Triguy

Next week is the start of a 12 week grind to being the best triathlete I can be. I will now be spending my time actually working in the 8 hour day when I'm in front of this computer and actually training when I'm not at work. 15-17 hours a week, 5-6 hours for running, 3-4 for swimming and 6-8 for biking.

I hope you all are (thinking about being/trying to be) your best as well.

Fivetenfrank

Rather the concentrating on time you should be concentrating on distance, assuming that your past the base phase and going into some sort of build phase. At this stage of your training, you should be focusing on quality not quantity. Instead of telling yourself your going to run 5-6 hours a week, you should tell yourself your going to run 20-30 miles this week. Because you'll be doing a mix of easy runs, tempo runs, long runs and speed work, who knows what amount of time 20 miles will wind up taking you.

Example: In the base phase, 20 miles may have taken you ten hours to run, because you were running everything at a very easy pace. But in this phase, and I assuming your in the build phase, 20 miles may take you half the time because you could be running a good portion of it at tempo, or at VO2 max....

Bottom line: dont just train to train. Train to accomplish something. If, at the end of the week, you look at your running log and your only ran for three hours but in that three hours you ran 25 or 30 miles, dont be donw on yourself because you didnt hit your 5-6 hour goal; the odds are good those 25 or 30 miles were QUALITY miles. Take that extra time you would have spent on the treadmill and through in some core work, weights, plyometrics....I think you'll get more out of your training that way.

Just my $0.02

Triguy

I agree, I actually do have distances set. It's just easier to say time. For instance I have been running about 55-60 miles per week but am dropping to 50-55, and am biking 125-160 a week, along with 10k- 14k of swimming. I take down weeks every fourth. With a 3 week taper into my final race.

I have the next 8 weeks of training sketched out day by day. Including when I'm doing track work. When I'm doing bike intervals and am trying to figure out how to put my swim together. I'm flexible but I have my goals of completion.

As far as weights, plyo's and core work, I take that when it's there. Usually a couple times a week I do some abs, but nothing beats specificity.

The_Mickstar

I agree with you (somewhat) in theory, but that example is ludacris. 10 hours for 20 miles??? Yeah, I'd definitely call that an easy pace Are we talking about running or swimming???

Steve

Sprocket Man

Triguy, that's one killer schedule. My hat's off to you for your dedication. It takes an incredible amount of discipline to keep that up, and I'm sure you will be putting the hurt on your competitors. Are you training for an IM event?

I'm currently training for a Half IM in early June and my mileage isn't anywhere near what you're doing, but I set my bar much lower - finishing in one piece. I'd like to train more but work/family obligations sometimes get in the way.

rplong

This monday was the start of 6 weeks out from my first HIM for the season. Getting down to some quality these last couple of weeks before the taper.

Plainsman

Okay, I keep hearing the term "taper." I know in concept what taper means, but I really don't know how to apply it to my training. I did my first tri with the intermediate program found in Eric Harr's book "Triathlon Training in Six Hours a Week." It was a basic formula, and it got me through the first one well. Now that I have more defined goals - sprint to international - to half IM - to Ironman, what resource can any of you recommend to help me train effectively and efficiently? Is the Triathlete's Training Bible any good? My next sprint is 8 weeks away, and I really want to see some serious improvement. I'm guessing that means swithching from zone training to intervals and speed work?

rplong

YES. Get it, read it. Probably won't be any direct benefit to you right now. But for '08, start planning. I bought it about June last year, helped me out with planning the rest of the year. Probably can help you more this season than it did for me last season. I'm going to see how much of a benefit it was in about 6 weeks. =]

Plainsman

Thanks rplong, I will get it then. Where are you doing a HIM? Is this in prep for a full IM?

Fivetenfrank

I just made up numers for the example. I apologize, but I think I got my point across

The_Mickstar

No need. I was just busting your chops. Unfortunately, sarcasm doesn't come across too well on the i-net (even with smilies).

Steve

Triguy

First to Plainsman, Triathletes Training Bible is a good resource. It will help you get a better grasp on tapering.

Second, thanks for the encouragement and support.

Jstyle

Sounds like the training I was at. I just got done with my 18 hour week last week and I am tapering off now for IM AZ.

rplong

NP

It is in Olathe, KS. I am sort of using it as a aerobic base builder. May, last year, I ran a marathon and then started doing triathlons. I figured doing a tri would be better. I am building up to a HIM in August in IA that I did last year.