Barring a freak injury like the last 3 years (I've learned not to take things for granted anymore) I will be doing the Redman full this year. There is a half iron distance 2 weeks before Redman this year. I'm wondering if doing the Aquabike - 1.2 mile swim and 56 mile bike (so I can try out the wetsuit) 13 days before Redman is a good or bad idea. What do you experienced 140.6 guys and gals think?

Yay Kelii (on doing the full Redman)!!!
I wouldn't do it- at race pace anyway. That's just my opinion, but that's a little too close to the full to be putting out a race effort. Now, if you're just going to do it as a training run and not push the pace and "race" then you might be fine. If you really want to just test the wetsuit- why not just do the swim portion? Sometimes it's hard to not go at race pace when in a race situation (for me, anyway).
If you do it easy and slow like training, then you should be fine.

I can't wait to see you up here again!!!


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There is something uncanny in the noiseless rush of the cyclist, as he comes in to view, passes by and disappears.
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I agree with Tanya, no wait!...too late, okay I already said it, I agree with Tonya. A well supported low intensity 56 mile bike ride and 1.2 mile training swim should not seriously impact your race prep. Consider a one/two day rest before and after. That close to the 140.6, rest and health will be more important that trimming 3 minutes off your bike split. I'm not an expert though. Just my suggestion.

Two wks out from Redman you won't gain any fitness you don't already have and the possibility of
over training exists. Once your in a race you will more than likely race and that is not a good
thing two wks from an full distance

"Barring a freak injury". I think that says 90% of a no go. Its true, you will not gain any fitness other than a potential injury. Numerous pre race workouts might even show you do a mini race by yourself or other person but at a substantual reduction in volume . You may even need to write down your taper workouts depending on your current conditioning and stick to it.

Although, it may not be highly recommended, I think it's very doable. A half iron at B or C effort would probably not be that bad of start on a 2-week taper. You could opt for even an B+ effort Aquabike.
If you're talking two weeks before, I'm assuming you're talking Prairieman which is a very flat, non-punishing course...the only killer is that run in the sun on the dam. I thought Prairieman was a good event (and did RM 2 weeks later no problem), I'd go for it.


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I looked at my plan and it has a big training day before the 2 week taper starts. I would definitely do the aquabike in lieu of a long solo training day....

i agree with buzz. i think its a good idea BUT it is depending on the shape that you are in. if you feel like you have stayed up on your training and feel pretty solid then i think it would be fine. your last big workout before taper would be at least what you would be doing there. this may even be a shorter day. use it as a day to work on your prerace nutrtion and setup and your race day nutrition and pacing. remember you are working on pacing for a full not a half so race like a full not a half. i really don't see any problem with this idea. if something crazy is going to happen and you get injured it probably was going to happen anyway. just be smart and enjoy the day. good luck on your full


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