General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 12 Week Training for 140.6? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-07-08 4:47 PM

User image

Elite
4547
2000200050025
Subject: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
I was reading a Triathlon Training book the other day...and it had a 12 week training plan for 140.6.
My gut tells me that's crazy...but I'm finding myself very tempted...heck, registration for the event I'm looking at is closed 2 weeks before the event. Why not train like heck and see how I feel two weeks out? Any thoughts?? I think I might be 78 days away today.


2009-07-08 5:24 PM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Champion
10471
500050001001001001002525
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
So... when is the race?

Based on your logs... your base seems OK, but not amazing.

June's totals:
Bike: 15h 55m 53s - 281.08 Mi
Run: 7h 34m 58s - 53.65 Mi
Swim: 5h 31m 45s - 15850 Yd
Strength: 26m

It's an solid effort, but those numbers right there are what you do for a HIM.

Maybe someone else can chime in. ????

WAIT! I have that book... Training Plans for Multisport Athletes... 13 weeks to an Ironman.

Per the plan you need to be able to do the following:
*Capable of swimming 3 times a week for around an hour.
*Can cycle for 1.5 hours.
*Your long run is currently in the 1:15-1:30 range.

Up until this point you have been training at 8-10 hours a week. - Are you doing that????





Edited by KSH 2009-07-08 5:32 PM
2009-07-08 7:26 PM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Extreme Veteran
744
50010010025
Ontario
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?

ChineseDemocracy - 2009-07-08 4:47 PM  My gut tells me that's crazy

I'm with your gut

2009-07-08 8:16 PM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Elite
4547
2000200050025
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
Thanks for the chime-ins folks.

I still think it can't hurt to train as if I was going to tackle this bear in late September.

Unfortunately, I lost 2008 to injury, and I used the 1st half of 2009 to rehab and slowly/cautiously get back into the game. '07 was great. A 20-week training program to HIM joy!

Common sense tells me I just don't have enough time for a proper ramp-up to 140.6 capability. Actually, better said, I could probably complete the race, but it would not be as enjoyable, and it wouldn't be my best effort...and it would definitely result in significantly longer post-race soreness.

Thanks again!
2009-07-08 8:46 PM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Expert
713
500100100
Lake in the Hills, IL
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
I started the 26 week to an Ironman plan out of that book. At the 13 week mark I switched to the 13 weeks to a 13 hour Ironman plan. I had to for family time sake and just trying to stay married. So far so good. I am 9 weeks out from the race and all is good. I lost some time due to injury and that set me back. I will let you know how it goes after Louisville.
2009-07-09 8:03 AM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Not a Coach
11473
5000500010001001001001002525
Media, PA
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
I may be in the minority, but I think 12 weeks is about perfect to train specifically for IM.  Currently, I'm on a 10-week plan. 

This, of course, assumes that your training prior to starting those 12 (or 10 or 13) weeks is adequate.  Based on your logs, I wouldn't advise this course for you right now.  Boost the level of training slightly from where you are now and hold it there for most of the next year.  Then you can jump into a 12 week plan.


2009-07-09 9:59 AM
in reply to: #2271642

User image

Champion
10471
500050001001001001002525
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
ChineseDemocracy - 2009-07-08 8:16 PM

Thanks for the chime-ins folks.

I still think it can't hurt to train as if I was going to tackle this bear in late September.

Unfortunately, I lost 2008 to injury, and I used the 1st half of 2009 to rehab and slowly/cautiously get back into the game. '07 was great. A 20-week training program to HIM joy!

Common sense tells me I just don't have enough time for a proper ramp-up to 140.6 capability. Actually, better said, I could probably complete the race, but it would not be as enjoyable, and it wouldn't be my best effort...and it would definitely result in significantly longer post-race soreness.

Thanks again!


Well I think the bolded portion is an important piece to this equation.

2009-07-09 12:47 PM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Master
1989
1000500100100100100252525
New Jersey
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
I'd agree with JohnnyK.

I'm in the taper part of my 30 week plan for Lake Placid (my first IM) and am just plain beat from all the training - mostly mentally. The first half of the plan was stuff that I'd pretty much normally do anyway - except for the swim - but I still was 100% focused on the IM. So, if I do another IM (likely), I intend to not focus on the IM from the get-go, but just do what I normally do and then start the specific focus about 3 months out. If I had to do it all over again, since it's my first IM, I still think I'd stick with the longer plan though.

Bottom line - 12 weeks sounds do-able, but that assumes you are currently at good level of fitness, and how experienced you are.

By the way, I tried previously to train as if I'd be doing the race, but I tell you, without being actually signed up, it just didn't work.


2009-07-09 1:22 PM
in reply to: #2272312

User image

Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
JohnnyKay - 2009-07-09 9:03 AM I may be in the minority, but I think 12 weeks is about perfect to train specifically for IM.  Currently, I'm on a 10-week plan. 

This, of course, assumes that your training prior to starting those 12 (or 10 or 13) weeks is adequate.  Based on your logs, I wouldn't advise this course for you right now.  Boost the level of training slightly from where you are now and hold it there for most of the next year.  Then you can jump into a 12 week plan.


But you've got the base ........ and the experience of already having done one, so you know what it takes to get there.

