I think i`m in.

My background is as a runner, but after a couple of one hour bike rides to increase fitness for running, some research on road bikes (currently only a MTB with road tyres) and reading this forum, the devil on my shoulder is talking me into an ironman. I am entered for the Brighton Marathon next year, so that will remain my next focus. What are my options for a summer/autumn IM, did a search on RW but only 3 came up and one was a double.  Seen people mention the Outlaw. Also, people on the forum keep talking about Pirates, what/when/who is it? A Tri club?  

Run, run while you still can  

You need a website such as Tri247 or the BTF website that will give you a list of Ironman events, or you try the Ironman website to get the full International range

Outlaw is a non branded distance held in Nottingham and a very well orgainsed race

The UK has a fair amount of choice these days when it comes to Iron distance

The pirates are an informal internet based (ie here) club, you need the right attitude and a willingness to participate along with a collection of yellow and black lycra

www.pirateshipoffools.co.uk

nah thats too many for his first year

Tried to change username. Can`t change it now. Stuck with my own name as a nickname. Sucks.

Also, I live by the sea!! An omen me thinks.

"I think I'm in"..............................now you're on Gastank's radar, there's no 'think'.  I speak from experience. 

I'm not saying it's a bad thing.......................................

Not to your face, anyway

`Unable to change your nickname as the one you gave is already being used.`

That`s the response i get. I guess i`ll just have to be me.

Ok, the plan.  Carry on with my current 4 runs a week, add 2 cycle sessions (before work) of 60-90mins and swim whilst my daughters have their swim lesson (only 30mins though). If i find any extra time, use it for extra swimming. Eat more, going to need it. 

Gastank,

Agree, need to do more of the new disiplines. But, will start with a little and build up/transition over to avoid injury.  Not a bad runner - 10k=39mins, Half M=1hr29, Mara=3hr28.  With regards to OW swimming, are there rules on rivers/lakes etc. or can you just jump in and go. I live 1K away from Worthing seafront so can do sea swimming.

I'd add ... if you want a big IM experence forget about anything in the UK and go for a IM branded race in Europe (if funds allow). as well as the list above the are a few of us going out to IM Switzerland, But Frankfurt, Regansburg, Austria and franc are all good races to.

Also an alternitive book to Fink's is 'Going Long' by Joe Friel and Gordon Bryn .. i'm not a fink fan

Gordon also has a good website under Gordo Byrn

Dreaming Of Magic wrote (see)

With regards to OW swimming, are there rules on rivers/lakes etc. or can you just jump in and go. I live 1K away from Worthing seafront so can do sea swimming.

Generally you can swim in the sea and any navigable waterway, although there are local and common sense rules. (Check out one of the open water swimming websites for more details.) The main rule is don't swim on your own. Rip tides/ currents are also a hazard of sea swimming, so an organised tri club lake or lido would be safer to start with.

Thanks for the help and advice. Going to crack on with the training and build my base.  I have Barns Green half marathon on 30th Sept and Brighton 10k mid November (and cross country for my club through the winter).  My work re-opens its cycle to work scheme in October, so perfect for me to give cycling a go and see where it takes me before spending money on it.

Hi DoM 

I live in worthing too. The local tri club called Tuff Fitty and they are pretty friendly, they arrange swims in the sea, and also at southwater lake, generally they are done  via their forum..

Additionally to that you can also swim on Thursdays and Sundays at Chichester lake, however there, they do charge a fiver, so I dont often bother when you can swim for free elsewhere.

I happen to know also there is also a bit of a club expedition going out to Frankfurt next year also.