The Triathlon thread - Ironman, 70.3, Olympic, Sprint
Discussion
Gargamel said:
What is the total climb on the bike ? Seems a lot of power for the time, so I am guessing there is plenty of up.
Zurich was 1500m climb.
Great effort by the way, I read about Norseman a while ago, and the jump off the ferry sounded exciting and a little bit intimidating at the same time.
Hard to say, I've seen strava rides for anything from 9500 feet to 13,000 feet. Mine suggested 11402 feet which is about 3500 metres. Zurich was 1500m climb.
Great effort by the way, I read about Norseman a while ago, and the jump off the ferry sounded exciting and a little bit intimidating at the same time.
This was my ride, which hopefully works for anyone on strava. https://www.strava.com/activities/2587752150
Also, I'm heavy, so the power might look flattering at best, but atrocious when plotted against weight!
Did anyone get post ironman blues?
I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
El stovey said:
Did anyone get post ironman blues?
I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
Have you tried a challenge for a charity? I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
My next door neighbour rode to Amsterdam for charity, there was a few of them and the raised hundreds of thousands for the hospice she works at!
I ran a normal marathon and used it as an excuse to raise some money! Gets you motivated as people want to see you finish and many ask your time!!
El stovey said:
Did anyone get post ironman blues?
I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
I watched a documentary on Netflix about The Barkley Marathon, and that looked horrific!I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
El stovey said:
Did anyone get post ironman blues?
I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
I was reading a blog yesterday that had a quote: 'the glory is in the doing, not in the finishing'. It's something I've felt for a while now - I often feel deflated after a long race as it means coming back to the world, my last one was five days through Wales across the tops - gruelling, but I was happier on the hill than in the coach going home - maybe it's a bit of that...? So, for the first time in a while I haven't a plan for next year for my A race, or B races for that matter, instead I'm going to try my hand at some of the long fell rounds.I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
You're spoiled for choice nowadays Stovey - all sorts of MdS alternatives. I've done it a few times and it really is special, but that was back when there was little else, and it was a bit cheaper too! There are some great UK ones - not so exotic but if you want a challenge look at Spine, Dragon's Back, Cape Wrath Ultra 8 day etc etc. All very character building
I think I’m looking for something that looks horrific and scary, has some kind of awesome reputation (to inspire me and general boasting) and that I can train for without my wife leaving me. Maybe that the family can actually attend and be part of.
I’ve tried to convince them that being my support crew in the English Channel would be fun but apparently it’s not.
I really enjoy open water swimming and running and the cycling. So IM was a natural thing to get into but I feel a bit like I’ve done it and want something else.
I think it’s the training that I enjoy the most though. The routine and the long swims and runs in particular.
It’s great for your mind and wellbeing, I just switch off on long swims and it feels amazing.
I’ve tried to convince them that being my support crew in the English Channel would be fun but apparently it’s not.
I really enjoy open water swimming and running and the cycling. So IM was a natural thing to get into but I feel a bit like I’ve done it and want something else.
I think it’s the training that I enjoy the most though. The routine and the long swims and runs in particular.
It’s great for your mind and wellbeing, I just switch off on long swims and it feels amazing.
andy_s said:
El stovey said:
Did anyone get post ironman blues?
I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
I was reading a blog yesterday that had a quote: 'the glory is in the doing, not in the finishing'. It's something I've felt for a while now - I often feel deflated after a long race as it means coming back to the world, my last one was five days through Wales across the tops - gruelling, but I was happier on the hill than in the coach going home - maybe it's a bit of that...? So, for the first time in a while I haven't a plan for next year for my A race, or B races for that matter, instead I'm going to try my hand at some of the long fell rounds.I did IM U.K. Bolton a few years ago and enjoyed it loads but afterwards thought it was a bit pointless, my mate and I keep talking about doing a flat one to get a better time but haven’t really done it.
I think I was inspired by seeing IM on tv years ago in the rain and thinking it looked awful, which perversely made me want to do it.
I’ve done loads of Olympic and sprints but they’re always a bit frantic, I think I just enjoy the training more TBH but the events are something to aim for.
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
You're spoiled for choice nowadays Stovey - all sorts of MdS alternatives. I've done it a few times and it really is special, but that was back when there was little else, and it was a bit cheaper too! There are some great UK ones - not so exotic but if you want a challenge look at Spine, Dragon's Back, Cape Wrath Ultra 8 day etc etc. All very character building
I have been looking at bigger and better adventures. MdS looks good but its eye staggeringly expensive and involves a lot of logistics. As Andy says plenty of other things available in the UK. I like adversity, so st weather, mountains, tough courses. Things I have thinking about are:
Channel Swim - I am a good swimmer so good event. Put off by having to join the oddment fraternity that inhabit Dover harbor of a Saturday morning, plus cost and having to plan years out.
Spine Race - definitely aiming for this in a couple of years. Bad weather & mountains! Plus it has a thought element to it. Got to get your tactics, nutrition, gear correct. Its not just turn up with nothing and run
The Exodus - 100 miles across the Brecon Beacons in December. Aiming for that next year.
