Jeff's Long Course Group - (Open) (Page 6)

Well, if you hadn't heard, the swim was canceled while we waited on the beach for the start. The water was terrible, as were the rip currents and winds. I understand why it was canceled, but it was one of the biggest disappointments I've ever had. After all of that work, I was standing there facing a DUATHLON! Regardless, after getting up at 4 AM, I sat inside of a hotel lobby on the floor until 9 AM waiting for my time-trial start. Finally, my group went off at 9:08. I have to admit I had a tough time getting motivated for a bike/run and I was starving. The weather was 20 mph winds with gusts up to 36 mph!! CRAZY! I was pretty nervous. Got out there on my bike and things were tough, but not miserable. I had trained in the wind and A LOT! So, ended up finishing my bike in just over 6 1/2 hours. Got off and legs, miraculously, felt AMAZING. I have no idea how it happened since we had about 50 miles of STRONG headwinds. I was expecting to be wobbly and sore, but I felt fresh and averaged an 8:40 pace on my first 3-4 miles. I ended up finishing my marathon in 4:13, so I was VERY pleased. OVerall finish time was 10:55 and I felt good all the way to the finish. I walked through water stations after mile 14 or so and ended up with a 9:40 average pace. Happy with it, but now considering a last-minute trip to Cozumel to get my full IM in. Not sure what I will do yet. Have some decisions to make. 2015 will not be an Ironman year for me, so it's now or never.

Thanks for your help!

Yeah, that's a tough break. I've always thought how'd I'd feel if they cancelled or altered part of my IM course. I've have swims cancelled in Olympics and was not happy so that would probably be magnified with IM. Sounds like you hung tough and still had a great bike/run. Let me know if you decide on Cozumel and I can give you some tips on the short turn around and how to train in between races.

Well, I took an entire week off except for one short swim and water fitness class and am now ready to climb back
in the saddle. I was told by a local coach that doing BTB Ironman events can be pretty hard on the body, so I am trying to be
smart. My thoughts are that I should resume my normal swim training since the swim is not wetsuit legal in Cozumel and
I haven't technically had any longer swims since a week out from IMFL. I am thinking of adding in one 3 hour bike ride and then
my regular 1-1:30 runs. I probably won't add much distance on the bike and run but instead focus on doing shorter workouts
using more power and speed. I will taper down those last 10 days before the race. Do you have any advice on what workouts would
be most important right now? I feel out of shape already!! Thanks!

I think that sounds like a decent plan. Definitely don't worry about the run. Let your body guide you there. If you go out for a run, and after 45 mins you body just isn't feeling it, be sure to call it a day. Don't push because you planned for 90 mins.

You can also try doing a reverse taper. So over the next couple weeks, instead of ramping down, ramp back up to about 60-70% and then take the last week very very easy. You have the fitness, even though you feel like you lost it. So if any of the workouts are just feeling off, call it a day. You are not going to get fitter in the next 3 weeks. The goal is just to not lose fitness that you got in training for IMFL.

Hi Jeff, If this group is still open, please could I join? I'm training for Texas 70.3 (Galveston) in April and if that goes well I'd like to do others and possibly a full IM.
I've been competing in tris for about a year - just had major knee surgery about 6 weeks before I did my first one (too soon for sure but I finished!). To date I have only completed sprints but each performance was an improvement on a previous time. I podiumed this year too! :D I have a whole host of cycling events booked up, a few halves and a couple of Olympics pre 70.3 (I did a relay of this as the swimmer at the Conroe 70.3 about a month ago).
I need to lose about 15-20lbs pre race too.

Anyway.. if it would be ok to join, please let me know - appreciate your time!
Thanks

Steph

Steph,

This is the 2014 mentor group, so it will probably be archived pretty soon. I'd keep my eyes open for the 2015 mentor groups which should be starting soon.

Jeff

Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!