General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman Rss Feed  
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2008-09-13 1:28 PM

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Veteran
138
10025
Orange County
Subject: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman
I completed my first OLy last weekend and I am thinking about taking the leap to a half iron distance sometime late next year.

Does anyone have advice or insight into their decision to do the same? I know it's time consuming, but I would really like to give it a go.


2008-09-13 1:32 PM
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2008-09-13 5:44 PM
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Champion
5782
5000500100100252525
Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman
You've got plenty of time to prepare, so that's a plus. The move from Oly to HIM is bigger than sprint to Oly...at least in my experience. I didn't really train much differently for my first Oly than for my previous sprints and did just fine...not the case for my half iron...beating my goal there required a lot more volume and planning. Getting in multiple 50-60 mile rides was new for me and a lot more time consuming than the 25-35 mile long rides I was doing before. I was already doing running races from 20K to marathons, so the run training wasn't different...it would have been a real adjustment to have had to up that training at the same time as the bike.

Good luck!
2008-09-13 6:37 PM
in reply to: #1672333

Elite
2998
2000500100100100100252525
Fishers, Indiana
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman

As said by everyone, you do have enough time to build up the bases you need for sure.  It'll really depend upon the time you have available to train, as it is more than an Oly for sure, especially depending upon your goals for it.  So, evaluate your time, check out the plans like JeepFleeb mentioned and pick one that works for your schedule.  A HIM will truly test your mettle, but it's a great way to get deep into training.  This winter is a great time to work on your base training, possibly work on your weaker discipline of the three, and then next season work in a solid training plan with some good build-up races or events. 

Have fun with it! It's a tough distance, but a satisfying one too!

2008-09-13 6:41 PM
in reply to: #1672333

Champion
6046
5000100025
New York, NY
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman

I am planning the same leap - this year was my first season, I did 4 sprints and an OLY, one more sprint to go and then a half marathon.  Next season I am looking at olympic and one or possibly two half irons and maybe some sprints sprinkled in.....

 

I figure I have all year essentially to train....I have done SOME longer bike rides but will clearly have to make it a regular diet.....

my winter plans include adding Master's swim to my time with my swim coach to help increase my volume, the bike class I did last year and as long as the weather holds outdoor rides too in addition to the runs....

 

The swim is only 400 yards longer than Olympic - it is the bike and run that essentially double (or so)

 

totally doable - just put the time in....

2008-09-13 8:45 PM
in reply to: #1672333

Expert
2555
20005002525
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman

The swim and bike won't require too much more than you're already doing. Just add some long rides and you should be set in those areas. You will likely need to do lots more running than you've been doing. The other factor that comes into play much more than an oly is nutrition. You will need to train so that you get in enough fuel on the bike so you can run 13 miles. Of course you will still take in nutrition on the run, but the bulk will come on the bike. It could take some trial and error in training to find what works for you.

Have fun.



2008-09-13 10:19 PM
in reply to: #1672333

Veteran
151
1002525
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman

 I'm in the process of making that transition myself.  I like to set an ambitious goal first, and then figure out how to make it a reality. I have a few more weeks unil the race, but my observation so far is a lot more hours training. I did a marathon earlier this year, and I've logged waaaay more weekly hours training for the HIM. 

  If you have the time, go for it, you only live once! (I may come back and amend this comment after the race)

2008-09-13 10:49 PM
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Master
2356
20001001001002525
Fenton, MI
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman
If it were me, I'd continue with BT maintenance plans through the offseason, start off with the Oly plan, then use the "Oly bridge to HIM" plan.  I just finished my first HIM today using the plan and it worked magnificently.  I crushed all my goals.
2008-09-14 10:33 PM
in reply to: #1672333

Master
3127
2000100010025
Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman

Start slowly increasing your run volume early.  It's the toughest on the body, and your body needs the most time to adjust to the running buildup.  Build up too fast on the running and bad things will happen.  What constitutes too fast really varies from one person to another, but you have your 10% per week rule of thumb as a guide.  For me, my body didn't want more than maybe 5%, and my knee let me know that I did too much. 

Good job on the oly!

2008-09-15 9:51 AM
in reply to: #1672333

Member
219
100100
Nampa, Idaho
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman
Well, I'm stupid and going from Sprint distances to HIM....BUT I've already started training. I registered for a HIM in June. I'm running a half marathon in November and probably another one in May. And I'm planning on putting in 10-15 hours a week of training starting in January. The race season ended in August here...or else I would have tried to squeeze in an olympic distance. I have no doubt that I"ll be able to race well in the HIM as long as I train well this winter and spring.
2008-09-15 9:57 AM
in reply to: #1672333

Elite
3221
20001000100100
the desert
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman
ask me again in 20 days...I'm doing my first HIM then


2008-09-15 10:03 AM
in reply to: #1674397

Master
2356
20001001001002525
Fenton, MI
Subject: RE: Making the leap from OLY to Half Ironman

chosenprovidence - 2008-09-15 10:51 AM Well, I'm stupid and going from Sprint distances to HIM....BUT I've already started training. I registered for a HIM in June. I'm running a half marathon in November and probably another one in May. And I'm planning on putting in 10-15 hours a week of training starting in January. The race season ended in August here...or else I would have tried to squeeze in an olympic distance. I have no doubt that I"ll be able to race well in the HIM as long as I train well this winter and spring.

I don't think that's stupid.  Its pretty much the same as what I did.  2 sprints last year, started the year with a marathon in April (almost one year to the day, since I had started running), a couple sprints this season, one long sprint/short oly, one oly, and a HIM this past weekend.  Just like anything else, if you prepare yourself for the race, you'll do fine and have a great time doing it. 

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