General Discussion Triathlon Talk » HM to HIM training questions Rss Feed  
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2015-03-25 8:01 PM

Member
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Bismarck, ND
Subject: HM to HIM training questions
I am currently following a marathon training program. Was suppose to do a marathon in June but plans fell through. Now I am doing a HM in May. I am currently up to 15 miles. Running 4 times a week. I have been running all winter but have done very little bike and basically no swim.

I have the "itch" to do my first HIM. It would be either late July or early August. I am on limited time so I was hoping to follow one of the more "basic" plans. Probably beginner triathletes free plan or a different one that I found on the internet. Honestly, I probably won't get into swimming seriously for another month and I will try to start taking shorter rides 2 times a week (as long as weather permits).

I was thinking 2 different things.

1. Keep running 3-4 times a week. Since my run endurance is fine, I was hoping to do some more speed work. Then I would try to get 30 minutes or so of biking at least twice a week and start swimming when I have time. (I am not a great swimmer. I don't have problems with the endurance part of the swim but I am one of the last ones out of the water)

2. Start the 16 or 20 week HIM training program now but increase the distance on the program to keep my distance on the run up.

I am leaning towards plan 1 just because I do have a time goal on the HM and I have a lot of time restraints now. But, I am very concerned with the swim portion and I guess just anxious about the whole HIM "thing". Wondering if I can even do it.


2015-03-25 9:09 PM
in reply to: brreems


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500
Subject: RE: HM to HIM training questions
I'm not an expert but from the advice I've read on BT in the past:

Bike more.
Swim more.
Then bike more.
2015-03-25 9:19 PM
in reply to: skibummer

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Subject: RE: HM to HIM training questions
When are you planning to increase cycling? That needs to be more of a focus. Running speed work won't do much for you if your bike fitness is low.
2015-03-25 9:30 PM
in reply to: #5103544

Member
166
1002525
Bismarck, ND
Subject: RE: HM to HIM training questions
I was going to work on speed work just for my half marathon. Not for the HIM
2015-03-26 1:14 PM
in reply to: brreems

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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: HM to HIM training questions

If you have a lot of time contraints now and you have HM time goals then adding in the biking and swimming volumes from any HIM plan now just is not going to work.  That leaves you about 8 or 9 weeks after the HM to build enough swim/bike fitness to get you through.  You state that you are a weak swimmer and that you have done very little biking.  I do not see where that is enough time to prepare adequately.  You can be a great runner but if you are gassed by the time you get off the bike you are in for a long final leg.

Have you thought about maybe doing an Olympic distance instead, use it to gauge how you are doing and based on that look for an early fall HIM? I think forcing an HIM upon yourself with your contraints right now sounds kind of stressful.  I think your journey and destination would be more enjoyable if you could extend your timeline for the HIM.  Good luck.  HIM's are a lot of fun and very rewarding.

2015-03-26 2:36 PM
in reply to: popsracer

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Master
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Kailua, Hawaii
Subject: RE: HM to HIM training questions
yes I agree with popsracer.

HIM is a major race and being your first one, you'll want to focus on a training plan solely for that race, not as a after thought.


2015-03-26 7:29 PM
in reply to: #5103571

Member
166
1002525
Bismarck, ND
Subject: RE: HM to HIM training questions
Thank you so much for your replies and your honesty. It wasn't what I wanted to hear but I needed to hear it.

What is your opinion on the "time limited" HIM training programs? Do you think someone can be prepared "enough". I want to have a good race and want to do it again. Not, "why the heck did I ever think I could do this"?
2015-03-26 10:31 PM
in reply to: brreems


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Subject: RE: HM to HIM training questions

FWIW, I consider the marathon a much physically harder and challenging race for the body than the HIM. The HIM is logistically harder to train for due to the S/B/R, but the marathon will take a lot more out of you on race day.

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