First full season - how should I plan?

It depends on when your 1/2 IM is this coming year. If it's not until next Sept/Oct/Nov then I'd do the periodization from the TB because you've got the time. If your big race is early in the spring then it's a bit late to do the TB method so then I'd grab a plan from this site. Now I've never done anything that large so you may take the advice of some of with experience.

Wow, 7 races is a pretty healthy race schedule. I did 6 triathlons last season and was mentally burned out after 5.

Anyway, assuming you won't be getting a coach to guide/dictate your training, TB is a great source of info as Bethany says. You should definately be doing periodization and start with a solid/strong base period as you will need it to complete your 1/2 IM later next year.

Without a solid base you stand a good chance of suffering, quite litterally, through a good portion of your 1/2 IM. Many people are doing 1/2 IM races now in their first season, but it's no joke of a race and should be prepared for properly with solid, slow, easy runs and bikes during the base period.

You gotta teach the body to burn fat. (this is becoming my motto...I may have to add it to my signature)


Edited by Steve- 2004-11-15 7:49 PM

It's also my first full season. I took a crack at using the TB - and posted an XLS spreadsheet PLAN in this forum (see Training Planning) for comment too. I don't know whether I'm being too aggressive, too conservative, or other. I also have the added complication of a marathon and a 100mi bike century through the mountains to slot into the schedule.

I'll stay tuned to this thread to take advantage of the good advice I'm sure is coming...

Fraggle - now THAT'Ss a hot buttered quote, It would look good spray painted on the side of a bus or subway car.

So Steve, do you think I should pretty much just focus on base training, and skip the speedwork? I guess since the first time you step up to a particular distance your goal is just to finish, base training is probably the way to go.

Ya, the 7 races is a bit ambitious, but since 4 of them are sprints, and the races are spread out from April to October, I'm hoping not to get burned out too much. I figure since I don't have much race experience, and the experience I do have was a lot of fun, the more the merrier, right?

WOW! No advice here - just inspiration at that amazing season you have planned.
This is my first full season - starts on SUNDAY!
I am doing 3 sprints, 1 olympic and a 10km run and I was worried!!!! HA ha.
Good luck with it all!
M