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Moderators: IndoIronYanti, k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2014-09-23 9:43 AM


4

Subject: Beginner to Ironman
Hi All,

People on here might say i'm being stupid but have signed up to run the Outlaw Triathlon (Ironman Distance) next July and it will be the first triathlon I have done other than a sprint distance a few years ago.

My background is Swimming. I can clock a 20:30 1500 in the pool and do a 10k swim in around 2 hours 28.

Cycling history is less good.....I just got my first road bike and trying to build up the miles in my legs

Running is the same, doing 10km runs twice a week at the moment with about a 60 minute pace.

I'm also 5ft 10 and currently 200 llbs so I know I need to drop the weight and hoping the training will take care of a lot of this as well as a healthier diet.

I've joined here in the hope that people say this is doable and to help me figure out the best way to make it happen!!

Edited by Jamescliff 2014-09-23 9:44 AM


2014-09-24 2:21 PM
in reply to: Jamescliff

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Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Beginner to Ironman

It's absolutely doable. You already know your weaknesses, and areas you need to improve.

A coach would obviously be helpful.

I would recommend getting a training plan (I used Don Fink's "Be Iron Fit" plan). I personally liked the structure, which allowed me to focus on just following the plan. You need to understand that this is a massive undertaking, and will take a significant committment on your part, to sacrifice your free time.

There's plenty of sound advice on this site, so just do some research, and ask questions.

Good luck!

2014-09-25 11:41 AM
in reply to: Jamescliff

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Champion
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Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Beginner to Ironman

Welcome to BT!

You've got lots of time to prepare for your race, but I would second the advice to find a training plan to help structure your training.  

I've found that frequency & consistency are keys to preparing for a race and having a plan helps me to keep in track.  I'm currently using an Oly plan that I got here on BT and it's working out well for me.

Sounds like you're starting from a pretty good place with your swimming which is great since it's the toughest disciple for most folks.

Good luck with your training.

Mark

 

 

2014-10-01 10:45 AM
in reply to: RedCorvette


4

Subject: RE: Beginner to Ironman
Thanks both.

makes me feel better than you think it's doable!

just working on getting some miles in my legs at the moment. one of the difficulties of being from a swim background is that I have never ever trained legs and so the combined new effort of running and cycling is hitting parts that I never new could hurt.
Fitness wise, i'm responding well but the aches that come with it are pretty hard. With that in mind, would people recomend focussing more on 1 discipline to start?

I'm currently running 2 10kms a week and doing bike seissions either on the road or in the gym. but I don't feel like I ever really recover from 1 before I go again. Is this just normal and par for the course?

Thanks,

James
2014-10-01 2:24 PM
in reply to: Jamescliff

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Champion
7036
5000200025
Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Beginner to Ironman

I'd suggest you try running the same weekly volume, but split it up into three or four runs/week rather than only two.  If you're not able to recover completely between runs, then you're going either too fast or too far based on your currently level of fitness.  The old rule of thumb to avoid injury is to increase your total distance only 10% per week.

A lot of folks will put more focus on their weakness, but it shouldn't be at the expense of the other two disciplines.  In particular, swimming is more technical and a perishable skill, so you need to maintain the frequency of your workouts to reinforce your technique, even if you need to cut back on the volume.

As I suggested earlier, it probably would be helplful to take a look at some training plans (including the free plans here on BT) for ideas on how to structure your training.

In my experience the biggest thing is consistency; you want to continually build on your level of fitness.  If you're inconsistent or skip too many workouts, then it will be like you're starting over all the time.

Good luck.

Mark

 

 

2014-10-01 8:22 PM
in reply to: RedCorvette

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Master
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Bronze member
Subject: RE: Beginner to Ironman

As IRONMAN has now trademarked (!) "Anything is possible"

As previous posters have said- you can do this- but you need to accept that it will be a big commitment of time and energy to do so. And slow and steady building with a specific plan is the safest and most efficient way to get there- starting now ..with building base in all 3 disciplines. Good Luck! keep us posted!



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