Ironman 70.3 East London 2017

[Dubsymike]

So i'm signed up for my first 70.3 in EL. Turning 40 and couldn't afford a Harley so I signed up. Didn't realise the motorbike option would've been cheaper!!!

 

Riding will be fine, running I started in Jan - doing my second 21 on Saturday. Swimming can wait till it's warmer!

 

What i want to know is: how important is group training? Should I sign up for it or do guys generally get a programme and just train solo?

More newbie comments will follow closer to the time, including on tri-bars and wetsuits!

[Cycling Major]

In the same boat as you...

 

Would like to hear the feedback

[IceCreamMan]

So i'm signed up for my first 70.3 in EL. Turning 40 and couldn't afford a Harley so I signed up. Didn't realise the motorbike option would've been cheaper!!!

 

Riding will be fine, running I started in Jan - doing my second 21 on Saturday. Swimming can wait till it's warmer!

 

What i want to know is: how important is group training? Should I sign up for it or do guys generally get a programme and just train solo?

More newbie comments will follow closer to the time, including on tri-bars and wetsuits!

 

Ultimately depends on you. I prefer training alone as I can then dictate times, pace etc. etc. Having said that I have met a guy who has also done ironman and we train whenever he is in the country and I really enjoy that. I am a slightly stronger swimmer and cyclist and he is a much stronger runner so I learn from him and him from me.

 

If you can find someone who will stretch you then go for it. I am not a fan of group training and far prefer the solo route however there are advantages to groups esp when it comes to motivation.

 

And yes, my first ironman I calculated came to around 150k, this is not a cheap sport

[Sparkles]

I am on the other end of the spectrum.  I have done four 70.3's and two full IM and have always done it with a group and will do it no other way.  The training process is part of the experience!  Each event has meant so much more because of the advice, laughs, fears and encouragement shared with my squad.

[shaper]

First time I did a 70.3 I used one of the fittrack programs and trained on my own, worked quite well and as ICM says fitted within my workload and also sort of motivationally trained online with a mate, whilst we trained separate, apart from weekend rides we kept an eye on one another and motivated via strava as we could see how each of us was doing or not doing.

 

Have done 4 now and only thing have changed is that I do a swim squad 3 times a week as pounding out lengths in the pool can get quite mundane.

 

Cycling is also on a more structured program than previously but that is just because of my personal preference to do so.

 

I also use training peaks and golden cheetah to analyse my activities much more and adapt my own training plan, which is generally with regard to ensuring enough rest and not over training.

 

Each to their own I guess and a lot will determine on you as an individual and how mentally strong you are to keep motivation and going if training on your own.  Some will prefer groups to keep them motivated.

[Wheelsuck]

So i'm signed up for my first 70.3 in EL. Turning 40 and couldn't afford a Harley so I signed up. Didn't realise the motorbike option would've been cheaper!!!

 

Riding will be fine, running I started in Jan - doing my second 21 on Saturday. Swimming can wait till it's warmer!

 

What i want to know is: how important is group training? Should I sign up for it or do guys generally get a programme and just train solo?

More newbie comments will follow closer to the time, including on tri-bars and wetsuits!

 

Firstly get a Coach or a coaching system or a programme. But get something. I was coached and then thought I could do this myself...not one of my most succesfull ideas. Worst times etc. So for the first one-get some kind of training information. 

 

Next is log it or follow it-its  just helpful and you track your progress.

 

Then about training alone or with a group-if it is with a group that is doing IM it is fantastic -you do the Long stuff together and do the rest during the week on your own or with a mate. I found that I can swim on my own but prefer to run and bike with groups. The bike is just good to have company, talk and the hours go by easier. For running, which I hate, I train with a group of runners, so whatever you do they are always preparing/doing some race and there is always someone who will get up at stupid o clock to run with you. And once you commit the fear of being labelled that guy that never pitches overrides the Snooze Button.

 

But it is up to you to try and find what works-but try it at least and then decide  

[Davey_Jones]

Just signed up and already pooping myself. 

[Cycling Major]

Just signed up and already pooping myself. 

I think the nervousness is what will carry us through!!!

[IceCreamMan]

Just signed up and already pooping myself. 

 

Good to be nervous, keeps you on your toes and makes sure you train sufficiently so get out there.

