The general Fink training thread is great, but sometimes I think I want somewhere to retreat to for a bit of reflection on running my own race so not to worry about the people who are swimming 3k, biking oooodles of miles and running 8 mm splits.
And for those of us planning 16 hours + at Outlaw, are going to be seeing a lot of each other on the run so we might as well get to know each other now!
Anyone else care to join me - or is it just me that has the occasional wibble that I'm going to be spending 9 hours on the bike and limping 26.2 miles after?? Thats assuming I don't drown first.
Comments
Hello Soup Dragon, glad you created this thread.
I am with you for certain, on speed or lack of. I currently manage 1:10 for 50m swim and have managed 21 mins for 800m as part of Winterswim. My runs are at about 12 to 12.5 min mile pace, so I am aware of the need for a bit of oomph to get me through the swim part within the time limit. My cycling is pants and so I am part of Team "Steady does it with the PSOF", Steve F is my bike leg man, then I am doing the run.
Soupy, I have absolutely no idea how I'm going to do on the day. People ask me what time I'm aiming for and others tell me what pace I should be aiming for in each leg to achieve a competitive result. However, it's all for nothing if I don't finish.
I'll be aiming to get over the line under 17 hours so I can lie in my tent afterwards knowing the training was worth it. If I get out the water in 1:10 (ha!) and grind my bike towards a potential 6 hour split (I can but dream), only to bonk by a grass verge somewhere well before the finish, I could only look back and think it was for nothing.
I hope to finish feeling I am worthy of all the advice and help I got off here. The main advice has been to train to finish, and to 'race' at the pace that will give me the best chance to do that.
I don't know if that helps, but all things being well I'll be meeting you several times along the route.
Slagiatt - I've gone under 16hrs but not by much, can I be included in this group too? Still in for IMW up to now.
"get out of the water in 1:10" - oh ha ha ha - best I've ever managed is 1:48. As you can tell, I'm not much of a swimmer! But swimming's not everything, when I did my 15hrs 51 my swim was a horrible 2:09!
Count me in, I'm the same as Vt'd no idea what time I will finish in but think 16/17 hours is about right.
Can't swim distance yet, can't bike distance, can't run distance. Only done 2 sprints slowly and a hm.
All I know us that I will keep training and do my best.
Hurray - I'm not on my own. Welcome to the exclusive club everyone.
TJ1004 - yep thats my attitude, keep training and do my best. I'm sticking to a zone 2 heart rate no matter how slow that makes me because I don't want to burn out or get injured. Better slow and getting to the end than not even making the start line.
I've got a swimming lesson tonight in an endless pool. I'm learning TI and still doing drills. Not even swam more than a 25m length of the pool for the last 4 or 5 weeks. The theory is that while I'm learning a new stroke I don't want to continue to imprint my old inefficient one but its a bit unnerving.
DK - I'm hoping to only be in the saddle for 8 hours! "only" (gulp). But my ride at the weekend averaged 13mph.
I'm sure we can all do this. We might just need to keep reminding each other.
don't panic about not being able to do any of the distances yet. If it's your first one then you won't be able to... that's why you've got months of training ahead of you still to do.
Keep the faith - you can & you will do it! Whether it's pretty or not will depend on how much you give to it - some good DNA helps too
and beer
More importantly it leaves nothing in the bag for contingency. Finishing an Ironman is as much about the mental challenge and overcoming problems on the day, id say its unusual for most of us to complete an Ironman without something unplanned happening, punctures, injuries, stomach problems, fueling issues etc etc.
Whilst I can understand the sentiment there seems a recurring theme of people trying to claim they'll be the slowest.
Lets turn all this energy into a positive, 16-17 hours is a long time. If you cant see yourself finishing inside 16 hours there is something wrong with your training, your motivation or your goal. Yes by all means aim to get round but leave something in the bank in case your day doesnt go to plan.
Im not being meaning to be mean but give yourself a talking to! Dont be a DNF on the day from lack of preparation whether that be the appropriate training or mental preparation.
After posting the above I went back and refected on Soupy's post. Not picking you out individually but self doubt is something we all have. You can have doubt about completing the swim, how long the bikes going to take etc etc.
The only way to deal with doubt is to do something about! e.g. lets say youre a weak cycling. Well ask yourself how many miles a week are you doing? is it enough? if not do more? What are you doing this weekend, whats stopping you pushing the planned 3 hour ride up to a 5 hour ride?
Now come on Pirates, we're all in this together.
Barlos is right, this thread is an excellent 'Just finish' thread and you will get all the help and encouragement but put a positive spin on it, get away from that cut-off, use the training time wisely, take advantage of good weather windows and JFDI, no one else will do it for you
Chances are some of you will be really surprised by your performance at Outlaw. Ive seen similar sentiments expressed every year, some of whom expressing them knuckle down and hammer out a sub 13.00 some take longer but you get out what you put in.
All im saying is think about the goal youre setting yourself, are you making every opportunity of the many many weeks until race day?
Even more importantly Ive got a chick'in to pay back
Ironman is about dreams. Dream higher and realise it. Put the focused training in. Really think about what each session is trying to achieve and you will see the results.
Ironman can be tough. Make it easier on yourselves and put yourself in the position to do well for you.
Then on the day live in the moment - anything can happen.
Still thing he'll get chicked.