[MHMarks]

When does IM Coeur d'Alene generally sell out?
Unfortunately I don't have the money for IM texas as only foundation slots are sold out and I think this next summer would be the time to do an IM

[MHMarks]

Also, as I'm sure you all know I've been flirting with the IM idea for quite some time now, and every time I think about it I get that fluttery feeling that is normally only felt when a pretty girl is in the room. That might be a bad sign, but I've got the bug and I believe I've gotten enough experience to take the step, especially after the DWRM (dallas white rock mary)this december.

Anyway, any advice from you vets have to throw my way in pre-preparation, preparation, or any general advice (even basic reminders) are definitely welcome.

[wsjinames]

Normally for WTC races, on-site registration for year 20XX is the day after the race in year 20XX-1, e.g., you attend the 2010 race (or at least turn up the next morning) to register in 2011. You're pretty much guaranteed a slot if you do this. If you volunteer for the race, you get priority registration.

Some of the races sell out either on-site or within minutes of going on sale, which is usually the next day; some of them last a few days or weeks. Your best bet is to look at the web site for the race you want to do in the week or two before it's held. If the information isn't already on teh site, it'll probably be in the athlete's guide.

My one piece of advice is that there are aspects of the traditional Joe Friel style training for shorter distances that are very hard to implement for a regular person for an IM, i.e., going way long way early and then adding harder stuff along with building up to the greatest distances at the end. It just tends to fry you. I made the mistake of thinking I was IM training for 9 months or something.It worked out ok, but I was probably past my peak. I would tend to keep the distance/time not so ridiculously long until you have to. It's not so different than the buildup for your marathon. Pick an amount of time you're comfortable with - similar to what you might for a marathon - and don't go bananas with the distance until then. You won't get a lot faster during your IM buildup when you finally do add all the volume, so get "in shape" before the buildup and then start doing your more race specific (i.e., long) stuff. Even Friel has started using language more like "Build period means race-specific, not 'hard'".

[adam]

ICDA had filled within 2 weeks the past 3 years but this year is obviously different. Even IMSG hasnt filled and that was early may. Advice: Figure out what pace on the bike you are going to do and then actually pace the bike. Or go slow enough on the bike so you can run the marathon 9 times out of 10. I am more of a 1 out of 10 person esp when younger so that can hurt. Keep us updated.

[TriPKP]

CdA will not sell out particularly soon. Slowtwitch said that it took about 4 months to sell out in 2010. The addition of St. George and the economy extended the usual slow registration time even further. The economy's still $hit and the addition of IM-TX should give you to until Mid-October before it sells out (my largely uneducated guess). Still, though, in ANY branded Ironman race, you're flirting with disaster trying to figure out when the latest time you COULD register before registration expires. Just sign up on credit and worry about it later.

If it affects your decision: I'm doing Coeur d'Alene 2011.

[MHMarks]

I'll probably sign up in September, but I'll keep an eye on it just in case.
TriPKP, no trash talking you on this one. I'm an ironman virgin and seriously hoping to finish strong, if i even get to sign up.

[TriPKP]

I will only dish out mild amounts of trash talk, and even then that'll only be before the race. With my luck I'll show up with two under my belt and still get schooled. You're really strong over the short course and do well for yourself over the HIM distance. If you get the endurance base built and figure out a nutrition strategy, you will do JUST fine.

I'm also kicking around the idea of doubling up next year with Arizona. Last September (IM-MOO time), both Nate and Veganerd said they were in for AZ 2011. Since then Nate's gotten married and Jeremy's dropped off of the face of the Tri-Talk world, but I'm still going to bring it up. If CdA sells, we could do AZ instead. Although AZ is one of the harder ones to get into.

Let us know what you decide.

[MHMarks]

The only problem with having an Ironman scheduled in september is the prospect of medical school and training, which is going to be practically impossible.

I may defer a year, in which case i'll be game for any IM. For now I'm thinking CDA.

Also, e-mailed the RD today 20 percent of the gen slots are open

[TriPKP]

Well, so much for my "mid-October" guess. According to Facebook, general entry sold out today.

Sorry Matt. Guess you know now; gotta sign up early.

[MHMarks]

Me and my friend from florida had the same response "F***" there was nothing else to say.

[TriPKP]

MHMarks, on 23 August 2010 - 04:41 PM, said:

Me and my friend from florida had the same response "F***" there was nothing else to say.

IM-TX 2012?

[MHMarks]

Negative. I don't like TX. If anything I'll sign up for Florida or Lake Placid...or CDA for that matter

[adam]

IM St George is still open. Prolly gonna sign up when we get a huge travel reimbursement back from school for my wife.

[MHMarks]

St. George is during my finals....

[TriPKP]

MHMarks, on 26 July 2010 - 03:37 PM, said:

Unfortunately I don't have the money for IM texas as only foundation slots are sold out and I think this next summer would be the time to do an IM

MHMarks, on 23 August 2010 - 09:05 PM, said:

Negative. I don't like TX.

???

[adam]

Anything but Florida. I don't even think that race counts as an IM bc you basically have to draft.

[TriPKP]

He won't do Florida; it's in November. Have to be one in the summer. That gives him St. George/Texas (maybe), CdA and Lake Placid.

Although, I'm (95%) going to double up next year with Florida. Veganerd says he's doing it too.

[wsjinames]

Be aware that St. George is not a "normal" IM. Water was damned cold, and the bike and run are both very hard due to hills. Even more of a sufferfest than the usual IM. :-)

[MHMarks]

Well, if I do end up deferring then all IM are game. so I could do florida.

I was looking @ France too, which has a wicked hilly bike course and uber flat run (its on the coast) and would be a very memorable experience, but I also liked the UK's race pics from a friend of mine. I probably won't do St. George just because it will be too cold to have motivation to train that early in the year.

I'll figure it out soon enough though

[dkhartung]

TriPKP, on 24 August 2010 - 08:05 PM, said:

He won't do Florida; it's in November. Have to be one in the summer. That gives him St. George/Texas (maybe), CdA and Lake Placid.

Although, I'm (95%) going to double up next year with Florida. Veganerd says he's doing it too.

If it needs to be summer, then maybe Vineman at the end of July? Racing through the vineyards, casual race environment, doesn't sell out so fast. Only downside is that you can't qualify for Kona there.... but that's only an issue for a few of the animals.