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Augusta 70.3 as a lead in to IMFL

This is the first time I've ever done a 70.3 as a "B" race.  I'm gonna focus on swimming strong and steady staying in Zone 3 on the bike and Zone 2 the run with maybe a little push at the end if I'm feeling up to it.  Just wondering if anyone else has done a 70.3 5 weeks before an Ironman...

Comments

  • very common.

    and Augusta is perfect for this.

    The course is as hard OR as easy as you want it to be. If you want to really attack it, the terrain will make it so you'll have to earn your speed on the bike, and a flat run with a couple of bumps will enable you to push the pace throughout. Thus, more recovery.

    As a B race, Augusta is a perfect training course. Nice swim, playtime on the bike, and a safe run with lots of support and fanfare.

    If your asking if it's a bad idea, I don't see any reason not to. Your volume in training should be more than ready for this now, and if you don't hammer the run you won't need alot of time to recover from this run (assuming you don't redline it the whole way).

    Just my opinion. Good luck & have fun.
  • Jeff, I don't have any advice on "B" racing an HIM, but I will be interested in reading your RR.  I am considering Augusta next year and also how your HIM "B" race plays out.  Good luck.

  • Last year I did Muncie 70.3 5 weeks before Ironman Sweden. I don't think it was optimal for all the reasons the coaches harp on. Did not have my best day at Sweden although I had a great time. That said, if I somehow get a slot to Austria next August I will take it even though it is 6 weeks before IM Louisville which I've already entered.

    Per EN philosophy, you are in the middle of a main block of training that should be taking place that weekend. Compared to an IM, you are getting a short swim, a short bike and a short run plus taper/recovery on either end. Key is to minimize the hole you are creating. So you can't taper much, and you can't push it hard else you increase recovery costs. So RnP would say "why do it then"? Well, if it's Austria, it's because it's Austria!! BTW, I did Muncie as a target of opportunity while visiting my son. image
  • Thanks for the advice guys. I will definitely follow up with a race report. I signed up for this as a package deal a year ago and before joining EN. My main concern is pushing the run too hard. I went down a few weeks ago and a bruised rib kept my run volume really low for a few weeks. I'm gonna stay low Zone 2 and work my way down slowly and see how it feels.

    Paul, Austria sounds awesome...I'd like to know how Louisville goes since they have moved it. I'm gonna have to likely stick to HIM's until my kids get a little older but Louisville is definitely on my radar.
  • Jeff, I'd recommend just chillin' on the run. Mainly so you don't need much time to bounce back and get right back to your IM build. It'll be alot of fun. Lots of good energy there. Just put the run in the bag after a couple of miles to be safe. Remember that IMFL is the A race and your Augusta times are prep worthy. If you every want to CRUSH Augusta, set it up as an A race for another year!

    good luck & have fun.
  • Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice. Race went really well!
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