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Ironman South Africa - who's done it?

FTIM2015
FTIM2015 Posts: 460 Member
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Right lovely people...

As my 'darling' OH has decided to enter me in IMSA with him (I'm going to kill him if it doesn't kill me first!!!:sad: ), and I have 6 MONTHS, yes 6, to get fit enough to complete it within the time allowed and not die, I need help!!!

So those who have done it, what's the course like? How tough is it, flat/ hilly? What was the worst bit for you?

I'll be doing it on a giant road bike and need any training/ route advice that I can get!! :flowerforyou:


Thank you in advance! :bigsmile:

Replies

  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    I've never raced outside of Texas so no advice on the course. In general though..... get some clip on aerobars just from a comfort perspective much less a performance one. Focus most on biking, followed by running and least of all swimming. The ROI on swimming improvements is much lower than the other sports. Just make sure you can do the distance for the swim. Maybe look at programs from Training Peaks or pick up Fink's "Be Iron Fit".
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    http://beyondtransition.com/IronmanSouthAfrica/ironman-south-africa-maps-profiles/
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    well, i hate to be the realist here, but are you sure? i mean, if you aren't an experienced endurance athlete, doing an ironman right out of the gate is and will be difficult.

    i'm planning on doing my first half iron man in september, and i've done more than a few races this past year.

    if it is what you really want, go for it. but you need to really really train. forget the strength training. time in the saddle/pool/road is more important.
  • FTIM2015
    FTIM2015 Posts: 460 Member
    Honestly? I think its gonna kill me... but if he wants to waste his money I'll give it a bloody good go!
  • crux
    crux Posts: 454 Member
    It can be done, if you want it badly enough. Just train smart, it's easy to not make it to the start line through injury or burn out when your pushing the training from a lowish background in a short time frame.

    Anyway, it will be awesome! I'm so jealous... SA is a great place anyhow and to run an Ironman in Port Elizabeth... well yeah that would qualify for my bucket list!

    Sorry that I can't help with specific info.

    Enjoy!
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Honestly? I think its gonna kill me... but if he wants to waste his money I'll give it a bloody good go!

    Just make sure you can handle the distance. Don't worry about the speed as much. Coming in under 17 shouldn't be a huge issue IF you train consistently. My one tip is to do your homework on a nutrition plan and then practice, practice, practice it on your long training days. It should be second nature by race day on when and what to eat or drink.
  • shaunwewege
    shaunwewege Posts: 14 Member
    Two athletes died during the Ironman 70.3 challenge in SA, so for a full IM you can't skimp on training.

    The course is flat and fast though an ocean breeze can make it a bit windy. But weather aside, the course here is quick and the atmosphere is fantastic.

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