3 weeks to HIM, getting nervous

[roadie gal]

I feel like a bit of a weenie after reading that Kacie Tri-ing has signed up for a full Iron, but... this is my first HIM. I've been training for it all summer. Now I'm getting nervous. The race is in 3 weeks. My training has seriously fallen off for the past few weeks. Between real life and my work schedule, I just haven't been able to get in the workouts that I wanted to.

I've done the swim distance a bunch of times in the pool and 3 times in the lake with my wetsuit. I've done 56 miles on the bike twice (plus a 3 hour stint on the trainer). Today I ran 2 hours for the first, and probably only time. I'm worried that I haven't done enough.

I'm going to try to do at least 50 miles on the bike on Saturday, but after that I know I have to cut back.

I've really worked myself into a tizzy. Help! As Rachel Maddow says, "Talk me down".

[tribogota]

Your gonna be FINE! it's just nerves.

[Wahine]

Based on what you've done so far, you'll be fine. If you ride this weekend keep it to 50 miles like you planned (don't get sucked into going longer) and try to do a 9 to 10 mile run the next day. But even if you don't get those two work outs done, you'll still be fine.

You're ready. Enjoy your taper and the experience.

[kacie tri-ing]

Hey now! I am doing a HIM that I have been training for all summer in 3 weeks too.... I totally understand the nerves. I have been working all summer with a PT on my hip, so ever single slight discomfort makes me a nervous wreck. This is only my second, but what I learned in my first was just to pace yourself (and take your taper seriously...unlike Wahine, I don't really enjoy the taper). Have fun with it and enjoy the experience!! Where is it? Is it on the 27th?

[kacie tri-ing]

What I really meant was that HIM's are not for weenies!!

[shellabree]

You should be fine. Technically you still have the remainder of this week and then next week to "build" volume before you would need to taper.

Just take the event nice and slow... aim to finish, not race.

Any chance you're doing Augusta 70.3? I'll be there!

[colby]

You sound ready. Just keep going, put in one more good workout this weekend, then taper taper taper. Don't push yourself too hard.

I always doubt my training at about this point in the cycle, where it's really too late to go back and change anything - maybe that's why, you're kind of at the mercy of the process by now, and you're just going with the flow into what feels like a head-on collision. Having done all the distances, you know it's possible. You know you can get through the swim. You know you can get through the bike. You know you can get through the run. You've trained to put them all together. Sure it'll be the first time, but you will make it.

Hang in there, stay positive, and remember to try and have fun. It makes a big difference.

[Urlea]

Roadie- You are at that time in training, a few weeks away from race-day, when everyone questions if it will be enough. I did it before my HIM this June & again with my 50k last month. I'm sure many of us here will relay the same pre-race feelings.

Now is the time to rely on the base you've built (your base looks solid, btw) & to train smart with the time you have left. I tend to want to overdo to try to make up for what I feel I may have lacked training in, but that is not wise.

Enjoying the taper & let that stir-crazy can't stand the taper any more adrenaline rush dominate on race day. You'll do great!!

Excited to hear how it goes!

[shellabree]

Roadie- quick thought... any chance you could push that 50 miler you are planning this weekend to a 75 miler? Perhaps a 75 miler followed by a 40 minute t-run? Take it all easy... just get the mileage in.

Good luck to you!

[katluvr]

Since I have not done an HIM I can just offer support and relate to the nerves. It is strange how close to the event the more complicated life gets and one feels they have not done the training or have trouble fitting it in.

Sounds like you got a lot of support and advice here. Good luck! I am sure we will be hearing a great RR in a few weeks!

[roadie gal]

Thanks for all of the support. I needed that.

I'm doing the Black Diamond Half in Enumclaw, Washington. It's a small race. They're limiting it to 800 people between the tri and the du.

The race is on Saturday. We're taking 2 days to drive up and probably 3 to come home. So we're making a short vacation out of it.