General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Training Plans: New to triathlons, but high fitness base Rss Feed  
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2014-04-05 8:17 AM

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Subject: Training Plans: New to triathlons, but high fitness base
Hello!

I've been checking out the fitness plans on this website, and the beginner/first time triathlon programs seem to be geared towards folks who have little to no fitness base.

Over the winter I've been running 2x a week for about 45 minutes (with a long run on Saturday of about 90 min), cycling 2x a week for 45-60 minutes on the trainer, and swimming 1-2x a week for about 45 minutes. I also did an indoor spring triathlon last month to get my first tiny taste of the sport and I enjoyed it!

I'm coming into triathlons from running...I've run everything from 5K's to marathons in the last 5 years. Plantar faciitis slowed me down for about a year until this last fall when I finally got it resolved.

I'm looking for a plan that is a bit more challenging than the first time triathlete plans offered here...however I don't want to overestimate myself either. Is it worth doing one of the beginner plans and go backwards a bit in training, or would I be fine looking at a more intermediate program?

I appreciate your thoughts...thanks in advance!


2014-04-05 8:58 AM
in reply to: ginger1981

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Richland, Washington
Subject: RE: Training Plans: New to triathlons, but high fitness base
What kind of races are you looking to get into? Sprints? Ironman? That will really determine what you should be looking for. From what it sounds like, an intermediate plan would suit you better.
2014-04-05 2:34 PM
in reply to: Swimaway

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Subject: RE: Training Plans: New to triathlons, but high fitness base
I have a spring on June 22nd and an olympic distance August 24th. I signed up as part of a training program for the August tri, but looking for something I could start this week or next week for the June 22nd race.

2014-04-05 6:07 PM
in reply to: ginger1981

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Subject: RE: Training Plans: New to triathlons, but high fitness base

what are your goals for each distance and current paces in the pool, trainer, and running?

 

2014-04-05 7:30 PM
in reply to: jetsers

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Subject: RE: Training Plans: New to triathlons, but high fitness base
I've had similar issues ever since starting tri. You can always modify the part of an existing plan that seems too easy for you. For example, if you're a beginner on the bike and swim, those parts of the beginner plan might be okay for you but you might benefit from adding more run volume and speedwork. You do need to keep in mind that tri training is different from run-only training--the bike will really take it out of your legs, esp. if you don't have much background in it, so you won't be doing the same volume and intensity as you would with run-only training. Plus the time demands are considerably greater with tri training.

I have similar issues with most packaged plans, as I had a strong run and swim background but zero on the bike (besides short commutes and casual touring) before starting tri. I often switch up the swim using online master's sites, or the run with input from programs such as Hal Higdon's intermediate plans for the appropriate distance (i.e. the 10K plan for Olys), just choosing the key workout days--normally 1-2 speedwork, 1-2 easy, and 1 long run. You might also take a look at the intermediate Oly plan--I'm loosely following it now and it's not all that difficult if you have a strong run background. The intermediate plans vary--some would be doable by most people with a strong background in 1-2 sports; others (like the half ironman one) are really quite hard and you'd probably need a more thorough base in each discipline before attempting it.
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