2016 IRONMAN ADVICE PLEASE
So I started a new job the day after IMAZ and although my work load is going to be WAY more than I am use to in 2016, I am still planning on one 70.3 and one IM.
Because I have a new job, I do not want to take more than 3 days off work if can help it. So a Th, Fr and M trip. I don't break the bank for a race I have no idea where I will be on the prepared scale. Yes, it's execution not fitness.
Here are some thoughts:
CDA: I've done the old course 2x, easy to get to from CA, however I am not sure if it's a key race. I read somewhere EN may not be doing Key race series in 2016?
IMWI: I did this in 2014 and it's my favorite. Not easy to get to from CA, but nice to have hotel shuttle transport to and from airport so no need to rent a car. Has been an EN key race.
Vineman: I can drive...it's a logistical nightmare and I most likely would not have a sherpa to help this year. Oh and the run is HELL. Not a key race, but it's close!!
Boulder: It's not close, but not clear across the country either. I love Boulder BUT the altitude may get me, I would not be able to take a week off to get acclimated.
Mpunt Tremblant: Obviously not close. I've heard nothing but great things about this race. EN key race..however, I have no idea how my year is going to unfold and doubt I will be as well trained as I'd like to cart myself across the country. Do I spend this amount of money not knowing how prepared I will be or not be?
Lake Placid: Of course I would love to do this with everyone else. I'd have to buy a charity slot..which is no problem BUT it's the lodging I am most concerned about. I am single and it's difficult to foot the bill for 4 nights let alone what happens in LP on race week. I'd need to share the lodging cost. This race I was saving for 2017 for my 50th but would love to do it with the gang.
My 70.3 will be St. George.
Thanks for your input!
Dana
Comments
Anu brings up another good option. I did 2 70.3s this year, and my biggest training week was 10 hours. I PR'd both races. I'll add to it by saying if you want to be time efficient, do a run-focused block. The 5-month block I did this year training to get faster for the marathon distance and do my first 50k was a whole lot of fun -- and my average training week was 6-8 hours. Running just has so much more ROI than cycling and swimming in terms of fitness / time.
Those are all great races, so you can't make a bad choice. Vineman will probably have the easiest logistics, since you can just drive up from LA. I wanted to do this race when it was independent. I hope WTC doesn't ruin it.
See you at St George!
Anu, as crazy as it may sound, I am more interested in doing full IM's then getting faster doing 70.3's. I was ill about 5 years ago and it's a miracle I recovered well enough to race again, but there were side effects ( body imbalances due to all of the medication), where I need to be careful of speed work. I believe my speed will come from racing smarter (execution) rather than physical work. Not that I don't want to get faster, my body is just different post-illness.
Jess, thank you for the offer and if I do Vineman, it would be nice knowing someone can help with the logistics. It's a great race, when I did both the full and 70.3, I was fortunate to have help.
Ed and Gabe, now you have me really thinking about Boulder and it was barely even on my list. I did a running camp many years ago and actually struggled with the altitude. But the bike is my weakness so perhaps I should sign up for that negative split.
I say whatever you choose, make it fun. Like 100% guaranteed fun. You'll have stress related to work, and the last thing you want is to feel like training is another "job" for you. The logistics of your window make it tough...you could fly out Wed night, so you are on the ground Thu/Fri (last day to reg)/ Sat / Sun and fly home on Mon.
As others have mentioned, there are plenty of ways to get fit and challenge yourself that don't involve racing itself...for that reason I'd pick a race a little later in your year so you have time to sort out your schedule and build your fitness up...
Keep me posted!
(note this is a recommendation from two guys who should absolutely HATE this race, but the overall quality overcomes a bad set of weather experiences!)