realistic goals

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2009-08-30 5:34 PM

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Subject: realistic goals

I'm new to triathlon and have done three sprints and love it. I really would like to do a HIM and wanted to do IM70.3 Florida on may 16, 2010. I was wondering how realistic this goal is?

2009-08-30 7:35 PM
in reply to: #2379171

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Subject: RE: realistic goals

dcb5695 - 2009-08-30 5:34 PM

I'm new to triathlon and have done three sprints and love it. I really would like to do a HIM and wanted to do IM70.3 Florida on may 16, 2010. I was wondering how realistic this goal is?

 

Welcome aboard.  It is a good goal.  Take a look at the BT training plans if see if you think you can live with the training. 

~Mike

2009-08-31 11:53 AM
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Subject: RE: realistic goals

Realistic? 

Are you ready to train 5-10 hours per week (hopefully closer to 10 than 5 during peak weeks)? 
Are you ready to do 2.5-3 hour rides?
Are you ready to do 10+ mile runs? 

By "ready" I don't mean right-now, but ready-to-commit to a training plan that asks for this kind of volume.  Most training plans will be 16-20 weeks, building from that base 5-hours.  Expect peak training 10--2 weeks prior to the race, so March and April. 

2009-08-31 3:07 PM
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Subject: RE: realistic goals
What kind of background do you have? ... not for tris but for exercise/ sports in general?
2009-08-31 4:05 PM
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Subject: RE: realistic goals
this is the reality:

Are you ready to train 5-10 hours per week (hopefully closer to 10 than 5 during peak weeks)? 
Are you ready to do 2.5-3 hour rides?
Are you ready to do 10+ mile runs? 

now can you handle it?

if yes, you goal is realistic. if not, ask yourself why not?
there should be no reason why you should not be able to finish one. all depends how hard to you want it.

cheers,
l

2009-08-31 5:24 PM
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Subject: RE: realistic goals
Its very doable, but like everyone else I think there are a few questions you need to ask yourself (tri's are a very personal event - which is one reason why they are fun)

1. where do you live... realize you will be training in Feb, March, April, May. Cold, snow & rain may be a factor. 50 degree temps on a bike aren't as much fun as you think (they'll feel like 40).

2. what background in sports - runner in high school, collegiate swimmer, couch potato, etc. Sprints are great (I do them mostly) but they do not require a huge time commitment or fitness/ skill level. When doing a HIM or HM the training MUST be done... you can't slack off like you can for a sprint. Most people do at least two sessions a day three days a week (3-4 swims, 4-5 runs, 3 bikes, and weight training per week).

3. what time do you want? are you looking to survive 8hrs + or win you AG 5hrs or better. This relates to the above... to survive the time commitment isn't bad, to win will take serious time & effort.

4. how much time do you have for training? realize you will need to do 60 min swims, 3-4 hour bike rides, and 2 hours runs per session on your heavy weeks (avg weeks are 40 min swim, 2hr bike, 1hr run)

You can do the distance... just have a realistic goal in mind and know how much effort you will really need to put into training. Take a look as some books on Tri training or the plans on this website.

Good Luck.

2009-08-31 6:02 PM
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Subject: RE: realistic goals
trishie - 2009-08-31 3:07 PM What kind of background do you have? ... not for tris but for exercise/ sports in general?
I played football, baseball, and powerlifting until eleventh grade, then my daughter was born right after i graduated my eleventh grade year. Untill about 4 mnths ago a couch potato!
2009-08-31 6:07 PM
in reply to: #2381294

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Subject: RE: realistic goals

rugb_wngr - 2009-08-31 5:24 PM Its very doable, but like everyone else I think there are a few questions you need to ask yourself (tri's are a very personal event - which is one reason why they are fun)

1. where do you live... realize you will be training in Feb, March, April, May. Cold, snow & rain may be a factor. 50 degree temps on a bike aren't as much fun as you think (they'll feel like 40).

2. what background in sports - runner in high school, collegiate swimmer, couch potato, etc. Sprints are great (I do them mostly) but they do not require a huge time commitment or fitness/ skill level. When doing a HIM or HM the training MUST be done... you can't slack off like you can for a sprint. Most people do at least two sessions a day three days a week (3-4 swims, 4-5 runs, 3 bikes, and weight training per week).

3. what time do you want? are you looking to survive 8hrs + or win you AG 5hrs or better. This relates to the above... to survive the time commitment isn't bad, to win will take serious time & effort.

4. how much time do you have for training? realize you will need to do 60 min swims, 3-4 hour bike rides, and 2 hours runs per session on your heavy weeks (avg weeks are 40 min swim, 2hr bike, 1hr run)

You can do the distance... just have a realistic goal in mind and know how much effort you will really need to put into training. Take a look as some books on Tri training or the plans on this website.

Good Luck.

I live in south louisiana so i really dont worry too much about cold!

I really just want to finish, but i want to have fun doing it! and i am very commited to getting there.

I have as much time as i need because of my line of work my schedule is extremely open!

Thanks for everyones input i really appreciate the feedback

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