TriathaNewbie.com: Ready for an Ironman

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Ready for an Ironman

Ok so my question is about when do you decide you are ready for a full Iron Distance Tri? On one hand I know that another year would get me better prepared. However, on the other hand I will most likely never have the time I have right now to train for this event which I think is perhaps is even more important. My Background I have run 8 marathons all in the past 3 years. My best time is 4:35 and my worst is just a little over 5 hours. The Goofy run just a month ago in Disney. I started doing Triathlons 4 years ago. I did my first sprint and liked it. Did a couple more sprints that year. The following year I loaded up my schedule and did like 4 or 5 sprints and my first Olympic distance tri. last year I did just a couple sprints, one olympic and my first 1/2 Iron distance RI Firm Man, Great Event. My final time was 6:14. I followed up that event in September with the Hartford Marathon (October), Seattle marathon (November), Disney Goofy Run (January). So Last year I also did the Vermont Marathon in May. In the last 12 months I have done 4 marathons, 2 sprints, an olympic and my first 1/2. Anyhow, you get the point. I am Divorced (2.5 years ago) will be 35 in May and feel if I am ever going to have the time to dedicate to this it is now. My family is behind me and my current girlfriend is in 100% support. I also have a great group of friends that are ready to support me as soon as I annouce my next challenge. I plan of doing this for charity so my goal is to finish without suffering to much. I am not looking to qualify for anything or win my age group or anything crazy like that.

My question is: Do you think setting a goal of September to do the REV 3 Full in Sandusky Ohio is to agressive? Also if not how many 1/2\'s should I do this year prior to the event as part of my training? I have my eye on Mooseman Iron Man (June) and Providence Iron Man (July)? Well I look forward to your thoughts and comments.

Paige from Georgia

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Hi Shawn,
Thank you for contacting TriathaNewbie.com!

With all of those marathons, olympic and sprint tris under your belt and that “grab life by two hands” attitude, we think you’re in a great position physically and mentally to train for a half ironman. Full Ironman training takes about 9 months (if you have a decent grasp of the disciplines and a decent aerobic base) and you’re doing half that with those obstacles behind you.

We suggest that you grab some great training guides either online or at the book store and get moving. Here are a few we found:

We are confident that you can discipline yourself to follow the guides and will make the best out of your first Half Ironman.

Please be sure to let us know how it goes. We can post your story for others to read and be inspired by!

Be well.
~Jack

Jack Shaw
TriathaNewbie.com


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