Recommendations Wanted: First IM Training Plan

Why not the BT plan??

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/trainingplans-list.asp?h=1&racetype=1&racesubtype=5&level=-1

I believe a lot of people here have used it to a finish time.

Also, if you join BT with a "Gold" membership you will have access to more plans as well as some online coaching support.  Considering that most plans that you would hire a coach to create one would cost more than the Gold membership, it is definitely worth it!

Oh, and Welcome to BT!!  As someone who "survived" LP and the rain this year I can say that it is by far one of my favorite courses (of any distance).  I'll be up there this year to volunteer and sign up for '10.

I HIGHLY reccomend the 20 Week Beginner BT Plan.

I used it to a sub 12 Hour first IM race.   If you follow this plan you will be ready to toe the line.

I'm moving up and doing my first IM this year. I realized that none of the canned plans were going to work for me, based on work and travel committments, so I've developed my own plan for the year based on the methods spelled out in Friel's Triathlete's Training Bible.

It took me between three and four hours to really get things developed, but I'm pretty confident that my plan will work for me, and that it's something I can actually achieve. If you've got issues with one of the canned plans this early, you're going to have major issues later on when the volume builds. I think the best part about building your own plan is you understand the rationale behind what's in there, and know what to adjust when real life interferes with what you were hoping to do.

This experience opened my eyes on the benefits a coach would bring to customizing my training. I think having the coach would be the gold standard, but I think some self-study and individual customization is a close (hopefully) second.

I used a training plan out of the book:  Be Iron Fit  by Don Fink

I have been happy with it and felt it was the right program for me.  The book actually has three programs in it.  Just finish, Intermediate and Competitive.

I have 3 young boys and a busy work schedule so I chose the Just finish program.  It is a 30 program that averages 8-10 hours per week.  I added a few hours each week when I could during my peak training.  I feel ready at this point and I felt the plan did a good job of slowly building up my strength and endurance in all three events.

It is taper time for me now with less than two weeks before IMAZ.  I will come back after the race and review my day on the course.

I also used the BT 20 week programme but played around a bit with it to make it suit my life.  I will be using it again for my second one!  My 20 weeks starts on Monday!! Yikes.

I used the BT intermediate plan for my first IM and it served me well.  I won my division even with my slower time (The course was difficult and slow).

I would recommend it.

Thanks for your reply. As the interval between this note and yours shows, I have been "time-challenged" by sickness and busy-ness. I do have a copy of Joe Friel's "Bible" on hand, and I am taking your advice. Any plan will require some customization, but to keep mentally sharp and psychologically in tune, I find that I need to understand the concepts behind each period so I can deal with the big picture and not get concerned about individual workouts.

 Best of luck to you in your training. What's your first IM?

Doug

Thanks for the well wishes and advice, Rick.

I apologize for the delay in my response. I have been out lately with a head cold. Better now than in July! I will definitely check out the BT plans, and I hope to have the resources to invest in a personal coach at some point.

Take care,

Doug

Thanks for your note, James. This looks like a reasonable plan, which I can always embellish or dial down, depending on my current situation.

 Best,

 Doug

Great advice on the weaknesses. Mine are swimming first, then cycling. I have been working the Total Immersion plan, and it's paying dividends already. I feel as though I have discovered a new sport, and that's the best gift of all! I also look forward to building on my indoor miles this winter with my new trainer. I have already ordered the Lake Placid Spinervals DVD!

Take care, and thanks again.

 Doug

Good suggestion, one that several members have shared. I will definitely check out the intermediate plan.

 Congratulations on the age-group win. That's quite a feat!

Best,

Doug

Thanks for the recommendation, Michele, and congratulations on IMFL! I heard from friends it was a great day.

Best,

Doug

I appreciate your note, Matt. I am training for Lake Placid next July. The 13 for 13 looks like a good plan, definitely one I can follow, and perhaps even embellish if I feel the calling!

I noticed that you are from about an hour from where I grew up. Small world!

Take care,

Doug

Hi, CW.

 Thanks for the advice. I have two of Joe Friel's books and am working on a custom plan based on a reasonable periodization plan. I love your philosophy and share it. At least in running I have found that I will deviate from the plan, so if I know my overall goals for each period, I can (A) be okay with the deviation and (B) still stay on track.

Take care,

Doug

Thank you for your advice. You share a common thread which is surprising and refreshing to see: Figure out a plan, but be ready (and okay) to deviate based on real-life needs.

I noticed on your site a link to FCA Endurance. It's one of the groups I have started to get involved in recently as well. I am in Connecticut, which doesn't have much of an FCA footprint. What is your involvement?

In His Adventure,

Doug

Thanks for the recommendation! It seems as though everyone (thankfully) is suggesting a balanced approach, and based on your picture, you certainly show balance in your life!

How did IMAZ go?

Doug

Thanks for the input, and best of luck as you kick into your next 20-week plan!

Best,

Doug