Vacation during IM training

1.  IM training takes away from family time.

2.  Vacations are family time....a chance to reconnect, plug back in, give the family the attention they deserve and make family number 1 again.

3.  4 days missed out of a 20 week program is nothing.  If you are concerned, start your 20 week a week earlier and allow for the down-week in your plan.

4.  A short break in the middle of training usually does the body good

Last year we were on vacation for about 10 days right in the middle of my IM training.  I ran a couple of times (while the family slept) and I swam once.  Other than that, I focused on having fun with the family.

~Mike

X2" what they said ^^^^

My husband told me he booked a cabin for the weekend right in the heart of my IM training and I freaked out. He did it to surprise me and I yelled "I'm not surprisable (sp) right now" I have a long bike ride and run to do!!!!" But, after I chilled out and re-worked my schedule it was the best weekend to re-connect with family and not think about Ironman for a long weekend. Things are going to happen. Your gonna have stuff come up. Relax, take the time, and enjoy yourself. Your body, your mind, and your family will thank you.

As you are a gold member and following a BT plan, I would ask the coaches there about how to approach your training in terms of scheduling around your vacation.

In general, it is definitely not a bad thing to get away; I would take your shoes and maybe a pair of goggles but if you are unable to get any sessions in, it's not going to be a big deal.  Enjoy the vacation and come back fresh ready for the next four months

Shane

For IMCDA this year, we took a 5 day vacation to Colorado for skiiing, tubing, snowmobile etc. . for those 5 days, all I did was those activities. . and IMCDA turned out just fine for me.  So basically you are about in the same boat as me time wise into the training with the vacation and all. 

 Take your running shoes and a swimsuit/goggles. . try to sneak in some activity if the vacation is non-activity vacation. 

 Long story short. . you will be fine. 

I've been planning my two 20-week programs with my coach, and have noted that our family always takes a vacation the first full week of August due to our sitter, but I already talked it over with my wife regarding that week, and noting that is when I will be 4 weeks out from IM Moo and it will be my biggest training week.  More discussion of what we'll do will continue (for the good, though).