Now the cycling part just seems like blue collar work. I believe I just have to get the saddle time in and I should be fine come race day. Swimming is a little more challenging. I've been swimming poorly for years. This has worked for the sprint and Oympic distances I've done, but I'd never survive a 3.8km swim with my current inefficient stroke. As for the run, to date I've done two road marathons and 10 ultramarathons, including a gruelling ultra that took 23hrs 54min. Suffice it to say I'm not worried about the run.
But really, my biggest stumbling block has been the cost. While having drinks with a few triathletes last week, one of which is doing IMC this weekend, I asked how much one of them had put into IMC so far. Here are some common expenses that people seem to be spending:
Entry Fee: $ 650
Bike: 2000
Coaching: 2000
Training Camp: 600
Wetsuit: 400
Clothing: 400
Running shoes: 200
--------------------
Total: $ 6200
I'm missing a variety of things on this list that escape me at the moment. Our rough calculation while discussing it was closer to $10,000 and this seems similar to what other friends have said they've spent.
I have a 12yr old triathlon bike that I bought second hand last year. As long as it doesn't fall apart on me, I plan on training and racing this bike. I absolutely refuse to pay for a triathlon coach, because I think it's a waste of money for someone like me that's experienced at endurance distances and has several IMC friends. I already have a cheap wetsuit that I paid $100 for last year. Where I do plan to spend some money is on swim lessons.
Here's my budget plan:
Entry Fee: $ 650 (spending this weekend)
Bike: 650 (purchased last year)
Swim Lessons: 400
Wetsuit: 100 (purchased earlier this year)
Clothing: 200
Running shoes: 200
--------------------
Total: $ 2200
The time for talk is over. I'm volunteering at IMC this weekend and plan to register for 2012 on Monday morning. It all begins now.
You're forgetting nutrition(huge!) and trip(s) up to the Okanagan to ride the course... Off the top of my head. You'll also likely go through at least 3 pairs of shoes... Are u planning on doing any half IM events?
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that nutrition and running shoes are an integral part of the budget, I elected to exclude them since I'd still have those expenses if I were simply running ultras next season.
ReplyDeleteStill haven't decided on the 70.3's. I need to be convinced that it's necessary.
IMO, with 20-25 hr training weeks, your nutrition needs will be greater than what you've used in the past training for ultras (assuming two long runs and 3 shorter runs per week)... Even on the cheap, IM is expensive.
ReplyDeleteWell, that remains to be seen. I'll be curious to see how, for example, a 6hr road ride compares to a 6hr trail run nutrition wise.
ReplyDeleteI've been helping a friend, who's done IMC, get ready for her first ultra. It's taken a few months to get her nutrition sorted out. Following weeks of bonk sessions, she's now consuming way more calories on the long runs than she expected.
Once I get to some of the longer road rides I'll report back on my findings.
p.s. I appreciate the input. Keep it coming.