Wednesday, 24 June 2009

Challenge Barcelona: yes or no?

OK, the question is whether I do Challenge Barcelona or not?For the uninitiated, Challenge Barcelona is a new Ironman distance race that is on the 4th October 2009. I am very tempted to sign up for this race as an end of season race for a couple of reasons:

1. After doing IM Austria (in 10 days time) I’m positive I will want to do another one.
2. Due to my recent appendix operation I know I won’t be at full race fitness for IM Austria (I guess I lost 6-8 weeks training/fitness) and this would be a good opportunity to “redeem” myself
3. I may not get the chance to do another Ironman race next year due to possible job change and family circumstances

So what do I do? There are a couple of club mates going to this race so that would be good fun and my parents will probably go (my Father speaks excellent Spanish) and be part of “Team Whittle”. The downside, I guess, is will I have recovered fully between IM Austria and Barcelona? I think so, it is exactly 3 months between the two events, but with a couple of weeks to recover from Austria and then a Summer holiday booked to Cyprus for nearly 3 weeks, plus the Vitruvian middle distance triathlon to do, is there the time to train for Barcelona race?

Another plus side is that I don’t have to decide now. The race has about 1500 entrants at the moment and the maximum is 2500, so I have a bit of time until the race is full. Perhaps I should wait until after IM Austria and see if I get the renowned “Ironman blues” or not. So what do you think, Barcelona: yes or no?

5 comments:

821 said...

I'd hold-off, you might get a Kona slot in Austria LOL. Yes, you'll probably want to do another, but will you want to do another one 3 months later, I don't know.

But you're right in wanting to do more than one IM dist event. After all, just one looks a bit 'token' really ;-)))

Sags said...

Buddy. I would go for it. After your op the training you have managed to do is inspirational dude! After Austria and the Vit you may well be in the form of your life! And by having another late season event you won't suffer from the post IM blues!

Turbo Man said...

Yes, do it. I reckon Barca has the potential for a really fast time. And it will be nice to overtake you on the bike. Again.

And there is a beach party afterwards!

Mark "Frank" Whittle said...

Thanks for the comments guys, it gives me plenty to think about!

Mark "Frank" Whittle said...

Decide not to do Barcelona. After a good race in Austria I don't feel the need to do another IM this year, but I have signed up for Roth!