Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Freaking Part-Time Job

This is much harder than I thought it was going to be.

There is no way I’m not doing my Half  Ironman in August. I paid the $250 registration fee and my ass will be there sucking down every last sip of Gatorade and hoping I can find a hunky volunteer to rub sunscreen on my…inside thigh? That area gets a lot of sun, you know.

I’m not sure how I'm going to pull off the distance, but I will because I said I would.

I mean it’s no problem for me to swim 1.2 miles or to bike 56 miles or to run 13.1 miles, but I have never attempted to do all three of those things in a row. I mean, why would I? It’s stupid and it takes too long.

With all of the Boston hoopla, I failed to realize that this small triathlon is less than 16 weeks away. That means training needed to start like last week. Darn it. Too bad I have spent the last week drinking wine, eating Easter candy and admiring my Boston medal like a newborn baby (without the sucking on teat issue).

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So, today I buckled down and tried to make sense of what a training plan for this thing might look like.

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Yes, I wear glasses when I’m not wearing contacts. Call me four eyes and I’ll ram that pencil somewhere.

I begged Ken to help me. He is doing it also. I reached out to Jason and Mama Runs Barefoot for some SOS. I googled “70.3 training plans,” looked over Beginner Triathlete, Tri Newbies and Amateur Endurance.  I realized, much to my alarm, that most people train like 15 hours a week for these things. Seriously? That’s like a part time job. I don’t know if hookers even work that much.

Now I have a plan. It is in pencil, but it is a plan. It requires 9-13 hours per week of training including 2 swims, 2 brick workouts (bike then run), yoga, one long run and one rest day.  This mighty SUAR plan is infallible. I just know it.

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Pretty soon this mess of pencil and crooked lines will be transformed into a picture-perfect chart with equally- spaced rows and columns and lots of pretty colors, unicorns and rainbows.

This plan starts Monday. That means I have exactly four more days to slack off. Except that today I am swimming because I have the coolest new product to try out and review  - hint: what happens when you put water and music together?

  1. You have the pussy posse doing water aerobics
  2. You have an electrocution
  3. You have a way to swim to your favorite tunes?

You will have to wait and see.

I know my friend, Dana, said “Don’t go jumping into lots of races” or something like that. Take time to rest. I guess this is technically jumping into another race, but I have convinced myself it’s okay because it’s a “running lite” plan. Kind of like when you’re trying to cut back so you drink “Coors Lite” instead of full blown Coors.

A couple of you asked to see the training plan when it’s done. Okay. I’ll do it as soon as I do it.

Ever done a 70.3 or *gasp* full IM? Any tips?

Off to find some lite beer,

SUAR

67 comments:

  1. Triathletes are super impressive. It's hard enough to train for one event, I can't imagine trying to train for all three. Good luck, you seem to be on the right path and I can't imagine you not succeeding in anything.

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  2. you crack me up every day - my husband got a few giggles last night as i read him parts of your blog. Just think of the sugar intake you've had lately as stored energy for your training (if that makes you feel any better) and frankly, I'd be sleeping with my Boston medal (and maybe licking it a time or two).

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  3. I am doing a 70.3 in September. I agree, the training is no joke. I would have to assume that anyone training for a full ironman must not have a full time job. I can't imagine trying to fit in all that madness. I am using the plan from tri-newbie. I liked that it was just distances and not a lot of specifics on whether they needed to be temp workouts or hills or whatever. I like a nice simple plan, it makes me less likely to fall off the wagon.

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  4. I haven't done one but the commitment is extreme! But I know you'll do great!

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  5. I actually started out in tri's and loved the 1/2 IM distance! Toying with the idea of doing one this fall b/c I know I won't be running a marathon, so why not. Oh, b/c I won't have time for 4-hr. bike rides in the summer when the kids are home.

    But anyhow--I used to have Troy Jacobson as my coach and my basic formula for a 1/2 (at peak training time) was swimming 3-4x/week, riding something like 5 days/week (with a long ride of 4 hrs.) and running 3-4x/week (with a 2-hr. long run). Two bricks per week, one combined with that long ride. I have to say that the time on the bike really is where it's at with this distance. Practice eating on the bike big time so that you can have the nutrition down. Everything you do on the bike sets you up for a good run. You can do this!

