What to do after ironman?

[joenali]

Yep, I'm thinking about what happens after and I haven't even done the race yet. It's been almost 30 weeks of training. I've been using a schedule for a long time, I'm scared to not have a schedule, lol! Here are some ideas:

1. There is an Olympic distance about two weeks after IM, I would just do it to have fun and get one more race in before the end of the season.
2. Obviously, take a break
3. Focus on swimming, there are a few masters meets in October and November that I would like to do.
4. Focus on running and maybe doing a half marathon in November. this time to try to go a sub two hours, so possibly working with a running coach...maybe on the coach part.
5.sign up for another IM
6. All of the above??

[trigal]

Plan something. A race or other event. You will feel a big let down after IM. An Oly two weeks out is soon. Don't expect to be wanting to run too much! But, find something! You also have the beginning of the school year to focus on too.

[joenali]

Jul 18, 2013 13:44:10 GMT -5 trigal said:

Plan something. A race or other event. You will feel a big let down after IM. An Oly two weeks out is soon. Don't expect to be wanting to run too much! But, find something! You also have the beginning of the school year to focus on too.

La,la,la,la,la, I can't hear you, beginning of the school year?? You mean I have to go back to work?

[shorewife]

I bet something will come to you as you are resting and recovering on the couch for a few weeks!

[trigal]

Jul 18, 2013 13:46:13 GMT -5 joenali said:

Jul 18, 2013 13:44:10 GMT -5 trigal said:

Plan something. A race or other event. You will feel a big let down after IM. An Oly two weeks out is soon. Don't expect to be wanting to run too much! But, find something! You also have the beginning of the school year to focus on too.

La,la,la,la,la, I can't hear you, beginning of the school year?? You mean I have to go back to work?

I know, I know! But... It does give you something to focus on. And, you will be tired. It can take a couple of months to recover from an Ironman, so having something to do can be a nice distraction!

[katandkevin]

I just started my intense training and I have already thought about it. I intend to take a break and then work on my swimming. It is the one thing that I truly love and am not willing to give up. I will be a great relay partner and volunteer in the months following IM.

[sadlebred]

Cyclocross! Tons of races in your area!

[joenali]

Jul 18, 2013 15:24:48 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Cyclocross! Tons of races in your area!

Hmmm, that would mean a new bike would be in my future as well!!!

[katinthehat]

I think most of my friends that did IMTX in May are doing shorter distance sprint tris this summer. Just last night one of them was talking about what a challenge it was for her to go back to shorter faster things. Maybe try to get in a super fast fall 5K?

[sadlebred]

Jul 18, 2013 15:25:50 GMT -5 joenali said:

Jul 18, 2013 15:24:48 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Cyclocross! Tons of races in your area!

Hmmm, that would mean a new bike would be in my future as well!!!

The correct number of bikes to own is n+1 where n is the current number of bikes you have.

[trigal]

Jul 18, 2013 20:57:56 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Jul 18, 2013 15:25:50 GMT -5 joenali said:

Hmmm, that would mean a new bike would be in my future as well!!!

The correct number of bikes to own is n+1 where n is the current number of bikes you have.

Ditto!

[hannahb]

I think if I ever did an ironman the immediate thing I would do would be to fly to an island somewhere and drink cocktails on the beach.

[gt7301b]

I can only speak to number 4, but if you want to run a sub 2 hr half I recommend checking out Pfitziner's half plan in Road Racing for Serious Runner's.  I followed his plan and knocked five minutes of my half.

[trigal]

Actually, if I were you, I'd probably focus on the Oct/Nov swim meets. You love to swim and it's better on your body after an IM. Then, work on running if that is a goal. You can always do a half-marathon in the spring.

[Stingyshark]

7. TAKE A NAP

[jene]

what Stingyshark said, but have a cocktail first!