Thursday, September 06, 2007

Just keep moving

Inhisshadow asked me this week what was my program like for the half ironman. I intinctively replied - "just keep moving".

That's what tri training feels like at the moment - go from one thing to another e.g. I haven't run in a while - better go for a run, then, haven't been for a swim in a while - better go for a swim, etc. etc. With a busy job and a family "just keep moving" is fast becoming my mantra.

Seriously though, my program is to build up to a block of weekly volume equal to the distance of an ironman e.g last weeks volume was 28k running (67% of 42k), 98k cycling (54% of 180k) and 3.4k swimming (89% of 3.8k)- i.e. about 70% of ironman distance. This was done in 8 sessions in 7 hours 50 mins. I will do some running speed work - mainly races, but nothing too specific on the bike or in the pool. I am really just having some fun in training and keeping the majority of sessions "easy".

I am quite nervous about the race though and especially the swim. I have done a bit of swimming lately and whilst it is improving it is a long way from where I want it to be.

The last three sessions have been:

1/9 - 1.9k in 54 mins. This was after my 10k race Sat morning. I was pretty tired and had numerous short rest breaks.

3/9 - 2k in a total time of 51:05. The last 200m was tough. Splits were:
11:55 (1:05 rest)
11:45 (1:15 rest)
11:40 (1:20 rest) and
12:05

5/9 - 2K in a total time of 49:55. I wanted to break 50 mins and again the last 200m was quite a struggle. Splits were:
11:20 (0:40 rest)
11:35 (1:25 rest)
11:35 (1:25 rest) and
11:55

I am generally nervous for reasons including:

1) It is going to be cold (and I am a wuss)
2) I don't have wetsuit (need to get one)
3) What happens when I need to fix my googles?
4) What am I going to wear for the cycle/run - should I get a tri suit?
5) I am going to come last in the swim
6) I am not good at changing tyres

But in the end it is all a bit of fun.

Looking forward to a long ride tomorrow. Hopefully it stays dry!

1 comment:

Ewen said...

I feel like I'm always moving and I'm only running!

Sounds a bit like training for a half marathon by running 42k per week.

I haven't done many tris (no wetsuit), so the only advice I can give is swim slow enough so you don't get kicked in the head and lose your goggles ;)