General Discussion Triathlon Talk » A little doubt...should I do more long days? Rss Feed  
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2014-09-17 3:11 PM

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Subject: A little doubt...should I do more long days?
I am following Fink's intermediate training plan but have done more speed on the run and a few longer runs and bikes than are specified in the plan. At this point the training is going great, but as I hear about other first-timers' training I am starting to wonder if I will be doing enough long "brick" type days with this plan. I know this has been discussed many times but was wanting advice specific to me. I have done several 3-4 hour rides, three 5 hour rides, and just did my first 6 hour ride yesterday.
It went well and I was able to run 8 miles and then swim a 3000 this AM without much problem. I also did one 5 hour ride followed by a 4 mile run that went GREAT.

Should I be doing a brick where I swim for 45-60 minutes, bike 80-100 miles, and then run 4-6 miles??? I know many coaches have their athletes do this but I haven't seen this in very many plans. I, however, am wiling to put in this kind of workout if I think that it will be my best bet for a confident finish. I don't, however, want to get injured or burn out. I have three young kids and have a full plate from Friday-Sunday every weekend. Not sure I have enough hours in the day to do something like this without splitting it up- i.e. 45 min swim at 5:00 AM, 5-6 hour bike at 8:30 AM, and then evening run. Is this too much? Would it be better do do a 45 minute swim/ 3 hour bike/ and 3 mile run? I just want some sound advice that is realistic from some of you have been here before. I don't want to fail and would hate to spend 7 months training only to find out I did not do enough! Call it pre-race jitters but I am not someone who goes into ANYTHING ill-prepared. Just want to cover all my bases while I still can. Taper is in 4 weeks or so!!

Thanks for your input! I know I should just trust the training, but without a coach it's so tough to know if you are doing the right thing. Just wasn't in my budget this time around!



2014-09-17 3:30 PM
in reply to: midwesttrimom

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Subject: RE: A little doubt...should I do more long days?
I've only done one IM distance so take my advice with a pinch of salt! Personally I wouldn't do any more than what your doing - my longest brick was a 6hr bike with a 5km run , did a few bike, swim, bike workouts but that was more out of convenience of biking to the lake instead of driving! I'd guess a lot of what your feeling with nerves is normal - I was constantly doubting I was doing enough or wouldn't be ready but just kept reassuring myself that the plan would get me there! If you've followed the plan pretty closely it will get you there - I doubt longer bricks will help if you haven't. If you have extra time focus it into your weakest discipline.
2014-09-19 1:15 PM
in reply to: midwesttrimom

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Subject: RE: A little doubt...should I do more long days?
my coach had me do 2 of those 3 event training days - I did 45min to 1hr swiml; 15/30 min break; 100miles on the bike; 15 min break; 6 mile run

for me, it mentally helped me - I don't know the value training wise - but mentally, I knew that if I could do that 108miles (roughly what it was), then I would be well on my way to the other 32 that I would need on race day. However, I didn't do any other races this season - whereas others may use a 70.3 for long training day
2014-09-19 2:11 PM
in reply to: #5051385

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Subject: RE: A little doubt...should I do more long days?
Thanks. I did do a HIM toward the end of July. Used it as a training day and finished in 5:36 EASILY. I did not push at all on the run. I was thinking of swimming early on Monday AM and then doing my 5 hour ride mid AM. Thoughts?
2014-09-19 2:28 PM
in reply to: midwesttrimom

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Subject: RE: A little doubt...should I do more long days?
i don't see why not, but then i'm not a qualified coach - I had an awesome one who helped me through my training

would you do the swim as a distance or a time - get in and just swim continuously for a certain time
2014-09-22 9:31 AM
in reply to: midwesttrimom

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Subject: RE: A little doubt...should I do more long days?

Your training is fine.  Don't worry about what others do.  "Big Day" workouts (the kind you are referencing) can be a good feature for some training plans,but they are not necessary ingredients for successful IM completion.  No single workout on ANY plan is that important.  If your training has been consistent and you are doing most of the workouts on your schedule, you will be prepared.



2014-09-22 7:05 PM
in reply to: #5052164

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Subject: RE: A little doubt...should I do more long days?
Thanks all! I decided I am just going to keep doing what I am doing! I had a decent 6 hour ride last week and did another 5 hour today (84 miles). I ran just under 19 miles on Sat. and felt amazing! Appreciate the feedback. Just tough to know!!
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