International travel 2 weeks prior to IM...crazy idea?

salzmadh

This may be one of the dumbest ideas ever, so don't laugh too loudly.  But at the same time was also thinking that enough people on this team work for a living so there might be a variety of opinons.  I might have an opportunity through work to travel to Lyon, France at the end of august just prior to IM wisconsin.  It would be 2 weekends before the race, approx aug 25-29 with IM MOO occuring on 9/9.  I would take my bike and find time to at least run and bike, swimming is unknown at this time. If I remember from the last 2 times that I did an IM the last 2 weeks are taper time...Ok fire away

mgraffeo

As long as you're back for 2 weeks, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Yes, you'll be in taper mode. At that point, it's about staying sharp and trusting that you've done the work.

as a side note, I wouldn't dream of travelling with my bike at that time, for a 4 day trip. Get there and run, see if you can find a way to swim, and get some rest (which is the most important thing you can be doing).

Of course, if you're going to IMoo with the goal of throwing down at the limit of your potential, maybe it isn't the best idea, but it shouldn't affect your performance all that much.

Paul Hough

In my book, international travel trumps IM anytime, anywhere. I would go in a heartbeat, but I agree with Mike...leave the bike. The best thing, however, is racing an IM internationally.

kkiefer

David, can not help you on the decision, but I been in Lyon several times, it a beautiful area to bike and run but you got a do it early in the morning due avoid traffic and humidity. Swimming should be no problem, there so cool open water places to swim, but you need a car for that, otherwise pools en-masse. But I guess it looks like you have only little time

Coach Patrick

Yes to bike and run; plan to get mucho riding in before you leave. Last thing you want is to have bike messed up in transit, etc, pre race!