Worred about cut-off times, IMLOO

Christy Beal

I am doing IM LOO next month and I would apprecate some advice. I am doing the beginner plan

I have made almost all of the workouts, but I am very slow. RR#1 I road 97 miles in 6H on a fairly flat course - and then ran 5 at 11:20,right on target. My longest run has been 14 miles for 150 minutes. I felt great and I know I could keep that up for a long while, but I am not sure if I can do it for 26 miles. 

I think the entire bike will take me 7h30 min if all goes to plan and the run will take 5.5 or 6 hours.

I think that I can do the swim in 1h15 but I am very worried that I will not make the bike cut-off.

I guess there is not much I can do, but I would appreciate any reassurance and advice, especially from some of the slower peeps.

Thank you

Christy

 

carls10

Christy I feel your pain. I did IMLP in 2010 with a 1:05 swim, 8:20 bike and 5:20 run. My second RR that year was only 90 miles in overv6 hours.
I wouldn't stress too much, it's just wasted energy. I feel like that could really take you out of your box on race day. I would make some small incremental goals on the bike to keep you on track.

GMAN 19030

Christy, there are two bike cutoffs at IMLou. You must be starting the second loop by 2:30 pm and finished by 6:20 pm. I know the TT start of the swim makes it difficult to know exactly when you'll be starting but don't they run through everyone in 40 minutes or so? Worst case scenario is that you're starting at 7:40. That means you'll be finished swimming around 9:00. That gives you 5:30 to bike 60 miles (10.9 mph) and 9:20 to bike 112 miles (12 mph). I wouldn't worry about it at all.

Brenda Ross

I agree with Carly. Just keep up with the training. Putting your energy toward worrying is wasting your energy. Looks like you will have plenty of time after reading the info above.

Tom Glynn

What Brenda says! We all get nervous before the race and start questioning everything. When in doubt, it's time for a glass of wine

On my first IM, I was very, very concerned about drowning. At the athlete meeting I asked exactly where the cut-off line was; did it include T1 time, etc. Everyone laughed at me, and yes, I made the cut-off.

Good luck!

coop6

After reading Bob's summary, it looks like you are fine for time. If you can't stop worrying, think about how to make your T1, T2 and special needs stops as efficient as possible. It will give your brain something to do besides worry, and you might save a few minutes over the course of the day.
Good luck!

Nate Parady

Christy, Agree 100% with the responses so far. I think Bob really shows that you will have time. If you want something to focus on while training for the next month, practice peeing on the bike...that will earn you lots of time on your bike split.

JenRich

Hi Christy - I'm a slower peep I did IMAZ last year and also was worried about cut offs. Honestly, I think you'll be fine. Last year (before I was with EN) my longest rides leading up to the race were two 90 mile rides that I did in about 6 1/2 hours or so. I ended up doing the cycling portion of the IMAZ in under 7 1/2 hours (and I stopped at least 3-4 times for various reasons (bathroom, special needs bag, etc.). I'm also a slow swimmer (much slower than you). Like Tom, I was very very concerned about never making it out of the water -- but it all went fine. I finished the race with a little time to spare, and a smile on my face. Like everyone else here, I agree: try not to worry, and it really looks like you should be fine for time. Good luck!

robin sarner

You will be fine.       Relax during the race.     Do your paces.    You will be fine.   

kimmydct

Slow peep here! I had the same worry about my first HIM, Timberman. There were also 2 cutoffs that I ended up making on the bike and finished the bike with 45 mins to spare. That being said, I probably pushed too hard on the bike cuz my run ending up sucking extra bad (sounds like our long run paces are close, but I'm still a bit slower). I didn't have power last year and that would have helped me pace the bike better. That being said, I would say keep up with the training and you should be just fine. On race day, try to relax, but watch the clock at the same time, while trying not to push too hard and as Rich says, "booger" your run. (Yes, a lot to think about all at the same time) What Coach P said was to do what it takes to hit the bike cutoff.... Hope that helps!