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  6. Hopefully the balance of running combined with biking and swimming will make it easier on your body... but 9-13 hours per week? I'm thinking that will be harder on the mind than anything else, and you are strong enough! Good luck with the training plan!


    As for me, no, I don't like to do anything longer than 26.2 :)

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  7. Lady, you need to rock this half IM because I need the inspiration! I have been crazy enough to run marathons two weeks apart, twice, without killing myself. Then I had a baby and her humongous head caused multiple pelvic organ prolapse and I can't run farther than a half marathon without peeing all over myself, so I'm setting my sights on doing a half IM next year. If the swim portion is after the run, maybe I'll do a full IM in a couple of years. Or maybe I'll wear a diaper. Who knows.

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  8. I've done them both (next full is a week from saturday!), and I would say that 9-13 is plenty for a half. I get above 20 for a full, but stay well below it for a half! I always feel healthier as a triathlete than a runner. I think the balance of three sports is great! I love the half distance too, though I like the drama of the big race :-) Best of luck!

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  9. I've done two 1/2IMs and am in training for my 3rd one. If I were you, I would not worry too much at all. You are a good swimmer, a good biker, a good runner. You've got this in the bag! Definitely get some distance in and practice your bricks. Have FUN and enjoy the next 16 weeks!!

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  10. I'm two weeks away from my first 70.3! my training plan went to hell because of my back injury, but one tip is - be careful with the bricks, you generally only need 2-3 miles of running and even that will make you tired for 3 days afterwards. i'm not sure why it's so draining, but it is!

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  11. I always equate marathon training to a PT job...I can only imagine how that translates to training for THREE different aspects to a race. OOF.

    I think this will be the perfect transition for you, though! Cross training at its finest - because it's part of the plan :) If you need a buddy for any of those runs or rides, you just let me know!

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  12. You'll rock it. I did my first last year 14 weeks after healing from spinal fusion. Goal was 6 hours, I did it in 5:48. Beat that time and I'll defriend you. ;D
    Tips: OPEN WATER swim - as much as possible.
    BRICKS - as many and as long as possible
    BIKE - train this discipline properly - it's the bulk of the race. Runners love to run, but you've got that in the bag if you are a Boston gal. GOOD LUCK - you will ROCK it. I'm looking forward to reading about your training. I put in 12-15 (up to 18 by the end) hours a week - you're right - it is indeed a part time job, but a fun one. ;D LAST THING: don't expect to lose weight. For some ridiculous reason, you just don't. Ticked me off. ;D

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  13. Again, I'm amazed at your athletic ability. No, you haven't done the half IR yet, but I know you'll work hard at the training and get through it like a pro.
    My husband is doing his first Sprint Tri at the end of May. It will be my first time as a cheering spectator instead of participant. CAN'T WAIT!

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  14. maybe i should sign up for one just so i can get a hunky volunteer to run sunscreen on me. and then aloe after i still manage to get burnt

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  15. You rock at cross training, and that is the key to the whole 1/2 IM. I did one 1/2 IM about six years ago, and it was awesome. Love (finishing) marathons, but finishing the 1/2 IM is still my favorite finish to date. The swim in open water was the hardest part, and I fell flat on my face when I started the run. My first thought was the concrete was so nice and comfy after the swim and the bike that I didn't want to get up. Then someone came up and asked if I was okay. After I confirmed I was fine, they started yelling at me to get up and run. I jumped up and started running, and I finished.

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  16. GOOD LUCK with your training! You keep inspiring me every day to push myself with my workouts!

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  17. AHHHHH!!! I am SO SO excited for you....you never cease to amaze me woman!! I think I should drive on over and cheer you on!! LOVE the inner thigh sun screen comment, pretty sure I laughed for 5 minutes about that!

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  18. Beth, before I mentioned balance, I said "do whatever makes you happy". That is what is most important. When I wrote, I also knew you had a 1/2 IM coming up. Focus on the bike in training, it is where you'll spend the most of your time in the race.

