IM - Gotta Lose - Advice

Hi everyone,

Just started training for IM this week. My first ever IM (have done 2 x 1/2 IM before). My target race is February 24 2007 in Langkawi Malaysia. Supposed to be one of the hottest IM races on the planet....

Ironically, started specific training (swimming, biking) this week (have been doing basework all year), but can't run due to a sudden flareup of plantar fascitis... brought on by 2 half hour runs last week (after not running for about 2 weeks due to other commitments), combined with many hours of wearing high heels and not stretching, and spinning classes (I teach a few classes a week), and running when I was too upset about something to focus on technique... stupip stupid me, for not realising... will treat it gently for a few days and am sure will be fine.

Anyway, with only 4 months to go, I currently weigh 156 lbs as of this morning and need to get down to my target of about 140 (though ideally a little less would be great - about 132 is according to height weight charts - but that may be too low) as soon as possible (I don't want to be lugging any extra weight on that long long course) - or at least in the next two months - cause I can't diet in the final two months because of the effect on training / performance (btw I usually don't lose weight while training - and will have to make special effort to get this off)...

Any encouragement? What did you do that worked? Fast but healthy?? Am trying to stick around 2000 - 2500 calories a day (maximum about 3000 on a long ride day - currently up to about 5 hr rides on Sundays) and the less refined carbs - and eating 3 meals and 2 - 3 snacks. Trying not to let myself get hungry. Training volume is about 12 - 15 hrs a week.

Thanks & Good Training

Sally