Nate Parady

the only thing that I think is missing in terms of cut off times in general and not specifically for Christy's question is: Christy, your gonna be fine...

IMO, If I am ever in a position on the bike course of an Ironman where I think I'm at risk of missing a cut off time because of ability, injury, nutrition, mechanical, etc...when I get to mile 90 or 95 of the bike course and think its gonna be close, I'm not going to sit at .67IF or .70IF...I'm going to push the pace best I can and sacrifice the run a bit so I can make the cut off. I would rather walk more or run slower vice missing the bike cut off time because I was sitting at a lower effort. Couldn't really make that call until you are pretty far along in your day...up until then, its easy pace, just keep moving forward...Never been in that situation, but that's what's in the back of my mind.

Christy Beal

Oh my gosh, thank you all for the reassuring words. I wish I could control the worrying better, I have already started having those crazy anxiety dreams, like where I realize 10 miles into the bike I forgot my helmet and I have to go all the way back and get it. Stupid, I know.

It's reassuring to hear that so many other people worry about the times, it seemed so reasonable three months ago, but now that I am getting close, the amount of time seems surprising short.

Carly - I am reassured to hear that you too had a less than 112 mile RR and still made the cutoff, the bike is where I really worry.

Bob - that makes me feel a lot better about the times, I had looked at the cut-offs in time left over until I hit the cut-off and not speed. I know that I can hold more than 12 mph even on a hilly course.

Sarah - this is a good idea, I will practice my transitions and it will make me feel better about wasting time. This is something I can control.

Nate - I haven't figured out the peeing on the bike yet, I don't want to pee on the bottles. BLECH! I wish I could just to freak out my husband.

Jennifer - good to hear you could stop and still make the cut-off, I was worried about not having the time to run to the porta-potties.

Robin - I printed out your comment and put it on the fridge.

Kim and Nate - Good advice, I think I am going to write the necessary splits on my bike, cause I tend to have a lot of trouble with math when I race. This way I will know if I have to pick it up at mile 90. Upside is I hear that the course is downhill for the last 30 or so miles, but I don't want to count on that as a time-saving device.

Nate Parady

Christy, I think lots of folks don't go 112 for their RR. First and only time I have gone 112 miles was last year at IMLP...

rmiller

I'll also add to the list of people saying don't worry about it, as I also only hit the 90-something mile mark during a 6 hr ride. I found I was better fueled on race day than I ever was during training because I had access to 20 oz bottles of sports drink every 10 miles vs having to carry it myself or finding a place to stop mid-training ride. Also, don't underestimate the effects of legal drafting in an IM race.

Joseph Lombardi

 Just one more person to tell you don'tworry...I did IM Lou last year...my first...I never did 112miles in training...maxed at 100...don't forget you will be well rested on race day...you are at the peak of volume right now...I was faster on race day than on any of my RR's at the same HR effort...focus on execution...staying in your box...you will be fine....I'm headed back to L'vill again this year...so see you at the finish line! 

tengen10

Christy,

That's a very real concern. I validated my "slow peeps" credential with a DNF in 2008 at IMLOU. I made the bike cut-off by about 10 minutes and I was relatively fit at the time, having posted a 3 hour ride in a 70.3 a month prior.

Things I did that caused my to unfold like it did:

* Ate hot pockets the day before and got sick (fix: try it training first)
* Stopped drinking coffee while in Louisville. (fix: don't change habits near or on race day)
* Started swim toward the back of the line. (fix: get in line earlier)

My advice, trust your training and stay in the box on race day.

[Deleted User]

Glad to read all of these responses to Christy's post! I too am concerned about cutoff times, especially when I don't know when I'll actually get to the barge and into the water (at IMNY/NJ!). I'm mostly concerned about the bike since my RR#2 up in the Palisades was so slow! But I will take all of your advice to Christy:-) And Christy, I'm sure you will be just fine!