From Sprint to Ironman...

[Plainsman]

I try to be realistic. For quite some time now one of my life goals has been to complete an Ironman. Coming from a cycling background, I just did my first sprint. Realistically, how long (i.e. years) might it take someone to go from sprint distance to completing an ironman? I have a job and young family, so I can't devote every second of my life to training. I suspect most of you fall into the same boat, so I submit my question to your experience...

[Matt888]

I try to be realistic. For quite some time now one of my life goals has been to complete an Ironman. Coming from a cycling background, I just did my first sprint. Realistically, how long (i.e. years) might it take someone to go from sprint distance to completing an ironman? I have a job and young family, so I can't devote every second of my life to training. I suspect most of you fall into the same boat, so I submit my question to your experience...
1 year is the general feeling amongst most for a decent IM preperation.
Base building over the winter is the key. A couple of 1/2 IM and you should be right.
That is if your generally a fit person of course. 6 months if you've just won biggest looser??

[dogpound]

I did my first IM in my 2nd or 3rd year of racing.

[Jstyle]

My story is I did a sprint back in 05. This sprint was horrid it was 37 degrees and 20-25 mile an hour wind. Well that burned my out and a I never did another for a year. Last year I did 3 sprints, 1 oly distance and one HIM. This April I have IM Arizona and after getting off of my 112 mile ride, I was still feeling good while I did a 3 mile run so I think I will be fine. If that gives you an idea plan on 8-12 months depending on your commitment. I have a little brother to take care of and I'm married so I don't have unlimited time to prep but I'm not all consumed...

[Plainsman]

Thanks, sounds like a 2-3 year plan may work best for me then. Say finish out this year with sprints. Work in to olympic dist next year, perahps ending with a half IM, and spend year 3 working in to the IM?
Sound feasable?

[brock1234]

So long as you had a decent background in physical activty (I'm not sure how competitive you were in cycling), and your BMI is under 30'ish (ie. your not obese), I wouldn't either bother training...

If your goal is just to finish an Ironman, you can quite easily do that off 1 maybe two small sessions a week in each sport, or even no training at all.

Just don't expect to be finished before dark...

Mark.

[Dalai]

Like Brock1234 says, there is finishing and racing. To finish within the cutoff time, the fitness you have now would probably get you over the line. Just incorporating one longer ride and run in your weeks schedule, focussing on perhaps a build in volume in the last three months prior to the IM if time is available.

If you have specific time goals you want to finish within, then your natural physical aptitude will dictate the volume of training required.

I did my first IM in 10:23 after 18 months training. Competed the first season of sprint races (7 races?), two long course tri's (first after 6 months and the second one was a HIM to qualify for IMOZ) then the IM!

It's a worthy goal Plainsman. I still rate running down the finish shute in my first IM as one on my life highlights!