    Dana

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  19. i don't even know if hookers work that much. bahaha

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  20. You'll do awesome. Tips:
    1- Swim intervals. Make sure you incorporate sprints in the water into your training plan, in addition to the longer, endurance swims.
    2- Bricks are key. If you have to miss any workout, don't miss these. It will train your legs to come off the bike fresh.
    3-Try to do a couple of long bikes near the end of your training that surpass the 56-mile distance, so that come race day, 56-miles doesn't seem so far.
    4- Practice your nutrition as you plan to race. Solids on the bike (that sounds wrong..); gels on the run.

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  21. I am so excited for you and looking forward to reading about your craziness. You will rock it!
    I did my first Sprint tri last summer and I have 2 more planned this year, along with training for my very first marathon (marine corps in Oct). I am going to do an Olympic distance tri in '12 and hope to do a half IM before I am 40 (I am 34 now).

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  22. Good luck, I think triatletes are awesome. The swimming part scares me the most...I am not a swimmer.

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  23. Are you going to do the Longmont Tri as a warm up? This will my first one and I one day I know I'm ready and the next day I'm convinced I shouldn't do it. Good luck - it will be entertaining and inspiring to read your posts as you go through this torture- uh - 'training'!
    jessicah

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  24. well, I've done a 70.3 and I live with a pro (aka the hubs) so I all about you doing this. It is a lot of hours, haha! this is awesome Beth!

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  25. Wow Ironman, get it get it! Good luck on the training, if you put your mind to it, then you can do it!

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  26. I'm currently training for my first tris. I'm planning on doing a half ironman, and eventually an ironman, but I agree the training is intense. I'm a stay at home mom and I actually am planning on doing the ironman the year my daughter starts school, rather then getting a part time job.

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  27. Don't feel bad, I have an half in July and I am getting married in May...so do you think I have time to train??? NO
    Actually going to attempt a brick tonight (no promises on running), I think it has been a couple of months....

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  28. The inner thigh cream rub may cause problems on the bike or run, go easy on it.

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  29. WOW!! That is awesome!! I'm thinking of possibly doing a 1/2 tri sometime in the next few years.

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  30. Oh, and btw--the entry fees to tri's are SO out of hand! Back in the day when I did them (and we walked 10 miles to school in the snow), I did a full IM for $300 and 1/2 IMs were around $100. Demand, no doubt, but for crying out loud!

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  31. Congrats on Boston, wow!

    Also, during our Costa Rica travels I saw a guy wearing a t-shirt that said, "Shut Up and Reel"....I almost asked him if he knew you!

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  32. I'm doing my first olympic-distance tri in September and think I'm going to use the 16-week plan from AE.

    I like that you used pencil and paper first to figure out your plan. I almost forgot we can do that instead of Google docs.

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  33. Have done IM twice and the 2nd time I trained for the swim at home, yes I was swimming almost every day 100-200 length of our pool ok I did run up to the dam 4 times for a 500m swim. As for the bike, a couple of 20km rides in the week and a 50+km ride on the weekend OH I was running 80+ km a week. so if you can do each leg and aren't afraid of being out there no problem. good luck

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  34. Can't wait to see your TP :D
    Doing my first HIM in Sept so I'll be training right along with ya--
    you wear that medal as long as you want girl, you earned it!!
    oh, and you look sexy in the glasses
    just sayin

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  35. I've done two and my best tip is to practice open water swimming, hopefully with someone smacking you on the head and trying to drown you a few times. After you get used to that without hyperventilating, you're good to go.

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  36. Good Luck! You can do it! I read "The Woman Triathlete" by Christina Gandolfo it was a great help! Yay another one switched to the dark side!

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  37. These races are addictive, that's for certain! I think it's great that you're taking on a 70.3, the cross-training that it requires at least breaks it up and doesn't make it feel so monotonous. I've done 5 half IMs and 3 fulls...it's a love/hate relationship...but ultimately very gratifying.