Hell, I did one on 6 weeks of focused training!  Would I recommend that to anyone?  Not just no, but Hell No.

Agree 100% with the second part of your post though.
2009-07-09 1:37 PM
in reply to: #2273614

User image

Not a Coach
11473
5000500010001001001001002525
Media, PA
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
Daremo - 2009-07-09 2:22 PM
JohnnyKay - 2009-07-09 9:03 AM I may be in the minority, but I think 12 weeks is about perfect to train specifically for IM.  Currently, I'm on a 10-week plan. 

This, of course, assumes that your training prior to starting those 12 (or 10 or 13) weeks is adequate.  Based on your logs, I wouldn't advise this course for you right now.  Boost the level of training slightly from where you are now and hold it there for most of the next year.  Then you can jump into a 12 week plan.


But you've got the base ........ and the experience of already having done one, so you know what it takes to get there.

Hell, I did one on 6 weeks of focused training!  Would I recommend that to anyone?  Not just no, but Hell No.

Agree 100% with the second part of your post though.


Well, it was all one post.  Not a suggestion that someone pick the part they want. 
2009-07-09 1:39 PM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

The Original
7834
5000200050010010010025
Raleigh/Durham
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
There's a 12 week 1/2 IM to IM bridge plan on here that I used for my first IM.  I actually took 3 months off after my 1/2 IM and focused on cycling and maintaining my running and swimming.  Then 3 months out I started the plan.  I thought it was a pretty good plan.  I haven't looked at your logs but if you're near the training volume of a 1/2 IM, I would say a plan like that would be realistic.  It all just depends how solid of a base you have.


2009-07-09 5:01 PM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Elite
4547
2000200050025
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
Thanks for all the posts. I honestly think I knew the answer...I just needed it drilled in! Thanks.
The wise approach is almost always slow and steady. I'll decrease my risk of injury...improve my performance...and when I eventually do tackle the 140.6, I'll know I did my best.
Good luck to all those tackling 140.6 this year!

btw, the book I got the 12 week plan from is called Triathlon Training, author Lynch. The specific 12-week program is written by LouAnn Rivett. The "Am I ready? section states: You should have some triathlon experience. (check!) You need to comfortably swim 1km (check!!), cycle 60km (check!!!), and run 12km (check!!!!), and you should be training regularly.

Honestly, the above training program has to be one of the lightest (if not thee lightest IM training plan) I've ever seen.

One more thing to add...I love, I mean loooove to train! Training brings me joy. Training makes me feel more alive. I'll never take good health for granted again.
2009-07-10 7:59 AM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Expert
670
5001002525
Bucks County
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
Bernhardt has a famous 13 week ironman plan that others have used sucessfully:
http://www.cluboceano.com/13.htm
2009-07-10 10:22 AM
in reply to: #2274393

User image

Not a Coach
11473
5000500010001001001001002525
Media, PA
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
ChineseDemocracy - 2009-07-09 6:01 PM
btw, the book I got the 12 week plan from is called Triathlon Training, author Lynch. The specific 12-week program is written by LouAnn Rivett. The "Am I ready? section states: You should have some triathlon experience. (check!) You need to comfortably swim 1km (check!!), cycle 60km (check!!!), and run 12km (check!!!!), and you should be training regularly. Honestly, the above training program has to be one of the lightest (if not thee lightest IM training plan) I've ever seen.


Just to be clear, I'm sure you COULD follow this plan and finish an IM.  I simply wouldn't recommend it as you will increase your injury risk and the liklihood is high that the IM would be a long and painful day--since it may be that anyway, might as well be well-prepared for it. 
2009-07-10 11:59 AM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Pro
4277
20002000100100252525
Parker, CO
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?

hey Brian,  I know you are getting healthy and really have the bug to do 140.6.  I've been watching your logs and you've been training really well the last several weeks.  I'm certain that if you sis the 12-week plan you will finish the IM...but at what cost? If it wasn't for the injury in 2008 i'd say go for it.  But you were injured and your body probably just isn't going to respsond the way it would a year from now.  I would just keep building on your base and having fun....maybe do an half IM.   In 2009 do the 140.6. 

2009-07-12 3:42 PM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Elite
3498
20001000100100100100252525
Chicago
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
I've done the 12-week IM program you speak of. It was for my 2nd IM.

Background is that it was my 9th year of endurance training (primarily triathlon training) and I did IMWI 2005 took 4 months off completely....i mean totally coach potato...no running, swimming, cycling, lifting, walking, ... nothing. then i started on the 12 week program. the run build up was a little aggressive for me, and I adjusted it a bit but it worked for me and beat my IMWI time at IMAZ but that's not saying much since IMWI 2005 was raced at 50%-60% effort and IMAZ bike was pretty darn painful and I wanted to take a nap in T2. yawn!



2009-07-12 4:57 PM
in reply to: #2271297

User image

Expert
1215
1000100100
Austin, TX
Subject: RE: 12 Week Training for 140.6?
There are a lot of 12-16 week training plans.  BUT, most of these assume you are coming in with a very solid base.

And that base takes months if not much longer to achieve.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 12 Week Training for 140.6? Rss Feed