IM planning for 50+

mookyj

 Hi, I'm currently in OS, then switching to 12 weeks to do Ironman Syracuse 70.3. Coming back after a long hiatus (raced alot in mid 90's) In additon, gained a lot of weight. Was 238 two years ago, today- down to 191. Target weight 160 (5' 9.5" tall) Back then I considered my self a biker first, runner 2nd, the swim I did little traning for. Nowadays, I think i'm more of a runner first, biker 2nd, and now train weekly for the swim.

My actual question: With 104.6 ironman events being sold out a year in advanced in many cases I am seeking opinions of waiting to do a full IM in 2013 (register for LP is one possible race), or come off HIM Syracuse, and maybe do Rev3 Cedar Point in Ohio 11 weeks after HIM Syracuse. with the goal of just finishing and looking good doing it. Louisville would be 8 weeks and too close I think. Rev 3 Floride or the SC event are also possible. WIth $600 registrations I need to be well thought out as to being prepared, and not winging it. Being almost 52, I also need to think about additional recovery, and enjoying the ride. I'm not favoring one idea over the other, but I do need to think about planning and goals for next 12-18 months

Syracuse is my 'A' race, so a lot depends on how well it goes (thinking 6 to 6:30), no significant injuries, and I hit my weight targets. 

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

 

Mike

mookyj

 is this the right forum to post this?

Gordon Cherwoniak

Mike,

I take a shot at some comments.  There are a couple places that you could seek specific advice.  We have a boomers and beyond forum, but they do post here also.  If you want specific feedback from the coaches post your question in the Macro thread in this forum. Rich or Patrick may see it here but you are guaranteed a response from one of them in that thread.

As you point out recovery is key and if you take longer to recover from a hard HIM effort then Louisville maybe too close.  I believe that the in house discussion on timining of a HIM is 8 weeks is the closest that you absolutely want it.  So the Rev 3 Cedar Point maybe a better choice if you want to get a full in this season.  I'm not sure on the dates of the other Rev3 races that you mention but be wary of an early season 1/2 and then going very late in to the race season on you first year.  Get back to the OS in November and create some speed for IM in 2013.

I don't think there is a wrong answer here and either is a possibilty but given you are just getting back in the game and working on body composition and worried about recovery/durability why not just focus on a couple 1/2's and call it a season. 

LP is a possibilty for 2013 depending upon renewal of the contract.  I believe 2012 is the last year and they have to renew after this  years race. 

Gordon

mookyj

Thanks!

Coach Patrick

Mike, x2 what gordon said. There are a lot cooler things you can do with your fitness than an IM. Not to mention that you could get a lot fitter putting in some big bike miles middle of the season and then targeting a later season half...that'll set you up well for a good OS (without burnout) and a solid 2013!

mookyj

 THanks Patrick! Always trying to see how far I can take it    another round of OS before I go for the brass ring sounds good!

dayooper951

As mentioned all ready getting some more training time in and a second half iron would be a good year of training. If for some reason a full iron cant wait til 2013 you could always do Beach 2 Battleship. That would give you an additonal 5 or 6 weeks of training compared to Rev3 at cp.

coop6

Mike, whatever year you decide to do the full, I think Rev3 full is a nice race for a first timer just looking to enjoy the ride. It's very well organized, the course is nice, and the numbers are small enough that you don't take that bad of a beating on the swim start. It was my first full in 2010, and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Good luck!