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4 weeks from Ironman to Sprint race ... doable or stupid?

Paul HoughPaul Hough
in Races & Places 🏁⛺
I am doing Ironman Louisville on Oct 11...firm, committed and all out.   However, USAT will be hosting two Team USA selection events right in my backyard just a month later.  Clermont, FL will be the site of this year's USAT selection for Team USA DRAFT LEGAL Sprint Tri (750m-20K-5K) on 7 November, and DRAFT LEGAL Sprint Duathlon (5K-20K-2.5K) on 8 November.  I'm thinking of doing both.  At my tender age it takes a good 2 weeks to fully recover from an IM, so that will leave me one week for some sharp intense training, then another week to taper and race on back to back days.  I figure it will hurt like hell, and my performance will not be the best, but other than that what does the haus think?

Comments

  • rlh2000rlh2000
    Doesn't seem like you have anything to lose... not too tough logistically, not sacrificing any other training, and if you don't do great, oh well? I'd vote that if it sounds fun, do it!
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    These races are a strange duck because USAT will fill the teams based on selections from Milwaukee and Clermont. Milwaukee will be the official national championships, but only Clermont will be Draft Legal. I did the first modern day draft legal event in Clermont years ago but the field turned out to be roughly 90% college teams versus a few old men. I wasn't last but it wasn't pretty. These races should attract more of the old farts. The first triathlons I ever did in 1980 were draft legal. USAT did not exist, there were no rules otherwise, and we all thought it was how you were supposed to do it.
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Training and racing-wise, sure, no problem. Might not be pretty but you know that already.

    However, I can't imagine a situation more sketchy than triathletes of different ages and skill levels trying to ride in what will be very disorganized packs. 

    I could be wrong, but my squirrelometer is pegged within 15' of a simple triathlete group ride, much less one where people are (1) racing and (2) actively trying to draft. 

  • Trish MarshallTrish Marshall
    I did it post IMLP in 2011. Raced the sprint at AG Nats. And it did hurt like hell. Draft legal is a different kettle of fish. I'm not comfy in the pack, so I'd pass. But, if you are good with it, go for it Paul!
  • scott dinhoferscott dinhofer
    I have a buddy that is a FOP guy, age 52, won his AG in a local well attended sprint the week after IMLP a few years ago, be smart on race day & recovery after the IM and you will do fine..
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Thanks. I will probably decide after Louisville depending on how quick I recover.
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