Oh hello there Q2. Is it time to really dig into ironman training already? To answer myself, yes, yes it is.
While my “official” ironman training doesn’t start until May, this month will be a refocus on base building and getting my mileage in all three disciplines back up. In looking back at my monthly totals from Q1, it’s evident that my run has been lacking. I am going to use April to re-focus and get my butt up in the morning for those AM runs I stopped right after the Jacksonville Marathon. The time for regular two-a-days has begun.
It’s tough to train for an event that’s six months away and not experience some level of burn out. I want to think that I can do it, but I know I’ll experience at least one (or two or three) meltdowns where training is considered. I think it’s a first time ironman training rite of passage.
On the nutrition and strength training fronts I have a lot of work to do. I again need to re-focus on eating healthily and incorporating some sort of strength training. I purchased The Big Book of Endurance Training and Racing on recommendation from Katie to delve into this sport a bit more. My coach is always a call away to discuss these things with but I’d like to have more knowledge myself.
In assessing how I felt on Saturday I know I need the most work on the bike. My swim was fine after a little bit of panicking but the pace felt good and I know I could have kept going. My run, while slower than I wanted, was ultimately fine. Yes, my back hurt initially but I know I could have kept going. My bike, on the other hand, was a long 60 miles. I mean that both literally and figuratively. I was so ready to get off that bike. I have lots of work to do.
I’m really looking forward to the big training weekend over the summer. I know they are going to be hot, hilly, and intense. I am sure I will have lots to talk about during this training and tri season and I can’t wait to share the stories with you all. For my fellow ironman newbies, as well as my seasoned ironman friends, please feel free to email me or comment with any and all training (and sanity) tips you have.
Have a great Tuesday everyone.
I cannot wait to watch your training over the next few months! I honestly would have not gotten very far without being able to read a bunch of old blogs from a handful of women in triathlon-related sports. It gives me motivation and inspiration. While I'm still nervous as hell for my upcoming race – I know that I can get through it – it may not be pretty – but I *will* finish it. And the best part- is loving the sports involved, so I'm not going to complete the race and then be done with it… I'm in it for the long haul. Do you train solo most of the time?? –BEKAH
Can you possibly post these handy tricks and tips you get? Your stalkers (aka me) would love to hear them!
I'm really excited to see what you learn and hopefully share with us readers 🙂 You're going to rock this, but I think that you are right about burn out. It happens. The biggest thing to do is to just realize it comes with the territory and move past it.
I'm excited to follow your training! I'm always amazed by triathletes!!
Just looked at that book- sounds good! Trying to decided if it will be a "I'm going to refer back to this often so I need the paperback" or "I'll read it on my kindle and that should be enough."
6 months will fly by! I'm not sure if that makes it any easier?! 🙂
Definitely focus on the bike. The bike was my weakness and I did focus on it but I also think I ran too much. If you are just trying to finish and Ironman and you just ran a marathon, you really don't need to do a ton of running (especially LONG running). The bike is key! If I did it all over again, I'd bike more!
I am excited to watch your training. I am training for my first marathon which is 7 months away, so I know I too will hava few meldown moments. I think those keep us sane. 😉
"ride lots" 🙂
yea your race is only 2 weeks after mine, and my ironman training plan started on Monday. Burnout is always a possibility, but I love the daily grind of it all. My first Iron, I had a lot of "this is stupid" meltdowns. and more than a few "Why am I doing this?" times. ugh. But then on race day, you'll know why you do it.
Enjoy the process and journey on which you're about to embark and try not to take one single day for granted that you get to be out there training for it. This year of training and racing and being consumed with Ironman will surely rank up there as one of the most memorable you'll ever have. Best of luck!
I *think* burnout is inevitable, just think about marathon training, but you will push through and it will make you stronger and come race day, you'll get to do that victory lap you worked so hard for. I can't wait to start calling you my IronMan Boo!