Shorter Distance Tris combined with IM training

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2009-08-13 8:19 PM

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Subject: Shorter Distance Tris combined with IM training
I'm looking at some 20 week training plans for my first Iron distance race next year.  I don't really know what the rule of thumb is on adding in shorter distance races during the 20 weeks.  Over the 20 weeks, there are about 4 races that I just want to do (3 sprints, 1 oly).  Should I back the 20 weeks up by 4 weeks (to make a total of 24 weeks) to include a little room for taper and recovery from these races?  Just not do the shorter races and focus on the big goal?  (Don't really like that option much.)  WWBTD? 


2009-08-14 8:31 AM
in reply to: #2347558

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Subject: RE: Shorter Distance Tris combined with IM training

You probably don't want to be taking tie to taper and recover that many times during your IM training.  For most of them (especially the further you get into the plan), I would go zero taper and maybe a day off afterwards if you need it.  Consider the races as your 'intensity' work for that week.

2009-08-14 11:03 AM
in reply to: #2348166

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Subject: RE: Shorter Distance Tris combined with IM training
JohnnyKay - 2009-08-14 8:31 AM

You probably don't want to be taking tie to taper and recover that many times during your IM training.  For most of them (especially the further you get into the plan), I would go zero taper and maybe a day off afterwards if you need it.  Consider the races as your 'intensity' work for that week.



I am following a 30 week plan which includes an OLY and HIM in the plan.  There is not a significant taper for the race (a small reduction in hours only) and the following week goes right back up in hours, except the training is focused in Z2, with less Z4 work as the race is the intense training for that week.
2009-08-14 12:20 PM
in reply to: #2347558

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Subject: RE: Shorter Distance Tris combined with IM training
If you are going to do those races, you should look at them as training days- no taper and no recovery.

Last year I did two races all year- 1 Olympic and Ironman Kentucky. That's it.

We didn't want to take away from long bike/run days for a short race.

Some will argue with me, and it's just how I see things... but I think when you are training for an IM your #1 focus should be IM training... which means you don't give up a long bike or run day for something as short as a sprint. I know for me, it just wasn't worth the bother.


2009-08-14 1:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Shorter Distance Tris combined with IM training
KSH - 2009-08-14 1:20 PM

If you are going to do those races, you should look at them as training days- no taper and no recovery.

Last year I did two races all year- 1 Olympic and Ironman Kentucky. That's it.

We didn't want to take away from long bike/run days for a short race.

Some will argue with me, and it's just how I see things... but I think when you are training for an IM your #1 focus should be IM training... which means you don't give up a long bike or run day for something as short as a sprint. I know for me, it just wasn't worth the bother.


Agreed ^^^

I am currently IM training, and my last International race I just took two days off before and continuted IM training the day after. That will be my same M.O. for an Oly in Sept. IMHO, anything besides a HIM should be easy for someone IM training. Most IM training days are longer than the time it takes to finish an Oly. As stated above, use it as a speed day and continue training.
2009-08-14 4:56 PM
in reply to: #2347558

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Subject: RE: Shorter Distance Tris combined with IM training
Thanks so much for the input guys.    I really appreciate it.  I'm still going to do the races because they are friendly competition for me with some buddies and I really enjoy them, but that is a good point that a sprint really shouldn't be too hard on the system when in the middle of IM training.  Also, I'm doing a HIM in April with no races scheduled for the whole training period so that should give me a pretty good idea of what my body can handle.  Thanks again!

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