General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How long to train for an Ironman? Rss Feed  
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2018-07-11 3:05 PM


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Subject: How long to train for an Ironman?
Hi,

I've been running for about a year, and have done a couple half marathons, while planning to run a full marathon this fall. I used to be on a swim team a few years ago too, and while I obviously haven't done it in a while, I do remember different strokes and techniques.

I was looking into registering for an Ironman in late June of next year. How long does anyone think it will take me to prepare? I see some plans that are 6 months long, and others that are 20, which means I wouldn't be able to even a year out.

Thanks for any feedback/tips!


2018-07-11 3:57 PM
in reply to: jjmkington

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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?

the Free beginners 20week plan (on here) is a good starting point

I based my plan on it for my first IM  back in 2006

work out what date you would need to start it, and between now and then .... run a bit, swim a bit and bike a lot ... and while you are at it throw in some strength training.

 

there you go .... sorted

2018-07-11 5:12 PM
in reply to: jjmkington

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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?

Most of the plans on BT are 20 week plans, a few are 26 weeks (6 months).  They all assume you're "ready to train" the first week of the plan and can easily complete the workouts.   I believe these starting weeks would have long workouts on the order of 2-2.5 hours on the bike, 1.5 hours on the run, and 30-40 minutes on the swim.  

How long until you could consistently do the above times if you're increasing your training volume no more than 10% per week?  

I've mentored athletes who came off the couch to do an IM their first year (and some who've done an IM their first year with some marathon experience).  

The keys will be:
1)  Train without injury 
2)  Find TIME to train 8-10 hours per week and then build to 15+ hours per week.  

On the second, there's no easy way to avoid 20 mile/3 hour runs and 100 mile/6 hour rides.  (Think of these as distance targets if you're fast, time targets if you're not so fast.)  

2018-07-11 8:20 PM
in reply to: WildWill


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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?
Thanks!
2018-07-11 8:21 PM
in reply to: McFuzz


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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?
I can run for about 2.5+ hours currently, I swim probably once a week for about 30 minutes, although I haven't done much biking before.
2018-07-11 9:41 PM
in reply to: jjmkington

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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?

Originally posted by jjmkington I can run for about 2.5+ hours currently, I swim probably once a week for about 30 minutes, although I haven't done much biking before.

Well, you got a year to train so better get started

Back in 2016 I did 10 races of different kinds, running, tri, duathlon, biking, etc. I had acquired about 1,400 miles on the bike, 980 miles running and about 50 miles of swimming. At that point I had not even done a 70.3 yet, so you should get on that bike and start pedaling, haha.

Although I am about where you are now. I totally just stopped training for about a year. I haven't hardly been on the bike, I get in about a mile ocean swim once a week, and can muster up about 15 miles of running in a week. Some weeks I do nothing and it feels great, lol!

I am signing up for Ironman Boulder for June 9th next year. Once I actually pay the entry fee, hopefully here real soon; my training will begin. I am going for a sub 10 hour effort in the 45-49 age bracket. To get to that level is going to get expensive so I have already committed to living in a single room for the next year so I can drop my cost of rent and focus on school and training. Going to miss my beach rental (insert sad face here)



2018-07-11 9:48 PM
in reply to: #5246176

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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?
I think you can do it. Start adding in some cycling for cross training during your marathon build. Keep running after the marathon and then get more specific with a 20 week plan.

My plan for getting to 140.6 in less than a year of triathlon training is something like this:

Augusta 70.3 September 2018
Half marathon November 2018
Full marathon January 2019
140.6 March-April 2019

I need little races here and there to keep me motivated to train. Like you, I’m coming from a running background with 3 full marathons under my belt and quite a few half marathon distances.

I think the above schedule will get me to the full Ironman distance and hopefully get me across the finish line.

Good luck!
2018-07-13 6:44 AM
in reply to: Parkland


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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?
I think you need to train about several years. I am a beginner and train about year. I am going to take a part in some regional thriathlon competition. But I need to buy a new triathlon bag. I think Zoot Ultra Tri Bag will be good option for me. Not so expensive and practical. What triathlon bags do you use??
2018-07-13 12:37 PM
in reply to: Parkland

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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?

I'd be careful about racing a marathon that close to a 140.6...especially since it will be your first 140.6.  You'll be recovering from the marathon when you in an important build phase for the 140.6. 

2018-07-18 5:47 PM
in reply to: Parkland


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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?
Thank you so much everyone!
2018-07-18 6:18 PM
in reply to: JoelO

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Subject: RE: How long to train for an Ironman?

Originally posted by JoelO

I'd be careful about racing a marathon that close to a 140.6...especially since it will be your first 140.6.  You'll be recovering from the marathon when you in an important build phase for the 140.6. 

Depends.  I did a 50-mile trail run 10 weeks before my first IM.  I went into it as a long training day.  I figured if I could be running 10 hours into a day of running, I could run 10 hours into a day of swim-bike-run.  

I hurt far worse after my stand-alone marathons when I "raced" them than I did my IM's or ultra's.  Look at your training plans in the 1-2 weeks after your proposed marathon and determine whether you can "race" it, "run" it, or should skip it.  What's the difference between "racing" and "running"?  Effort and therefore recovery.  I "raced" Flying Pig in 4:11 (shooting for 3:45-4:00) and hobbled for a couple days.  I "ran" Screaming Pumpkin in 5:18 so I could do a 30-miler THE NEXT DAY.  



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