General Discussion Triathlon Talk » HIM training.....4 month til race realistic? Rss Feed  
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2010-06-14 11:33 AM

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Subject: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
I would like to get your guys' input on the realism of me finishing a HIM in october, specifically miamiman. I know many things are possible but would like to know if this is a realistic goal.

In nov 09 I started with p90x to get my lazy butt back in acceptable shape and get some weight off (from 196 to 170 current, 5'11") , which worked great. In March I began to train for my first sprint triathlon which I finished in 1:17 in May....

My swimming is terrible, from form to endurance, to whatever has to do with swimming. (just have to be honest) - hoping to take some lessons very soon.

Biking - currently getting approx 2 to 3 30 mile rides in a week, slowly building milleage

running - pretty much every day....on my days off I currently do 5-6 mile runs, and on my working days 3-4 mile runs... 12 hour shifts so I gott work around those..

My plan is to build some more endurance base in the next 6-7 weeks , increasing mileage in all 3 disciplines training in lower hr zones...
after that, week 8+ start some with bricks and add a little speed/interval work while still increasing mileage and working heavily on running and swimming......
the last 4-6 weeks concentrate on even longer bricks, some more speed work and really ramp up the mileage for swim and bike while maintaining 8-10 mile runs on my days off ( 7 days every 2 weeks)

how does this sounds, and be gentle please lol


2010-06-14 11:38 AM
in reply to: #2920330

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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
I don't have an HIM under my belt yet.  I am scheduled for one in Sept.  That said, I loaded a training plan for a 20wk HIM and it seems very much in line with your current capabilities (with the exception of the swim). 

I feel like my plan is way too light so I've been doing more than is required but if it is accurate, you may want to consider taking a look at it.  It appears you could jump right into it.  You did just say "finish" and not "compete" so that clarification changes a lot of things.  Also, I cannot imagine Miami being very hilly so it shouldn't be extremely hard compared to some other 70.3's should it?
2010-06-14 11:40 AM
in reply to: #2920352

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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
not hilly at all....but always windy
2010-06-14 11:46 AM
in reply to: #2920330

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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
If you get your swimming into decent shape, I think it is possible.  I started working out consistently in February, did my first tri in May like you, longest ride thus far is 35 miles, and I'm hoping to go for a HIM in September.  Just keep building safely and I think you will make it.  (I'm hoping I will! )
2010-06-14 11:48 AM
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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
It depends on how much time you want to invest in your swimming.

From what you say your bike and run are fine and by following a plan you would be ready.

Swimming 1.2 miles often w/o a wetsuit can be long ways to go.

Look at some HIM training plans and see if the training flow appeals to you. Before you sign up I'd look more into getting some swim lessons and see how that goes.

Look at a plan to follow instead of just winging it. Sounds like you may have some challenges to your schedule with 12 hour shifts but you can move training days around to fit your life...but the plan will help you build volume to get you ready in a safe way.
2010-06-14 11:53 AM
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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
Where exactly are you with swimming? Your sprint tri was likely a 500ish m swim.... a HIM swim is at least three times that distance. If you are comfortable swimming 1.2 mi in OW -- or think you can get there soon, then I say go for it.

Instead of making your own plan, I'd look at one of the free ones on BT and see if you can realistically do it. Many athletes make their own plans but have done so after reading several books, training for awhile etc.

good luck !!


2010-06-14 12:03 PM
in reply to: #2920390

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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?

I will definitely look at some of these plans for guidance.
My swimming.....well the sprint was around 400m ows (which was no problem) ....I have been swimming in 50m pool and doing 400 x 2 and the some 50s to work on my technique....I have lots of beginner problems with keeping head down and hips up etc....spend about 1.5 hrs a week in the water right now....just hate it so much hehe

2010-06-14 12:16 PM
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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
4 months = 16 weeks.  a good plan will take you there.  problem is your swimming...

1.2 miles is a pretty good distance.  Miami Man will probably allow wetsuits...something also to think about.  last 3 yrs they allowed wetsuit.  BUT I wouldn't count on this.

main question is how much work are you willing to do?  if you are willing to do 12 hrs per week it will get you there easy.

I have done this race before.  VERY WINDY on the bike, something to consider also.


Edited by trix 2010-06-14 12:17 PM
2010-06-14 2:40 PM
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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
MiamiMan is actually on 11/14, so by my calcs, that's 22 wks out.  I've been debating whether or not to enter this as my 1st HIM, so I've been looking at training plans as well.  Hopefully with the knowledge that you have a full month+ beyond what you thought will help you decide.
2010-06-14 2:57 PM
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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?

thanks for that correction....for some reason I was thinking october...it seems like a well organized race with clear water in a lake, which is a major plus in my opinion.

2010-06-14 3:23 PM
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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
Sign up for the race and get your butt in the pool.  You'll be fine.


2010-06-14 3:41 PM
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Subject: RE: HIM training.....4 month til race realistic?
SKIKIPP - 2010-06-14 2:57 PM

thanks for that correction....for some reason I was thinking october...it seems like a well organized race with clear water in a lake, which is a major plus in my opinion.



i think its been sold out 3 years out, but now with IM miami 70.3 i think there will be alot of spaces. 

its a good race, my biggest problem was bike, the wind that day was absolutely brutal.  times were decent because its a loop so you either had it behind you pounding at 40 mph or into it at 15 mph.

needless to say my legs were toasted.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » HIM training.....4 month til race realistic? Rss Feed