon that trashes my legs. Maybe even do a run-walk strategy to conserve the legs as well. I'd also take a few extra minutes in transition to get nice and dry and maybe even stop to change shoes halfway through the run or lube up a few times. I think blisters and chafing would be something you wouldn't want to start your 2nd race with.
FWIW, I'm doing 3 IM's in 3 months this yr and I plan to race them all as hard as possible. IMMT-Kona-IMCoz
What the heck, just come on down and do Chattanooga and make it 4 in 4 months! (kidding)
Congrats again on Kona!
The big issue is going to be recovery from the first IM. A week is a very short recovery from an IM, even for the pros who can spend the day napping rather than working. So I would be concerned about heading into such an endeavor on "minimal training." Most people who do the "double" are usually finishing sub-10 hours, and if you are out there for 14-15 hours, you are going to get more beat-up than someone finishing in 9:45.
I would guess, however, even if you recovered enough to complete the second race, the run in the second IM would be a death-march/walk. The "line" after which things get very hard could happen in the middle of the bike, or a mile into the run. Personally, I wouldn't spend the money on entry fees, flights and accommodation when I know I am going to be walking the marathon and might not make the cut-off. But it sounds like you enjoy the misery, and so it may be an exciting challenge for you.
Have to see if they keep them a week apart 1st and 2nd week in July and then maybe IM choo in the fall
It is supposed to be fun and an adventure. While a few can be very competitive at frequent racing most can only peak rarely, so as long as your personal goals and expectations are "reasonable", have at it.
I will be doing two IM races seven days apart. Not smart, but I'm not out to win or qualify, really just out to enjoy the day and see what new challenges I can bring for myself.