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
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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
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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.
