70.3 during 140.6 Training

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2013-01-28 6:34 PM

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Subject: 70.3 during 140.6 Training

I'm doing IM Canada 8/25 and the training plan I'm following the Be Iron Fit plan that has a 70.3 on schedule for 6/1.  I'd like to do a 70.3 that is hilly to get some race day practice for IMC.  The Rock'n Rollman 70.3 fits in perfectly and is a short 2 hour drive for me.  From what I've heard it's a moderately difficult course.  There's also Mountain Madness 70.3 which is still close for me and has a lot of climbing but is on 5/5 which is a month early from what my plan calls for.  I'd prefer to do Mountain Madness since it has more climbing and would better gauge my pacing on a hilly course but I don't know about the timing.  Having just finished BoneIsland full I have plenty of fitness so being ready for a 70.3 in May is not an issue. 

Finally my question, do you think doing the 70.3 a month before the training plan is a bad idea?

2013-01-28 6:45 PM
in reply to: #4598630

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Subject: RE: 70.3 during 140.6 Training
If you already did the bone island full you have a strong base and are just building upon that.  I'm following the Fink plan for IMLP and the plan just says that the 70.3 is that final dress rehearsal to figure out where you need to work on for that last 10 week push.  Focus on nutrition, transition, maybe need to work more on pacing, etc.  I think with your background and fitness level you should be fine racing a month ahead of time, IMO.
2013-01-29 8:31 AM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 during 140.6 Training

Don't think racing in May is a bad idea at all.  It will give you something to focus your training on prior to your IM (ie, now).  Train for a fast HIM, taper and all.  Then recover and be ready to hit your IM training. 

Maybe do an oly or sprint sometime between then and your IM, as well.  Over 3 months of training with nothing on the calendar besides the IM might be mentally tough.  Those races can be done without any taper and shouldn't require much recovery (so won't interfere with much of your IM plan).  If you race them, use them as higher intensity workouts.

2013-01-29 12:44 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 during 140.6 Training
csharp1171 - 2013-01-28 6:34 PM

I'm doing IM Canada 8/25 and the training plan I'm following the Be Iron Fit plan that has a 70.3 on schedule for 6/1.  I'd like to do a 70.3 that is hilly to get some race day practice for IMC.  The Rock'n Rollman 70.3 fits in perfectly and is a short 2 hour drive for me.  From what I've heard it's a moderately difficult course.  There's also Mountain Madness 70.3 which is still close for me and has a lot of climbing but is on 5/5 which is a month early from what my plan calls for.  I'd prefer to do Mountain Madness since it has more climbing and would better gauge my pacing on a hilly course but I don't know about the timing.  Having just finished BoneIsland full I have plenty of fitness so being ready for a 70.3 in May is not an issue. 

Finally my question, do you think doing the 70.3 a month before the training plan is a bad idea?

Not sure about it as I'm training for my first HIM and never done an IM, but if you go ahead with it please do come back and conclude on this thread in late August/September.  I would really like to know how it turned out.

2013-01-29 2:34 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 during 140.6 Training
I'm not questioning if I should do a 70.3 prior to the 140.6.  I plan to do one since I think it is good practice.  My question is more about if doing a hilly 70.3 course that more mimics the 140.6 course 1 month earlier than planned is beneficial or should I just stick to the generic plan.
2013-01-29 2:56 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 during 140.6 Training

I take it that you're not going to make it to BC to do any training on the actual IM course? If you were, I  don't think it really matters which you choose but if your main training regimen does not readily mimic the course I would say to take the earlier one that matches the course better.  It would be a good check in to see if you need to adjust your training and expectations. 

My main caveat is that with the earlier one you should be at point in training where you can handle doing the race and not taking too much recovery time - so if your volume on the plan is still lighter than HIM volume at that point I wouldn't do it as you're risking needing more recovery time and interrupting the logical Ironman training plan build.



Edited by juniperjen 2013-01-29 2:57 PM

2013-01-30 9:10 AM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 during 140.6 Training
Two years ago I was in almost exactly your same position - following Finke's plan, training for IMWI and looking for a tuneup half. I ended up doing the Macon race as well about a month early and it worked out OK for me. Two things to consider. First, while the bike course is hilly it may not have the climbing you are looking for in preparation for IMC. Second, it can be quite hot. Two years ago I finished the run when it was 95 degrees! They do a great job handling the heat as well as they can but it's still just plain hot. Well run race, though. Good luck with your decision!
2013-01-30 10:33 AM
in reply to: #4600048

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Subject: RE: 70.3 during 140.6 Training

csharp1171 - 2013-01-29 3:34 PM I'm not questioning if I should do a 70.3 prior to the 140.6.  I plan to do one since I think it is good practice.  My question is more about if doing a hilly 70.3 course that more mimics the 140.6 course 1 month earlier than planned is beneficial or should I just stick to the generic plan.

It's a generic plan - tailor it to meet your needs. I'd maybe find an olympic distance race or maybe a half marathon in June to make sure your speed is still sharp.

2013-01-30 10:51 AM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 during 140.6 Training

csharp1171 - 2013-01-29 3:34 PM I'm not questioning if I should do a 70.3 prior to the 140.6.  I plan to do one since I think it is good practice.  My question is more about if doing a hilly 70.3 course that more mimics the 140.6 course 1 month earlier than planned is beneficial or should I just stick to the generic plan.

 

A 70.3 is not really "practice" for a 140.6.  It is a different race.  What is good about doing one is that it will keep your training focused now, before you have to focus on the IM.  Doing an IM is not about a "plan", generic or otherwise.  It is about the sum-total of ALL your training up to that point.  Anything that helps you work harder between now and race day will be a good idea. 

The fact that the race you are considering is hilly may help your confidence in handling the IM course.  Also, the one way it might be considered practice in this case is it may help you learn to pace yourself over variable terrain (though the intensity will be different and that matters, too).  Otherwise, it really makes little difference.

Whether you choose to do one a month before the generic plan also makes little-to-no difference.

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