Subject: RE: Training Plans for Ironman I must say that getting a coach would definately be well advised when undetaking your first IM. There are many folks that structure their own IM training plan by reading books and talking to folks but that is really a disservice to yourself as an athlete as you won't be racing to your potential on race day. That being said, if you just want to finish the IM and not really do your "best" but rather just complete the IM as your goal, then I suppose structuring your own plan could be done and you could accomplish your goal. I, however, am not at all like that. If I do something, I really want to give it my all and do the best that I can. Another reason a coach is good to have when pushing the endurance envelope is that there are several things that are counterintuitive in endurance training that the "new" athlete may not understand or consider. Here are just a few of the things I mean that a coach can explain to you as well as incorporate in your training to make your first IM a great race-to-your-potential experience. 1. train slow to get fast 2. swim swim swim in training even though it's only a very small percentage of the race 3. don't do the typical long bike on saturday followed by the typical long run on sunday (ok, maybe NOT so counterintuitive but you'd be surprised at how many folks still do this when training for their first IM) The most difficult thing for the first IM is getting to the starting line injury free while not undertraining so that you can race to your potential. After all, the IM is a RACE and not a charity bike ride or something. RIGHT??!? |