 

aim to train the distance per week i.e. 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycle and 21 km run.

 

spend about 6 to 8 hours a week training and you will be fine.

 

hour swimming, 2-3 hours running and 3-4 cycling per week. 5 months = 21 weeks to go you should be fine.

 

good luck

[Angus**]

Hi Guys

 

Need a little advice - Getting into triathlon and also entered EL 70.3  

 

Been sticking to the following routine for a couple of months

 

Swimming - Mon & Wed group indoor pool swim +- 2Km per session

 

Tuesday & Thursday- run or IDT - Run either 8-10Km or IDT 45Min

 

Friday - normally rest - hopefully get into routine of a Friday sea swim

 

Sat & Sunday - Long ride (well long for me)  +- 80km / Brick session

 

As you guys have done quite a few IM 70.3's does it sound like I am on the right track from a training plan perspective or do I need start waking up early and uping the training sessions??

[finallygotabike]

Just signed up and already pooping myself. 

I signed up yesterday, also pooping.

 

Aiming to do the Germiston one in Nov by Trinity sports as my first one although I am still struggling with my shins when running, hopefully will be sorted by at least Nov as I need miles

[IceCreamMan]

Hi Guys

 

Need a little advice - Getting into triathlon and also entered EL 70.3  

 

Been sticking to the following routine for a couple of months

 

Swimming - Mon & Wed group indoor pool swim +- 2Km per session

 

Tuesday & Thursday- run or IDT - Run either 8-10Km or IDT 45Min

 

Friday - normally rest - hopefully get into routine of a Friday sea swim

 

Sat & Sunday - Long ride (well long for me)  +- 80km / Brick session

 

As you guys have done quite a few IM 70.3's does it sound like I am on the right track from a training plan perspective or do I need start waking up early and uping the training sessions??

Are you cycling both Saturday an Sunday?

 

You are bang on track. I would add a 15 km run every other weekend an do a couple of 21s before January, but not essential.

 

Good luck.

[Davey_Jones]

Good to be nervous, keeps you on your toes and makes sure you train sufficiently so get out there.

 

aim to train the distance per week i.e. 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycle and 21 km run.

 

spend about 6 to 8 hours a week training and you will be fine.

 

hour swimming, 2-3 hours running and 3-4 cycling per week. 5 months = 21 weeks to go you should be fine.

 

good luck

Thanks man yeah I'm part of a Tri club so got a retty good training schedule.  The  problem is just being consistant in my training.  Also trying to balance a busy social life.  Was ok for olympic distances could sacrafice a few sessions here and there but for 70.3 I think i am going to need to sacrifice more social events than training events.  Worth it though

[Davey_Jones]

I signed up yesterday, also pooping.

 

Aiming to do the Germiston one in Nov by Trinity sports as my first one although I am still struggling with my shins when running, hopefully will be sorted by at least Nov as I need miles

Have you considered going to a Bio or getting a run analysis from one of the better sport stores (not sportsmans) maybe your shoes are the problem.  I bought a new pair of shoes a while back and when i run in them my shins hurt. Bought them online so didnt try them out or seek proper advice when buying (rookie mistake).

Just a thought?

[Davey_Jones]

Ooh i have a question.  I'm still relatively inexperienced on the bike.  Only been ridding about a year.  I am still on a regular road bike no aero bars.  For 70.3 should I buy sme aero bars and start practicing with them or just stick to what i know?

 

Do the bars really help save that much energy?

[IceCreamMan]

Thanks man yeah I'm part of a Tri club so got a retty good training schedule.  The  problem is just being consistant in my training.  Also trying to balance a busy social life.  Was ok for olympic distances could sacrafice a few sessions here and there but for 70.3 I think i am going to need to sacrifice more social events than training events.  Worth it though

 

aye, yes. Comes to the point where the social life takes a back seat. Annoys my wife no end. Declining invites as they clashed with training schedule or events I had entered. Now at the point where I am more relaxed about my training so don't mind missing the odd session but still doing 8 to 15 hours a week. it never ends.

 

as you say, its worth it. When you cross that red carpet its the most amazing feeling in the whole damn world. Its not just a carpet its crossing into territory where you realize anything you set your mind to you can achieve....this in itself is fkn scary. (for me anyway)