Couch to podium in 100 days (Page 2)

Im not sure if your logs are up to date but if they are I would simply suggest to pick a plan and stick to it, consistency and building a base is key.

Setting goals is very important but you also need to be sure that they are realistic and achievable. Im not saying that you cant end up on the podium but through training you may find that your goal is beyond reach which may really impact your enthusiasm for training.

I have never seen a 5'11 dude look skeletal at 170...

My only input to the OP, podiums are not a good goal.  Your performance is a good goal.  If you sign up for the right (tiny and unpopular) race, and podium on a bad day, what does that tell you?

Figure out how fast you can swim, bike and run, and then set a goal.  Cross the finish line doing your best, not edging out #3 in your AG.

Important advice there.  I had the fitness to have a shot at the podium at my first tri but an epic OWS freakout caused me to have a 30 minute 750m swim and that was pretty much the end of it for me.

For what its worth, I don't see any problem with setting your goal to podium.  Don't make it your only expectation, and it is important to be realistic about what you can do but there isn't anything wrong with trying to win.  It is a race afterall.

Most people NEVER get to the podium, and not for a lack of effort.  Working hard isn't an automatic path to the podium.  If that was the case, a lot of people would be on the podium and there are only 3 spots.

It's like saying "if I hit a million golf balls, will win the Masters?".  Sometimes work effort doesn't matter.  You may NEVER get there because of some limitation.

Not saying you CAN'T get on the podium.  I have been there several times and no one looking at me would think I was some elite triathlete.  Far from the case.  But working hard over 100 days is not an automatic.

I would concentrate doing as well as you absolutely can.  If the snags you a medal?  Great, if not, you can see where you may need to focus your training for future races.

This is one of the more ludicrous statements I've read on BT lately. 

If you can only do 100 yds in the pool you have no business attempting a 900 yd OWS and would pose a potential hazard to not only yourself, but to your fellow competitors.

Do yourself a favor and put your ego in your back pocket and go pay your dues by properly preparing before attempting to do a race.

Mark

Here's a thought:  Go swim 900yds non-stop in your pool before you attempt your OWS.  Might give you some idea of where you are fitness-wise and what pace you will actually be able to sustain for the entire race distance.  One of the most common errors made by beginners is to go out too fast on the swim.  If you spike your HR and breathing in the first few hundred yards you're in for a long and miserable day.   Even better, go do some actual OWS practice before your race.

Mark