Beginner 1/2 Ironman Plan Group (Page 139)

Congrats on the race!  It sounds like a tough course. I've done some running in the area and recall plenty of hills!  As for altitude, 3400 feet is probably right at the level where some people will notice a small effect and some won't. I wondered about it in my first "HIM" (the one that was cut short by weather). I had a hard time getting my breathing smooth on the run and wondered if it had to do with altitude (about 4500 ft), though my pace was okay. Figured it could be altitude, or asthma as cold weather can trigger it.

But food for thought.....I noticed my breathing pattern was odd (longer exhale, bigger inhale) at the start the run for my last race, even though it was at sea level. It is also a little different every time I start to run off a long ride. I was running at 8000-9000 feet on vacation (not bricks) and my breathing was NOT different in the same way. So maybe it is something the body does to adapt to the different demands of bike vs. run, getting into a new rhythm, clearing waste products from the bike, etc. Guess I would have to study this further with a HRM. Guessing my HR is pretty high in both cases! If you felt nauseous, probably more likely from the heat, dehydration, cumulative fatigue, etc. than altitude.

I was lucky that I got the advice from HR and Jo that the plan was a little light on the bike, so I upped that in the last 6-8 weeks of my training.  The swimming plan I didn't really follow as I was swimming with a masters group twice a week.  The one time per week I did swim on my own I would usually just pick a workout and do it.  I did get in several open water swims before my race, which helped soooo much.  The one thing I would suggest to anyone working this plan, is do quite a few bricks, especially after your long rides.  I don't think I had prepared myself adequately for running off the bike for those distances.

Congrats on your race.   What a huge accomplishment.  And, yes, I think the altitude can make a pretty significant difference.  The heat too will increase run times as well.  Those are tough conditions making it all the more amazing.

I got a little bit of vindication Saturday after my lousy HIM experience at Boise earlier.  Did Vineman IM in 13:35.  Was really happy with the day.

Awesome, Pops, great work!

Great job - way to git 'er done!  Read your race report and it sounds like you did an outstanding job mentally - both in planning and execution.   I would think the altitude definitely was a factor if you live at sea level - each breath was delivering less oxygen than you are accustomed to.  Don't know how you train for that.

Awesome race Pops!  Glad to hear you had a great day and have something other than Boise to remember the season by.

bcraht- well done.  way to finish strong even with the added adversity.  Future training plans/races?

Pops- So glad to hear you had a great IM.  13 hr finish is most impressive.  I know you've already done several marathon's, an HIM, and now an IM this year.  What more can a guy do in a single year?  Way to go.

I'm off today, with a quick run through s/b/r tomorrow before my first shot at triathlon on Sunday.  I've found everyones journeys very inspiring along the way.  Hoping the temps stay down in the low 90's or below for this weekend.  6:00:00 finish or bust.

Thanks!  Aiming for an oly early Sept and a HM late Sept.  Signed up to volunteer at IMC, so I *may* sign up for 2013...

I hope you have a great race on Sunday.  Stay relaxed on the swim, take it easy on the bike, ease in on the first half of the run, then hammer it!  Stay hydrated, too.  Most of all--ENJOY!  Let us know how it goes.

Kevin, best of luck at Troika on Sunday.  Hope you have already started hydrating - looks like it's gonna be a hot one.

Don't push too hard on the bike, make sure you save something for your smokin fast run.  Looking forward to hearing how it goes... rock it!!!

WOW!!!! did we know you were doing that.....anyway whatever well done!  I'm so excited but terrified of IM Melbourne in March - I'm already dreaming about it!  I'm hoping to go under 16 hours but no guarantees!  I will be happy to finish it alive and well...

Ditto on all of the above!! I'll be rooting for you.  It's been a long journey and you've made amazing progress.  Win, lose, or draw, come Sunday, you have a lot to be proud of.  Have fun and rock it. 

AWESOME JOB!  That's a fantastic time, especially in the heat.  All the hard work paid off

Nice Job Pops!  I hope I will be able to get a that type of time next year for my IM.  

Nice Job Kevin! Look forward to the report! 

Too funny HR.  I am looking at Chelanman/Lake Stevens/Vineman for next year.  Possible race off??

Race report is up.  Thanks again all on this board for the advice.

http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=454426

Well Kevin, you smoked it.  5:36 is a very, very good time.  Congratulations on achieving your goal.

I've really enjoyed following your training over the past months.  It was fun watching you progress on the bike and swim.  I think you always had the run part down pretty well.

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do next.  A showdown at Chelanman with HR would be worth traveling over to see.

Awesome job - it is emotional isn't it!!!!  What's next!

2 HIM training cycles in prep for next years (June-August) HIM.  I do not know what event yet.  Goal is 5:00:00 or BUST!

Uh, Kevin, if you're anywhere near sub-5 I think I should forfeit--unless I get to ride an e-bike! I could envision 5:30ish for me on a faster course with some improvement in my biking and transitions, if I didn't have any mechanical issues, but don't see sub-5:00 being in the cards! Best of luck!

Have come to the conclusion that long-distance triathon is much easier on the body than long-distance travel. I feel a lot worse three days after flying to Vietnam than I did three days after the HIM. And I'm absolutely certain that 14 hours of an Ironman would be better than a 14 hour flight.

Hi there--go to the Programs button (top of the page) and click on it.  Find the plan, and then click on 'import to your training log'.  I think you can also print the whole plan.