Anybody ever heard of Wilderman?
I'm trying to figure out what to do for 2017...
I only know that I will NOT be doing an Ironman. But I was trying to figure out something cool to do. I KNOW that running is my limiter and if I'm ever going to get back into the IM game and actually try to make a push to be somewhat competitive, that I "should" just take a year and train like a runner... But I don't really have a bid for doing an "ultra" (R2R2R was enough for me). I haven't actually been on my bike since Vineman. I thought I'd just train for and try do do a FAST 5k (Fast for me anyways), so I've only been doing short running stuff, but it really hasn't gotten me all that interested in working out or training (especially in the MN winter). And as my wife Jess reminded me recently, I need to have something to actually train for or I simply don't workout and I eat like crap and I get fat. FWIW, I weighed 178lbs the week before Vineman and I weighed 210lbs last week...
I was Google searching for "Xterra races" and "Super hard offroad triathon" and stumbled across the Wilderman... It's only a ~6hr drive for me, and it seems hard. Like, real hard. The finishers of the "Half" distance vary from ~10 hours to ~18 hours... And the finishers of the "Full" were between ~16 hrs and ~25 hrs. But there are only like ~15 people who do the race each year (half and full combined). Sounds like there are some rough water stream crossings on the bike and run and some bush-whacking...
http://endracing.com/wilderman/course-book
"About: This is an epic race. Please--before you decide to do this race read the race reports from previous races (links at the bottom of the page). Go in to this baby with your eyes open...
If you thought IRONMAN™ (or even XTERRA™) was the end of the road - the big enchilada - the pinnacle of multi-disciplinary solo effort endurance sports - think again.
Think Harder---Think Better---Think Wilder.
Welcome to the Wilderman*"
2017 is supposed to be an "off" year for me, so I was thinking about doing the half. (but might be convinced to do the full).
Anyone want to try to convince me to do this race? Can anyone convince me to do a different (cooler) race instead (doesn't even have to be a tri)? "If" I do it, does anyone want to join me?
Comments
The epic nature , long duration, and killer reputation of this event would be a big attraction for you. It's right in your wheelhouse from a mental/comittment perspective. You should seriously consider doing this sucker. But if you are thinking training for it would make you a better runner for Ironman, well, I would differ.
Becoming a better runner means becoming a runner. Re-read Jenn Edwards' Kona report - you and she have a lot in common, both in terms of mental toughness and body type. Doing ultra runs or even marathons, and certainly not scrambling trail "runs" is not the route to a faster IM marathon. As another "I'm not a runner" person, I know the only thing that got me 20-40 minutes faster on my IM splits was putting in the time and work to, at least for a couple of years, train like a runner - 6-8 sets of track intervals/month, 45-55 mi/week for a 4-5 months at a time. I still hate to run - I'm writing this to avoid getting out the door to re-start running after some time in run jail with an injury - but I have learned to like going fast. For you that probably means some 18 minute 5Ks, a sub 3:10 marathon, and everything in between.
I came across this a couple months ago when I was looking for really stupid things to do for 2017. Maybe I'll do it in the future. I wanted to focus on MTBing and trail running. I've settled on the Leadman series:
http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/leadmanleadwoman/
I've never heard of it. Some folks think I'm sick for signing up for the Alaskaman Extreme Triathlon, but reading about this makes the Alaskaman seem like a walk in the park (at least until I get to the last 7 miles of the run). And 3X what Al said about the run.
@TC, switch is turned back the other way now. I guess I'm just a fat kid at heart...
@Al, agreed about this (or an ultra) not making me a better runner. I'm just not that excited/interested in/motivated by proper run training for a prolonged period of time. Thought about it for a few months and only managed to get fat and lazy... FWIW, I've never in my life broken 20:4o for a 5k, let alone 18mins!
@Jeremy, isn't this your year "off" as well? It would likely push me over the edge if you said you'd join me! That is if you're not too much of a wuss...
@Gabe, you can already run circles around me... I've never really mountain biked, and don't have the the logistics or time in my life right now to do it properly.
@Mark, my wife said no to Alaskaman...
@Leslie, I would likely try this on "minimalist" training if I do it, but will keep you posted.
@David, I wish...
JW - I'm sure you could convince me with another week bunking up together in Snowmass
Looks like a tough race and right up your alley. If you want to be a faster runner as Al mentioned you need to put in the time at the track and running faster. Sprinkle in some 5K races. Maybe this leads to a Boston qualifying Marathon attempt later in the year. Not sure its conducive to do the BQ early in 2018 plus you might be needing a OS to get back IM the following year.
Now if the 5k fast running does not get you motivated and off the couch then you need to find something else like Wilderman. The question is how badly do you want to be competitive in 2018 versus doing cool shit with your fitness?
I guess it's a function of creating a system vs using will power.
IOW, you have insane will power and can effect incredible short term ( say <1 year ) physical changes. Think race to race, etc. <br />
But to become a better runner, or a runner at the level you seek, you'll need something that transcends "a" goal. It could be series of such challenges that stack up, or maybe it's just a system we put into place to get you running.
My alternative to "do epic stuff" doesn't sound great, but it doesn't preclude being epic either...I am sure you have very effective systems in other areas of your life. Anything come to mind?
per the "i'm not a runner" comments, I fall squarely in those crosshairs.
the best advice I got came from TC, commit to being a runner year round. run 30 miles a week, every week, year in and year out... I started trying to do that, got to mid to high 20s for a few weeks, got over 30 for a couple, then I hit the holiday run challenge and became a runner, again...
now I am craving running, I am pushing hard to catch up a few runs and do the Slowtwitch 100/100 challenge. I am going to the gym at 9PM to get a 2nd 30' run for the day on the treddy...
need a goal? find a series of half marathons, they won't kill you on recovery and it's a good way to focus on speed...
But... I decided to do something in 2017 that I think will be a LOT HARDER for me instead of Wilderman. I'd love to have your feedback on how to actually accomplish it.
http://endurancenation.vanillacommunities.com/discussion/22556/jw-2017-run-focus-needs-guidance#latest