1/2 Ironman Training Post #1 -The PLAN

My anxiety level is slowly deflating. I finally buckled down to make my plan-of-attack for my 1/2 Ironman in May. I purchased the "Essential Week-By-Week Training Guide" by Matt Fitzgerald to use as a guide and basic plan for my training regimen.

Well, the book is exactly as the title reads -it is a week by week plan with not a lot of filler information, even though it has over 460 pages. It is mainly so lengthy because it covers all types of triathlon distances from Sprint to Ironman and also offers plans at different levels (number of workouts, intensity and total distance/time). The one thing that makes it a bit like reading a letter in Morse Code, is that he has a code name for each type of workout. So, for instance, Swim Fartlek Intervals are abbreviated SFI. But then each abbreviation also has a number or two listed after it. For example SFI2A = Swim Fartlek Interval level 2A which is equal to 6 x 100 (25 build/25 descend...), 10 sec-rest. So, the actual plan you choose is not simple to decipher unless you flip back and forth in the book 3 million times to figure out what each abbreviation and level is equal to in the front of the book. Not too keen on that format but I suppose as I reread this section and perhaps write out what each week really means, then it won't be a problem. With the 9 weekly workouts, I'm sure I will have every letter and number memorized by the time the 70.3 comes around!

But, it still makes me wonder...is there a better way? I don't want to get so bogged down in the details that I don't even want to go out to do the workout. Sometimes it is difficult enough just getting out the door, let alone, the correct workout, with the right intensity level and for the right amount of time. Hmmmm. A coach is sounding really good right now, even if it means getting rid of cable (I won't have time to watch tv anyway, right?) and other daily materialistic things that don't make us smarter human beings!

One thing the book was good for is forcing me to count 20 weeks back from my May 16, 2009 race. This will put me at January 3rd. That is the date I need to start the 20-week program. Wow, that is coming up really quickly and I don't quite feel prepared. I had hope to lose about 20lbs by the time I started the official tri training plan. I have lost 10lbs so I should be happy about that, and I am, but feel like I still have a very long path ahead of me.

I was concerned that I needed to buy a new road bike -I have a pretty simple Specialized Allez Elite, around 6 yrs old set up with Aero bars. No, it is not set up as a tri-bike. Then I truly realized (and had others confirm) that it would not be a better bike that would make that big of a difference in my performance. It is me, losing the extra pounds and getting as fit as possible that will really make a difference in how I will feel during the race and just in the daily training as well. So that is my focus.

Although there is only a tad over 1 month until the official training start date, I will choose to get as fit as possible in this next month. Eat as much raw fruit and vegetables and lean proteins as possible and get in at least 3-4 runs per week with preferably a longer run once per week. I will also bike at least twice per week, even if the mileage is not big and will get in some good drills and workouts in the pool, hopefully 1-2 times per week. If I stick to this plan over the next month, the pounds will drop.

Until next time...stay healthy and make the right choices!

Getting Serious

Okay, the time has come. The time to get seriously serious about REAL training. Time keeps ticking right on by. Does every day get faster and faster? Where does the time go each day?

In the back of my mind I am starting to panic a bit. My 1/2 Ironman triathlon will be here in just over 5 months. I had hoped to lose around 25 lbs by the end of 2009. So far, that number is around 10 lbs but not anywhere close to where I need to be. The reason? I have not ramped up my workouts enough or more simply, have not worked out enough, period.

Well, the time has come. No more excuses. No more procrastinating. No more reasons to NOT work out or do what I should be doing to get in the best shape of my life. I have continued to find myself doing things that just simply waste valuable time. Like watching TV. Like spending too much time on the computer.

My skin is starting to crawl...this means I am ready! Ready to dive in and start a true triathlon training program. One that will not only get me to my goal, but one that will make me feel GOOD when I am in the midst of my 1/2 Ironman race. I am investigating which 1/2 Ironman training plan I am going to follow. I am contemplating hiring a coach but need to stay within a budget. Any suggestions out there to good training programs or one that has worked especially well for you?

In the coming weeks, days, I plan on posting my workouts. I hope to post at least once per week with the workout I completed each day of that week. I also plan to discuss more specifics about my nutrition and other activities.

Thanks for reading -I would love to hear from others. Until next time...just do it!