[QUOTE=KSH;234865]OK, I have a questions:

1) How far out did you start training for your IM?

I did my first IM in Coeur d'Alene in June. I had been training for the Houston marathon through mid-Jan 2007 and started IM training after that. So I guess I trained for 5 months after having a good run base.

2) Did you get rest days in your training plan? Was it possible to get in the volume that you needed and get rest days?

I ALWAYS took a complete day off on Fridays to prep for the long weekend. I worked out as follows:
Monday: morning = swim, evening = rest
Tuesday: morning = weights, evening = trainer ride and run/brick
Wednesday: morning = swim, evening = trainer ride
Thursday: morning = weights, evening = run
Friday: REST
Saturday: long run
Sunday: long ride, long swim

3) Did you have a regular day job (aka: Basically 7-5 with getting ready, etc.)?

I work full time (and very hard) and am a single mom of teenagers. I was only able to do this because my kids are very self-sufficient and supportive. My social network evolves around training and was lucky enough to have 6 friends training for the race as well.

You can do this! But I won't kid you --- it will be hard. I did 2 half IM in the previous year in under 6 hours and finished the IM in 16:08.

Make a plan. Communicate your plan to those around you. And definately take a rest day each week.