Am I setting myself up for disaster? HIM training

You're fine. I would ramp up the bike even faster than that - you can easily handle 7-15 mile per week distance upgrades so you'll be at a 3hr length long weekend ride sooner rather than later.

You can just keep doing what you're doing for swim and just add to your long run very gradually so you're at near race distance in the week or two before race day, and you'll have a great race.

Ok, thanks, I was concerend about adding too much distance too quick. I know running you can adapt but there are consiquences to it.

I would caution on addint to quickly on the bike.

I had long rides of ~40miles, then I did a 60miler and rode to work the folllowing week 3 times (15miles each way).

That was enough to trigger an overuse pain in my ankle/under my shin.
After about a month of recovery I still have slight pain/discomfort..

Hence I would advice to be cautios about adding on the bike.
Better to get into the race undertrained than injured!

Keep doing what you're doing and ramp up bike some.

Don't forget to start thinking about and practicing your hydration and nutrition.  These will be as important as fitness and pacing for your HIM.  As you start pushing your long runs and rides out use the opportunity to get comfortable with what works for you.

I've made some big strides with my cycling during focus periods so as others have said figure out a way to get as many miles in as possible.  Don't worry about pushing the pace.  That will come in time.

Edited by popsracer 2013-07-01 6:50 PM

Just continue to get time in the saddle. Don't worry about pace you'll drive yourself nuts. I'm similar to you in that I run well and swim well (by my standards) and lack in cycling. Similar to running I'd mix in some tempo work 1 day a week cycling but just riding in general you're going to get faster than where you are now. Also when it comes time for that HIM don't stop riding a 54 miles, assuming it's a true half you'd be a little short

You'll be fine, trust me. Good luck!

Its a unofficial half, but I have other questions, and in no particular order here we go I will try to group my scattered thoughts.

Nutrition:

I have been working on hydration, and nutrition, I discovered that its ~ 40 per gel for me, but I would soon rather carbo load and keep to water, maybe a diluted electrolyte solution. I did have some week of race nutrition questions, I am planning on omitting solid food 36-48 hrs prior, and taking in either blended foods or the ensure/boosts. Simple easily digested carbs, I don’t want a gut full of fiber come race day. My nerves will be jittery anyways.


Bike:

I am a beginner cyclist, I ride road with clip one aerobars, should I get a rear wheel wobble when I pop up out of the saddle? Should I get a front wheel wobble if I pull one hand off the aero bar and grab water or look over my shoulder? I get a little rattle from the front derailleur in the big ring, is it a simple turn the screw solution? (I know these are rather subjective). Any tips for the chain and derailleur degreasing? I got the bike and it was dripping with grease, I used a combination of degreaser and solvents and got most of it cleaned up, dried it and gave it a nice coat of lube. It seems like there is an oil field of nasty old grease somewhere in this bike, and I always seem to get the chainring or chain to kiss my leg.


Clothing:

Sockless? I mean I don’t train sockless, but I plan on biking sockless, why now just slip the tootsies into the well broken running shoes and have at it.
Do I swim in tri top? I don’t own a wet suit, and am not interested buying or renting unless required.



I forgot, but is it frowned upon to take a hand full of chamois cream, A&D ointment or whatever and go south of the boarder in T1?

Edited by GotBackup 2013-07-01 9:02 PM