Ironman - Executive Challenge
Has anyone in the Haus ever done or consider doing the Ironman Executive Challenge? Do you know anyone who has? I am considering doing it for IMFL 2012... Seems like a 2x markup on an already expensive product, but you get guaranteed entry and a much higher probability of KQ. I probably still couldn't KQ through that program, but at least it would be within the realm of possibility... Flame away if you think this is a terrible idea. But please also let me know if you think it is good.
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I'm pretty sure Brian Comiskey has done it before... or I'm confusing it with the Janus charity thing.
You get some cool stuff, a swanky hotel room, and a coaching package. And, yes, you do get a better shot a KQ, but it's really iffy, as they never tell you what the AG's will be until after the race - like under 40 and over 40 categories. It seems people in the 10-11 hour range have a chance this way, not just the under 10 crowd.
If you really HAVE to do IM FL, and the foundation slots are gone, then it may be worth it to you. Or if you have been "on the bubble" for KQ, it might also be reasonable. Or maybe you want to get some one-on-one time with Paula Newby Fraser, or whomever they are touting this year to talk with you ahead of the race.
"It's WTC's world, we just live in it."
Bill Wiseman has done it for a 70.3 but you'd have to ask him if it was worth it!
I did NOLA last year thru XC and really enjoyed it. It's pricey, but they do really take care of you. You're typically racked in transition right next to pros, lots of benes and they handle much of the stressful admin stuff for you. Better chance of KQ but you have to earn it, still depends on who shows up ! Troy Ford runs it and is a great guy. You get most meals and rubbing elbows with pros is kinda cool.
Not for everyone but I'm doing it again. My 2 cents.
Bill
In 2010 the last time the XC was in FL, the KQ slots went to people from 10:36-11:02. My one and only IM was IMLou 2011 and I did 11:56:xx. I think if I improve on the bike after a 2nd yr of training and actually get some run fitness and go to a "darker" place on the run I can "on paper" imagine getting close to 11:00 on that course. This will of course also require a miracle type of lucky day, but I happen to believe in miracles... If I pull off that perfect race for me, this would still only give me about a 25% chance of KQ depending on what other 12 or so people happen to show up, but this will compare to the 0% chance of KQ I will have in IMNYC 2011 in the "regular" entry.
As far as the cost, a Foundation slot cost $1,250, but I would certainly pay more if they'd let me in. They include a 2BR/2Bath room for 5 days/4 nights that is probably worth $400/night or so and I could recoup half of the "cost" of that by sharing it with Carlo, but lets call it $1,600 of room value. Then throw in the Tri bike Transport which is included (~$125 or so) and all of the meals and swag (who knows but worth at least $250 or so). I put $0 value on the Troy Jacobson coaching program that you get (that I absolutely would not use) because I already have the best coaches and training community in the whole freakin' world. The VIP treatment/transition slot/pro stuff is cool, but I put very little actual value on that, but I do put some unquantifiable value on the admin help they will provide throughout the weekend. So "all-in" I can see about $3,500 worth of actual value to me after recouping some of the room cost. So at $5,700 it is hardly a bargain, but in my twisted mind can almost justify a ~1.6x markup. To have a "first class" experience.
I know Tucker will still think it's crazy, but he's a cheap basturd...
I'm doing IMNYC on Aug, 11, 2012 and IMFL is on November 3rd, 2011. It will be very hard "psychologically" for me to change IMNYC from my "A" race into a "B" race since I'll be racing with 30 other "Team ReserveAid" peeps to raise a ton of money for my charity... Do you think 12 weeks is enough time to recover and try to crush IMFL? I thought 1 week completely off, 1 week really light, 1 week as a transition, then the last 9 weeks of the IM plan.
Would still love to hear more thoughts/comments on the XC thing, but also on if you think it is possible for my 2nd and 3rd IM's to only be separated by 12 weeks, especially if I need to be strong and fast in the latter one?
And excuse me, if you do this, how are you going to unseat me from the race in your own backyard?
2 IM's in 3 months isn't ideal, but I think you can do it. But then again, if IMNJ is a big sufferfest, that may be hard to recover from.
The three month between ironman thing worked very well for me last year. St. george then big improvement at Regensburg.
Ahh hell! Its only money! Its not any less rational than when someone goes and spends an extra few thousand bucks on upgrading race wheels for a 3 minute improvement when they already have solid race wheels and the 3 minutes is meaningless. Or the nuts who will drop $1200 on the new Tyr wetsuit when their 2 year old QR suit has less than 6 hours of actual use. This sport has jumped the shark years ago as far as rational spending. At least with the Executive Challenge deal, you can share some of the fun with the family. Go for it and have a blast.
but its my only money!!!!!! LOL
Considering the fact there will be more entrants and only 50 slots at most races this year, may be the only way to get into Kona unless you are super human!
@Withrom Have heard nothing but good things about Glah and EST. They have slots to races. Check out website.
Debbie Raggals who is a new team member trying to learn en swears by EST, ping her as he probably hasn't figured out how to cruise the threads yet. If yu pm me, I can give yu her contact info.