BT Forum

I'm actually doing the Don Fink Intermediate plan (replaced swimming with my 3x per week squad) and the bike I've replaced with the Competitive plan.

I'm on week 3.  However when I get to week 10  I will also try and combine a bit with this plan!  Especially for the bike which is my weakest link.

Anyone else doing combination plans for training.

My ironman is Melbourne March 2013.  Yikes!

Hello everyone! I have put money down and paid for the KY IM in 2013. I had to put some skin into the game so I would stop playing with the idea of doing an IM and get serious. Last year a friend and I were training some and I thought he said that he had signed up for the 1/2 IM in Augusta. So I went on line and registered and even made motel reservations. The next day I learned he did not say he had registered but rather that he wanted to! Well we had to get serious then. I did an Olympic distance in July and then the 1/2 in Augusta. It was tough and I had lots of issues but I did finish.

The IM in Kentucky is about the only I can get to with my schedule and I wanted to do it last year but work took over and I never got serious about it. I was really upset this August when the IM started, I kept thinking all day where I would be on the race. I was really disappointed I did not carve the time out and do it so I am committed to do it next year. I have been doing some swimming and running and will start posting my training. I will start the training plan soon and look forward to hearing about everyone else's experiences. I am going to have to get a new or used bike for this since my last bike barely made it through the 1/2 IM. My goals for the race are to not need medical  assistance, not be dead last, and finish.  

Thanks! 

Phillip

Did you use the Beginner BT Ironman Plan  Silver/Gold Membership?  I am planning for Vineman 2013 and am considering using the Beg. BT Ironman plan or the Level 4 from Matt Fitzgerald's Essential Training Plans (I have used Matt's for my Half-Iron and Oly distances and work out fine for me.  As I reviewed both plans I noticed on the BT plan three are some days with a long ride followed by a shorter the next day and some long runs followed by a shorter run the next day after.  How did the plan work for you and did you feel the scheduled workouts each day fit well together throughout the week.

THX for any feedback.

Sure! I used the basic beginner one and I think it's actually Bronze. But I am not sure. There were a couple times I'd have a short and long ride on the weekends. With the running, I can't remember. I know I did long runs on Thursdays with a friend. Honestly, it was tough to get everything in. And I would be lying if I said I hit every workout. There were a couple times I did slightly shorter workouts if I knew my body needed it.

Overall, no matter what plan you choose, it will be difficult at times. You will need to have a solid reason to be doing this race and get yourself out of bed on mornings you don't want to. It is alot of hard work.

On the positive side, it is absolutely manageable. Don't forget that if something doesn't work with your schedule, figure out how to rearrange it. And completely worth it. In the end, you can do it! Good luck and get excited, the Vineman is a great race!

Ooo, and I forgot. Make sure you do long training rides and runs with hills. You'll be glad you did.

About to do my 2nd Half Ironman and then after a week or two rest get started on this one leading into my first IM. 

I have about 26 weeks, can anyone recommend training in the 6 weeks prior to starting the plan? Should I just repeat week 1 for a few weeks. Previously only training 5-8 hours a week so will take some adjusting heading in to the later weeks!!

I just did what I wanted for the four weeks before hand, trying to hit around the hours of the first couple weeks. If you're anything like me, you'll be burnt out by the end, so I'd recommend being a bit less structured and enjoying a little freedom!

Way to go Shadow!! You might want to consider joining a mentor group as well. (link to mentor forum)

They are open right now for new group members. It's instant support and they can answer a lot of questions.

Happy training!!!

Hey everyone.  This is my first time using a BT plan.  I've got one HIM under my belt that I did back in 2010 (Delaware DiamondMan).  The plan was to do ChesapeakeMan in 2011 but life got in the way and I had to back off.  I've been active in tri for the past 10 years or so doing mostly sprint and olympic races.  I'm looking forward to taking this plan all the way through and completing my first full.

Race day is 9/21 so I'm starting on 5/3.  Has anyone ever done the ChesapeakMan distance festival?  Would be interested in hearing from anyone who knows the course.  I think the Eagleman Half is also done on this course.

Mike D

Hi all---

I'm signed up for my first IM, Wisconsin, this coming September.  Really excited.  Completed HIM Racine 2 years ago. Feel comfortable with the run, having done many marathons and PR/BQing 3 weeks ago.  Just have to get okay with the swim and bike!  Really nervous about the fueling approach to race day as well, but I like all the advice on here.  Thanks all!

Does anyone know if the training plan is down?  I accessed it yesterday but now the PDF links aren't up.