We’ve hit the home stretch, only twenty days to go until Ironman Chattanooga. I was thinking about it this morning and I realized that while my official training didn’t start until May, I actually began training in January. I’ve worked really hard on all three disciplines but I’ve focused a lot on the bike. I got to ride with a friend I haven’t ridden with since last year and she commented on how much I’ve improved. That was a huge compliment. Thank you Susan!
Here’s a recap of my training.
The bike: I’ve done four pretty big rides, with some 60 and 80 mile rides sprinkled in. That’s two centuries. One ride of 104 miles, and one ride of 90 miles. In addition to my four big rides, I’ve done many short bricks and weekday trainer sessions. I admit I’ve fallen off a bit on the weekday stuff here in the last couple of weeks. My long rides where I didn’t draft were a little over 16 MPH average.
The run: I’ve completed two 20 mile runs and one 22 mile run. I’ve done three 18 milers and built up to those with some 15 and 16 mile runs. Plus, all of the shorter recovery, brick, and tempo runs during the week. Most of my long runs have been in the 10:00/mile range.
The swim: I’m not sure the 5K swim in January counts toward this training but it was a good gauge for me and helped me understand that I definitely needed to train more for the 2.4 mile swim than I previously thought. I’ve been really consistent with 3,000 yard swims and have added in several 3,500 yards and a 4,000 yards swim. I did a 2,200 yard straight swim in 38:41 which is about a 1:45/100.
I’ve learned a lot about myself during all of this training. I’ve learned what stresses me out and what works for me. I’m really happy that I have gotten this far and feel mostly prepared. I know race day will be whatever it will be and I’m feeling pretty calm. I’m more excited to race now that the “big” workouts are behind me. Nothing to it, but to do it.
Awesome numbers and a huge congrats on the 38min swim!!! Gr8 job on the 104 miles of riding and sprinkling in a few other long rides. You will be solid over the next 20 days!!! My weekend was fantastic and I volunteered during the Tour of the Valley. My plan a few years back is to volunteer twice for every event I participate in. This weekend ( the 14th ) is my monster end of the season race. Its the Lead King 25K in the beautiful mountain town of Marble Colorado. Congrats to Katie, Erin, Chris & Heather!!! Stay Strong Folks
I can't wait to see you come through that finish line Boo, I just can't! 19 more days until I see your face, hooray!!!
You must be so excited to be so close to race day. You have been training forever, lol! Great job,I will definitely be cheering you on from here.
You've freaking got this! So excited to stalk you that day and see how you do. I have no doubt that you are going to knock it out of the park!
Congrats, Beth! No matter what happens on race day, you've already won. You've worked so incredibly hard and I'm in awe of your discipline. It is so hard to train for an IRONMAN, but the payoff is going to be so worth it in just a few short weeks. Can't wait to greet you as an IRONMAN at the finish. Hang in there for a few more days. xo
You are more than ready! Trust in the training, believe, have FUN and smile! 🙂
Thank you so much for the support at IMWI! xo.
Hey Beth! Just found your site this morning through one of the "Friday Five: Blogs to Love" posting. Wish I had found it earlier since you are now so close to your IM. I completed my first IM this past July in Lake Placid and I really enjoyed reading others' training recaps as I was posting mine as well. I look forward to checking in on your blog as the countdown to your big day continues. I live in Raleigh and with Chattanooga being fairly close in proximity, I know several folks from here racing. It will be interesting to follow with this being a new race. I wish you well as your keep your eye on the big day!
The hay is indeed in the barn, so freaking proud of you and this training cycle you have had. You did the work now get ready for the long celebration!
p.S. totally just named my blog post this yesterday, apparently I sassily copied you without even realizing it.