SWBKRUN -CLOSED DUE TO TRAINING (Page 25)

So, since we're talking about HMs leading up to HIMs, how important do you guys think they are during the training?  I'm trying to decide whether to sign up for one this spring or not.

A couple things I'm considering:

- I think doing the half mary in the lead up is great for my confidence for the run.

- Last year I had a huge tendency to prioritize my running at the expense of my biking.  Given it was my first year doing tris, and prior to starting I could bike, but not run, this imbalance may have made sense - for a time.

- If I follow the training plan as written, it only has me doing 1.5 hour runs at the time the half mary takes place.  My last half marathon took me 2:10, so I'm not actually at a good mileage amount at the time of the race.

- I am debating increasing the run mileage the plan calls for anyways.  Bad idea?  Okay?  It tops out at 2:10 runs, and I feel like I would feel more confident going into it with a couple longer runs.  I'll only do this if I can without sacrificing bike mileage.

Some background:

Last year I did two half marathons.  My first was pretty brutal, while my second was stellar (for me).

I will be doing a sprint and Oly triathlon as part of the HIM training.

Since you've run some HMs before my first instint is to say no.  I don't think you need it to feel confident about the HIM, especially since you've don'e this distance before.  And distance doesn't equal speed.  If you are looking to get faster at this distance then work on overall strength and speed work.  If the HIM is your A race than prepping for the HM will drain your resources for proper bike and swim work.  Keep getting stronger and they will fit together. 

Very wise words from Tracy that are worth reading again ....... and again ..... and again!!!  Then really sit down to reflect and figure out what YOUR GOAL is for the season and plan your season around THAT goal.  Some people race 20 times a season, some race 1.   

I have two things to add:

1) a stand alone half marathon and a half at the end of a 1.2m swim and a 56m bike is a different beast.  You've already done a stand alone and know you can do it so my advice would be to focus on your plan as written and not short change the process, including the proper intensity for the S, the B and the R.

2) don't mess with the plan.  Adding mileage on top of something that was built for a reason is a recipe for disaster--injury, missing your goals on bike or swim workouts because you are adding run mileage.  If you don't think the plan is right for you, then look for one that is.   I used to be an "add mileage" girl, but now I am a stick to the intensity girl.  It pays off in spades.

My two cents. 

Who's starting the year off right with a little tango this weekend?  I know of at least one MG'er taking on a double header!!  Give us the scoop on your racing plans!

And if you're not racing, have you solidified those 2012 goals yet?  Share one or all of them to get the rest of us inspired!

Biggest goal of 2012: Step to the starting line of my first Half Ironman -- 6/17/12 in healthy condition. Goal 1a is to have fun and finish the race in healthy condition.

Family has a cyclocross race on Sunday but I haven't decided if I'm man enough to race yet. 

Goals for 2012: I'd like to get faster. I've learned how to dig into the pain locker better and after last year I believe in myself so much more.  I remember when I was nervous about pooping out on the run of a sprint, now I wonder if I can actually make myself puke.   Funny how one's perspective changes.

You don't have to be....you finished an IM as a woman, remember?

Faster in what?  The more concrete the goal, the more likely you'll strive to hit it!

Go for it and if there's lots of mud take pictures. Well take pictures anyway. Sounds like it would be fun.

Tiana

Goal 2012, I want to get better at hills on the bike. I want to be able to do the St George Ironman bike course in under the cut off times.

Tiana

No racing for me. The big goal for the first part of 2012 is to become a triathlete again. I'm starting slow and easy and going to build gradually, since I have a tendency to just jump in and get the distance done at the expense of performance and risk of injury. So far, so good... I figured out how to use my CT again last night and I got back in the pool on Monday.

The 2nd part of 2012 will likely be devoted to finishing a 50 miler.

Good luck and have a super fun time to our Goofy girl!!!

Here are the specifics. I've discussed this with my coach already and we've picked races that give good bench marks to measure my progress.

2012 GOALS 

loose 10 lbs

avg. 18+mph on bike in races

avg. sub 30 5K  in races

hold or improve 100m lap time (1:55 in races)

be top half finish in races

2hr Tabacco Road HM

6hr at Augusta 70.3

run the whole marathon

No racing this weekend.  Still working on solidifying those 2012 plans/goals. I have this pipe dream of qualifying for Boston this year, but not sure that is what I really want to do.  Not sure I'd go run the race even if I qualified.

Looks as though I just got myself another job with my bike team.  I'm now officially "the tri guy".  Get to post all about our local race schedules and results for our racers on our team website. So one goal is to make sure that gets done correctly and promptly.

Congrats to all the BIG 10 teams who won their bowl games!!  (Sorry Badgers, maybe next year...) GO BLUE!!!

this is what awesome is.

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Paul Shain	11:18 AM (21 minutes ago)
to me

Well hello....

Had a great 1st 8 months  of training in 2011!! After the end of August I kicked my feet up and put on some lbs!!!

2012 training update: Touching up baseboards tonight, and the carpets comes on Tuesday. Throw some furniture down there next week ...And then can you spell D-O-N-E.

a little here and there. 

tahrens - 2012-01-03 1:01 PM Hey Steve, if Kim has any pull at work have her send me someone who can hyperlink an image in Sharepoint 2007!!!!  AAAGGGGGHHHHHHH 

She left Microsoft.  She is now slumming it at Expedia.  Sorry!

swbkrun - 2012-01-04 12:12 PM

tahrens - 2012-01-03 1:01 PM Hey Steve, if Kim has any pull at work have her send me someone who can hyperlink an image in Sharepoint 2007!!!!  AAAGGGGGHHHHHHH 

 

She left Microsoft.  She is now slumming it at Expedia.  Sorry!

awww, do you still get to flash you high powered medical card around town?  

i think paul and julia will get along great as well.

Not racing, but doing a 5mi. Poker Run on Sunday.  It's a prediction trail run with the local running club.  Haven't done this before, but looking forward to it.  Best part is it's only a $3 donation and they have hot chocolate. 

I'm struggling with my 2012 goals.  I was all pumped up about doing my first HIM, but now I'm wavering big time.  Just the thought of it makes my stomach churn.  The only one that fits my schedule would be early in July, and I just don't know if I would be ready.  My main goal over the winter has been to improve my run and I think I might keep this focus over the summer too.  I don't want to be stupid and kill myself trying to focus on too many things all at the same time. 

My highlight of the summer is going to be pacing a runner at the Leadville Trail 100 and I really want to focus my extra energies on trail running and lengthening out the distances.  I figure if I'm patient and keep that goal in mind, it will benefit me in all of my triathlons next summer and in the future. 

There, it's decided.  Going to do Sprints and Olys and focus on improving my run.    No shame in waiting on the HIM. 

GOOFY!

I guess that's me, according to Suzy's article from the other day, I not only chose a January marathon, I chose to do a half marathon the day before it!  Geesh.  Oh well, never one to follow conventional wisdom...I am all about having fun at both races as long as my silly foot holds up...Bringing my camera with me...will also be wearing my red shorts that Kathy put big yellow buttons on so I can run in costume complete with black top and Mickey Ears. 

We are flying out on a red eye tomorrow and will arrive in the ATL at the crack of dawn on Friday morning for our connecting flight.  Will Paul's best friend (not nice calling either of the boys fat, Suzy!) be around???   

And since I am "racing", I will wait until next week to work on those 2012 goals. 

I don't think the Christmas decorations are going to come down before we leave...arrrrgh!

Nice, Jayne, don't you love when you work things out aloud (or at least on the internet!) and come to a conclusion that is final!?  Love your focus and keep up the good work, that HIM will be there when you want it!