IM on a shoestring.

Not having the body to do an IM in a shoestring (yet), I was wondering how possible it would be to do on one.

 I had a nosey around here a while back with interest in breaking into tri, but being a tight arsed student, didn't have the means...

However, I came into a modest inheritance recently, and I'm determined not to fritter it away on paying off the overdraft. This means I may be able to afford to come and play.

I want to enter something to give me the kick up the 'arris. The sooner I can enter the better. I'm guessing you guys are experts in that field... any ideas?

Also to get started - I need a bike.(!!) I still fall strongly within the budget range of the market, so any good-value low-end suggestions would be nice. I have a mountain bike for the time being, and was also looking at how I could stick it on a turbot if needs be...

Sorry to ramble - as you can tell I don't have much clue other than knowing I want to do it! Thanks

Look back a few pages and you may find that this has been answered

I certainly remember a thread that had a similar question and there are a fair few who have put down a few costings recently


I think the Regensberg thread contained some as well so it may be worth looking through there

FB - It's in four. But only just. I know that doesn't leave much change, but I'm willing to supplement it with my own wallet too...

M...eldy - I'll have a look back at the Regensberg thread now. As I said, I've nosed about in here before but with not having any chance of making it a reality, wasn't digging too extensively.

Thanks for the replies

SlowEngineer wrote (see)

Also to get started - I need a bike.(!!) I...., and was also looking at how I could stick it on a turbot if needs be...

The single IM when the others are doing the triple in June is cheap as chips. Well, quite a lot of chips...

mmmmmmm......chips.....

Outlaw is also good value.

I'm signed up for my first IM next year and by all accounts, the training/prep and the race are an experience, but what are you going to do after the IM is over? It's a lot of money to pay out if you aren't going to/ can't afford to continue. Your choice of course

Another thread. http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/forummessages.asp?dt=&UTN=154710&last=1&V=6&SP=

Cake - thanks for that, I'll have a browse for it. Looked into the Regensburg thread for cost breakdowns but I got scared by the nearly 100 pages. That said, it does look a jolly adventure.

DTB - There's chips?? I'm thinking Outlaw might be my option - unofficial and closer to home, saves on travel costs...

Little Ninja - As I said, I'm still a student. Due to graduate next summer, so *hopefully* I might get a proper job and become a (reasonably) upstanding member of society! Recent events have just kickstarted what I probably would have done next year...

While I think about the Outlaw... when do entries open for that?

SlowEngineer wrote (see)

Wilkie - I confess... I added the extra 't' just for the halibut.

Oh my Cod....... 

It might be worth looking at some of the tri starter packages (bike+wettie+trisuit) to see if that could save you any money.  As we're getting to season end there should be some bargain ex-hire wetties available which should save a few squids. 

I would have thought you should be able to put a MTB on a turbo without problems (from recollection mine has two different spacers for 700cc (road) and 28" (MTB) wheels.

If you were looking for a shorter event to sign up for, for next year you'll need to wait as they are (generally) not yet open for booking.  Ditto for the UK Iron distance events.  The continental ones tend to open the day after the running of the event and most of the popular ones have already sold out for 2011- but if budget is a constraint then presumably swanning off to Europe isn't a goer.  Whereabouts are you based? 

Edit: X-post x several

Bike - cheap bike £100 - stick some tri bars on it and if it fits you it's faster than a £3k carbon bike without.   

You don't need clipless pedals - you can get some clips and straps which is what cyclists did for a hundred years before clipless were invented.  Don't believe that the soles will compress and use energy - I don't know how hard some people are pressing on the pedals but it certainly isn't hard enough to compress the sole of the average pair of trainers.

I think Asda do helmets for a tenner.   I never bother with energy food when training - how much do a few bananas and a homemade sandwich cost ?   

In other words as far as cycling goes you can spend lots but you don't have to.    If you are anywhere near Derby I would be quite happy to find you a bike that fits for that amount - in fact if you are my height you could have the bike I started on for nothing.   If not look of FreeCycle.   

The one I'm doing in june .it is a £100 to enter............It will probably a low key event.....

I did my first IM on a low budget. £550 for bike and shoes...........£125 for a wetsuit..........and £20 for google, earplugs and a noseclip..............didn't buy much else fancy things to be honest..............minimal pirate kit and I was ready.........

lots of marmite sandwiches , squash, welshcakes, malt loaf and jelly beans for the long bike rides........mainly smart price form asdas

Found the thread mate, a lot of very good info on it and as well as lots off talking carp. I’d read through and sign up. The rest of us can help you.

NJ.....all my stuff has lasted me through 2 seasons.........and then just for the odd outing the following year.......I have only upgraded my bike now as i had the opportunity...........

Once the initial outlay is spent.......then it doesn't cost much to keep going apart from the race entries............only raced once this season as i  was having a cutback year..........but the stuff is still there wairting for me to sstart training again for next years Ironman.

FerrousFerret - What turbo was that, do you know? And I'm based in Stoke (home) and Leeds (uni). Will also start googling ex-hire wetties.

popsider - I'm 5' 10"... is that in the right range? Would be happy to head over to Derby when I'm at home?! Thanks for your help!

seren nos - what's that one then?

I'll be scouring fleabay for bikes in the hope of picking up a well loved one. I'm somewhat aware of how green I am to everything though, and don't wanna mess up!

Thanks again for replies everyone. Lots to take in... I think I need to start making lists and spreadsheets!