Subject: RE: Ironman and 1/2 Ironman training I have 3 weeks till HalfIM race and followed the program on this site. The only adjustments I made were that I tended to have longer bike rides than in the program just because I had a reasonable bike base anyway and the bike is a great way to develop endurance without crushing your body. I have a history of multiple overuse injuries and have had none (touch wood!!! ) since I started training 4 months ago. I have had regular massages and chiropracty, which I have never done, and felt that this was very helpful. Only female specifics I can think of - long bike rides = increased incidence of fungal infections (solution - treat ASA symptoms and I wash my bike and running shorts in a rinse that is antifungal and antibacterial on a regular basis - not machine as wears them out! ) long runs are not generally a good idea in the PreMenstrual period as the hormones have softened all your ligaments putting you at increased risk of injury and weakening of the internal muscles that will pay you back after a few year and a few kids ;- ) I would drop schedulled runs to a few days after and shuffle bike and swim sessions instead. I have enjoyed the training so much that I don't really care if it falls apart on the day, I am going to try and continue to maintain the program so I can just hit an Oly or HalfIM at will - what a machine!!! Ha Ha! Seriously I feel fabulous - strong and vibrant both in mind and body. You will have a blast! Deidre |