UTMB - Another possibility Exodus and 1 other event will give me the points. But it is a lottery entry
Yukon Arctic Ultra - This is a few years in the future, when the kids are older and I have more time and money. Various options but the top is a 430 mile from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Expensive, logistically challenging, extreme weather (-30 c not unheard of)
LEJOG - self supported on me tod. Possibility for next year or year after
UKSF Events - AEE run some of the test marches from SAS/SBS selection. Humping across the Brecons carrying 50lbs of kit navigating point to point.
Am still considering revisiting IM Lanzarote to actually do it, but every-time I think about 6 hour bike rides I lose interest.
Some of those events are big dreams and maybe pipe-dreams, others are easily achievable and will build towards the bigger ones. Some fell running as well I am looking at. They cost buttons to enter and look good.
Just got to find that challenge that excites you
El stovey said:
Did anyone get post ironman blues?
Personally, no. A race has the total opposite effect on me. I find it exceptionally life affirming and inspirational - the travel, the people, the support, the whole build up and race day. Post race, I love to analyse my data - see what I did right, see what I did wrong and how can I fix things if it did.El stovey said:
What other challenges have people done after Ironman, I’m slowly getting fat thinking about a Chanel swim or the MDS maybe?
I was asked by a swim coach did I want to take part in a relay to cross the Channel. I was bang up for it, until she did that the first thing I had to do was put on 3 stone, so that may be advantageous for you at the moment! End of conversation for me though!!!I've thought about MDS, but the last time I looked at it, it was going to part me with about £8 - £10k and whilst it didn't really dent my enthusiasm, I'd prefer to spend the money on IM races.
And that's the the thing with me really - I don't see an IM as a "one-off". I want to get better at it. Other single discipline events I do (marathons, swims, sportives) are just to focus one of my disciplines.
El stovey said:
I think I’m looking for something that looks horrific and scary, has some kind of awesome reputation (to inspire me and general boasting) and that I can train for without my wife leaving me. Maybe that the family can actually attend and be part of.
I can highly recommend one of the NXTri events. Exceptionally tough. Beautiful locations. Outside of triathlon, these are just a couple of I've looked at:-https://www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/
https://xtremeidfjord.no/expedition-amundsen/
but there's loads of stuff out there to do - depends what floats your boat!
Made me starting looking to the details of things I want to do. Forgot how hard it is to pick a big race and then enter it. To do this race you have to done that one, to do that one you need to do this etc etc. Fine if you have a long history of ultras but you cant just pick it up and do it.
Thought I'd just update this.
Been training well, managing to get some good sessions in!
Quick run tonight then a longer run on Sat or Sun
Swim times seem to be coming down did 2000m in 46mins yesterday (33m pool no tumble turns) without going mad hope to get sub 40mins over the winter
Been on the bike a bit, couple of long rides and a few hilly 10 milers
Been really enjoyable and seems it fits in around work and family.
Think I will buy a decent gps watch this weekend as tracking my workouts will become more important and motivating.
Been training well, managing to get some good sessions in!
Quick run tonight then a longer run on Sat or Sun
Swim times seem to be coming down did 2000m in 46mins yesterday (33m pool no tumble turns) without going mad hope to get sub 40mins over the winter
Been on the bike a bit, couple of long rides and a few hilly 10 milers
Been really enjoyable and seems it fits in around work and family.
Think I will buy a decent gps watch this weekend as tracking my workouts will become more important and motivating.
dangerousB said:
Well, that's my winter officially sorted!!!
All I need to do is get my name called out in the Norseman ballot next month and 2020 will be perfect
Even if that doesn't happen (like it hasn't for 6 years running!), I cannot wait for Lanzarote. Such an awesome event!
70.3 or full distance?
joshcowin said:
dangerousB said:
Well, that's my winter officially sorted!!!
All I need to do is get my name called out in the Norseman ballot next month and 2020 will be perfect
Even if that doesn't happen (like it hasn't for 6 years running!), I cannot wait for Lanzarote. Such an awesome event!
70.3 or full distance?
The other place I'd recommend is Alcudia or Puerto Pollensa in Majorca - further north obviously, but another place that's got everything you need.
I'm in for the full distance race at the end of May next year - I think the 70.3 is in about 3 weeks time - that's definitely too soon to get myself sorted!
El stovey said:
Did anyone get post ironman blues?
Ive done 2 now.Zurich in 15h26
Roth in 14:45
Both times, not performed as well as I potentially could have. Not even as well as training went prior to either. I don't think I'll be Kona Q'ing, but probably somewhere around 12-13hours if I get everything right. Both have numerous little faults that add up. (so far no repetition of a fault, its just always something I've never had before in races or training! )
Big one is nutrition. Just cant get it right consistently. So I get GI issues. Killed my run both times.
So I get "post Blues" based on that. The feeling that I didn't execute to use the Americanism.
I consider IM an unfinished business situation, but the cost (financial and time commitment) means I don't like to do them every year. I wouldn't be surprised if I do another in 2021 or 2022. Frankfurt or Nice are probable's. Austria or Norway on the "maybe" at this stage.
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