General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 2 year plan...err...starting to plan Rss Feed  
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2011-04-02 9:45 PM

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Veteran
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Fayetteville, AR
Subject: 2 year plan...err...starting to plan

Will try to make this short, and get some advice about races....

I really want to do an IM.  I'm 33, 2nd year of Tri's, been running for about 5 years and done some 1/2 mary's, lots of 10ks and 5k's.  Not fast, but enjoy it, and really want to meet this goal.  I'm getting married this summer, and in the next few years we will be wanting to have kid(s).  So i think the next 2 years are going to be prime time if i want to get one in.  So here is what i'm thinking, and wanted to get some feedback from the BT brother(and sister)hood if this is a good/realistic timeline.  (still have to run this by the future wife, but she has always been positive about me doing this to stay healthy, etc...). 

I think i should start by commiting to doing a HIM next year (2012), and was thinking about New Orleans 70.3 or Kansas 70.3.  Will be living/training in NW Arkansas.  Kansas is closer, but NO would be a better destination for the future wife.  Are these "first HIM friendly?"  I know Branson 70.3 is the closest, but have heard that is a killer course.  I would use the rest of this spring/summer to do some sprints and a late season olympic or two.  

After finishing the HIM, start into the training for the IM distance for spring/summer/fall 2013.  would it be smart to try to get another late season HIM in 2012, or focus on shorter distance races and just the IM training?  What is a good first time IM distance race (M-dot or otherwise)?  Florida sounds appealing, again, b/c of future wife and location, and somewhat the proximity to NW Arkansas.  

Anyway, I think part of this post was just to get it written down as a goal, but also to get some advice from the more experienced of you out there.  Its a big endeavour, and I want to go into with as much planning as possible.  Thanks in advance!

(logs are "pretty up to date" since Feb of this year, other than bike trainer time is not included)



2011-04-02 10:00 PM
in reply to: #3427080

Iron Donkey
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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: 2 year plan...err...starting to plan

Identify what you mean by "good first time IM".  It's an IM.  It's going to take a lot of training.  It's a long race.  It will be one of the hardest things that you will ever do in your life.  And, it will hurt.

2011-04-03 6:05 AM
in reply to: #3427080

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2011-04-03 5:38 PM
in reply to: #3427080

Champion
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Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: 2 year plan...err...starting to plan

I agree with Fred.  Sounds like a good plan for you.  Just be honest with yourself and your future wife about how much time and money it takes to prepare.  Look around at the logs of people as they build up to IM.  You'll see a lot of variety, but those who are well prepared do tend to put in a lot of hours.

2011-04-03 10:54 PM
in reply to: #3427089

Regular
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Subject: RE: 2 year plan...err...starting to plan
1stTimeTri - 2011-04-02 11:00 PM

It will be one of the hardest things that you will ever do in your life.  And, it will hurt.

Like. 

Just the way you worded it.

2011-04-04 10:14 AM
in reply to: #3427080

Master
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Millersville, MD
Subject: RE: 2 year plan...err...starting to plan

I agree it is impressive how you have a long-range vision for this race... that will pay dividends... and you'll find there are many paths to the same goal.

 

Having the perspective to think about IM years from now is wise, but also needs to be balanced by having short and mid-range goals.  Many people think they can train consistently for an A race that is a long way away... very few can (the physical and PSYCHOLOGICAL fatigue can add up).  But if you break that training into blocks, with intermediate races (as you've suggested), short off-seasons, etc... I think you'll show up to your IM build in great shape without realizing you've been laying the foundation for that IM all along.



2011-04-06 3:00 PM
in reply to: #3427080

Veteran
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Decatur, GA
Subject: RE: 2 year plan...err...starting to plan
That sounds a lot like my plan I laid out last summer.  HIM this year (registered for 70.3 Augusta!) with some shorter races over the summer.  I'm doing a modified plan from Be Ironfit.  Then I'll take a little break after Augusta, start working toward an early half or full marathon in 2012 and then start training in earnest for Beach 2 Battleship full iron in 2012.  It felt good last summer, when I couldn't train much with a new baby, to put some kind of plan in the books.  Gave me something to look forward to and encouragement to start taking small steps back into a steady training regimine after the pregnancy.
2011-04-07 6:30 AM
in reply to: #3432958

Expert
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Subject: RE: 2 year plan...err...starting to plan

Sounds like a great plan! Good luck on your races. Looking forward in reading your race reports

 

Scott

2011-04-07 7:23 AM
in reply to: #3427080

Elite
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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: 2 year plan...err...starting to plan
You are smart to think about it two years out.  That gives you plenty of time to safely build your volume up and have a great base when you start the IM training.  I think most people, me included, start training for their first IM with way to small of a base.

Good luck!
2011-04-07 3:01 PM
in reply to: #3427080

Veteran
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Columbus
Subject: RE: 2 year plan...err...starting to plan

I have the same thought process as you in training!  I am thinking of a HIM in 2012 and a IM in 2013.  Part of me thinks I could get through a HIM late this year but I don't want to go overboard and I haven't even completed my first Tri but I will say I am hooked!

I am in Ohio and have a few options such as Muncie 70.3, Steelhead in Michigan, or travel a little further in the Northeast to get to one.  I need to get a swim coach first as that is my weak area and I am slow 2:00/100M.  Also need to get my bike up as this is the first year I have actually biked.  I come from a running background but more for fun and not competitively. 

Good luck and I hope to read more of your posts and learn from each other in our longer plans and processes!

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