Thinking of 2010
With the dark memories of IMFL (mostly) behind me, I'm starting to turn my attention to 2010. Can't seem to fully commit yet to one COA or another. On the one hand...do several 70.3s and that's it. On the other, maybe one 70.3 and then an IM (IMOO probably). With that in mind, here is are two plans.
The "I'm determined to run a good IM race in 2010 plan"
Feb 21 Marathon (confidence builder, I need it)
May FL IM 70.3
Aug Leadville 100 (long shot)
Sept IMOO
The "Let's chill out and have fun plan"
Feb 21 Half Marathon (why not?!)
Apr IM 70.3 New Orleans
May IM 70.3 St Croix
July RAGBRAI
Aug Leadville 100 (long shot)
Sep IM 70.3 Augusta
Nov Miami Man 70.3
I figure for COA 1: start marathon training about Dec 1. Finish the mary and take a week off, then roll into OS. That puts me 8 weeks into OS for FL 70.3 (shouldn't be an issue). Finish OS, take 2 weeks off. Begin IMOO training. Execute IMOO well. Retire from IM racing.
For COA 2, I'd start half mary training about the same time (obviously a lot less intensity required). Integrate OS into half mary plan starting mid Jan. Don't really know how to train for Leadville 100 but I'll figure it out. Pick up last half of OS in order to get ready for Sept/Nov 70.3s.
I'm leaning towards COA1 just because IMFL is gonna nag at me until I can put it to rest by doing better. And I don't necessarily mean time wise, I mean execution wise and not having anything externally that makes my day go awry. If my day goes awry, I want to know that I messed it up, not something external.
Thoughts?
Comments
James -
I think attempting the LV 100 trail run would be awesome but believe I could not handle training for that as well as having ambitions of any other event either a few months before or after the event. Standard training for a 100 miler usually entails weekends of back-to-back long runs once well into the training. For example 20 miles on Sat and 20 miles on Sun. Such wear and tear, in addition to mid-week maintenance runs would not leave me physically or mentally available for any other events.
Bottom line....if LV 100 is on your radar, then go for it. A huge accomplishment perhaps greater than an IM, but think carefully before thinking about putting other events on schedule 2 - 3 months leading up to the race. I have a 50 mile run under my belt and have on my bucket list to do the Western States 100 some day. As such I'm interested in hearing about the training and the actual race experience should you choose that path.
P
Quite correct I should have specified. Contemplating the LV 100 MTB race so...biking only. I think I could fit that in to a training plan, especially if LV goal was "just finish".
Thanks David and Coach P.
I was actually thinking of the LV MTB 100 vice the trail run, should have specified.
Coach P, after executing a less than stellar mary at IMFL, I'd like to know that I can execute a full mary using whatever execution plan I come up with. Of course, I'd use the EN methodology, just don't yet know what my pace goals would be. The other reason to possibly try a mary is to get a BQ. I ~think~ that I've got the ability to train to that level; of course, mid way through the training cycle I'd have a good idea if my VDOT was progressing enough to make it realistic that I'd have a shot at a BQ. And if not, then the primary focus would be to practice executing a good marathon. Also, I'd still have lots of time to enter the OS and get stupid fast and raise my roof on the bike.
Thoughts not on your overall plan, but just on using IMMoo as a way to make up for performance issues at IM FL. The courses are so different, and the weather so unpredictable, that the definitions of success will be hard to correlate between the two. For example, I'm very happy with 11:30 at CDA or Madison, or even 12 hours if it is in the 90s; a similar time at AZ or Florida would be a major disappointment.
Having said that, if you have demons still vexing you from two weeks ago, and they can only be expunged with another IM, than that is what you must do, isn't it? Leadville in August would not in any way interfere with that plan, IMO.
You are correct Al, of course.
I don't define success merely in terms of time. My time at IMFL was not what it should have been thus...not a complete success for me. More importantly, I didn't perform up to my expected fitness levels (poor prep? outside factors?) and that is why it wasn't a success. I'll know if I have a good race no matter where I race it, and the time is pretty inconsquential.
Here's my 2 cents, as someone who had a less than what I hoped for IM at IMFL due to falling apart on the run, took a year "off" to have fun and get faster, and then went on to have one hell of a kick ass race at IMWI with a much better run- which was my goal.
I've watched you over this past year- this was one loooooong ass year for you. Lots of highs, a few lows, but in the end, a long time to keep your head on strait. Oh yeah, and you have that adorable little baby boy too!
Take 2010 to kick back, have fun, race shorter/faster stuff, and just enjoy being a dad.
Plan for your IM redemption in 2011 and register for whatever race fits your calendar best at that time. Your head and your body will be ready and hungry for the challenge. IMFL seems like a great venue for you as someone who mostly trains in flatter areas. But- if your definition of success at your next race is very simple "A good run" and you throw away all time goals- you can have success at another venue without worrying about the fact that you might have been faster at IMFL.