    I think you should train for the swim using this particular technique: http://youtu.be/r3S0wu4Zbfk

    I found that the training plans that really played up the quality of workouts versus quantity worked for me. Endurance Nation is made up of two coaches and I really found that they offered solid advice and training plans. If you want to see a sample of their half IM plan, let me know and I'll send it your way.

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  38. That picture of the two of you together... so sweet :) I love the tenderness in your face as you hold and caress Medal. You're still in the "honeymoon" phase... just wait 'til that little bugger is keeping you up at night... or starts talking back.

    And if it's a lubricating sunscreen, there should be no problem. Don't listen to Kovas.

    I have never done a tri. They scare me. I don't do so well in the water with lots of people stroking all over me and all the splashing. And I would fall off the bike just getting on it. Hmmmm... a new challenge ...

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  39. I know you'll do great! I haven't done a tri YET but I'd like to. Swimming terrifies me!

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  40. Good for you. I have only done olympic distances. I am anxious to see how your plan works out.
    I have been wondering what the minimum amount of workout hours a week is for a half. I work out about 8ish and was thinking of going for a half at the end of the season.

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  41. In the middle of my training program for Grandma's Marathon, I decided to throw in some local 5K's, 10K's, and a small triathlon. My training is so screwed up - I will be lucky to finish my marathon. But - you have plenty of time to get on track and kick ass.

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  42. My half is out for this year.. I'm too far behind but will be watching you and cheering. I will do an Olympic on Labour day weekend and a half marathon in October.

    Have you taken off the Boston medal yet?

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  43. It is so awesome that you are doing a half ironman! That is one of my goals for the next few years. I eventually want to complete a full Ironman but that won't be for awhile. Good luck!

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  44. This is so exciting!!! I'm so FIRED UP for YOU!!!!

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  45. I personally like the mini-tris...some call them a 'sprint tri', but I don't 'sprint' at anything. And I love doing the brick workouts...I just think they are fun. So be crazy and do your half-ironman.....as far as I'm concerned the main thing is to have fun and enjoy those crazy workouts!

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  46. Dang! I have never attempted a tri--the amount of training for a mary is hard enough! wow!

    Go Beth! You are a champ!

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  47. I think the boston medal goes with any attire.. I would be wearing it daily...

    You can do anything you set your mind to, thats what I always say. I cant wait to follow along with this training...

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  48. All these runners gone Tri. I am just too chicken! And really only enjoy the running part of a Tri. I am eager to see your fool-proof fab training plan. How exciting! Only 16 weeks. Better throw out those easter chocolates, wait with all the training I bet you can eat them. But they'll melt if you try and carry them in your fuel belt. ;-)

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  49. Try Matt Fitzgerald's "Essential Week by Week Triathlon Training Guide". Awesome book, lots of training plans and great help. This is by far my favorite training book and I've bought hundreds.

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  50. I would love to 1/2 Iron Man. I'm mortified of the open water swim. As a young impressionable child I was taken to see Jaws. Thanks for ruining adulthood bad parent!

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  51. My husband is doing the Boulder Half IM, it'll be his first. I wish the registration wasn't closed, because I'd sign up for it too. Since I've been injured and not running right now, I've started biking and swimming a ton. It would be fun to have a goal race to train for instead of another marathon since the previous 2 marathons I've had to miss due to injury just before race day. At least I can be there to cheer you all on!

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  52. I'm doing my first tri. this Summer (def. not an Iron Man- should be Iron Woman!), but needless to say it's my first one. I look forward to hearing about your journey. If anyone else wants to "follow" my journey please follow my page at: http://mamaswhotri.com

    Good Luck! You're inspiring and motivating!

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  53. Thanks for the reminder that it will be here before we know it. :) I'm signed up for the series but really have no idea what I've gotten myself into. The Olympic I did last year was tough so I hope to much better trained this year! Also hoping that maybe I'll get the chance to meet you out there!

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  54. I can not wait to read about your training! You will do so great!

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  55. One of my life goals is to do a 70.3.

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  56. I've done 4 half IM and one full IM. Yes you'll train lots - 9-13 hrs /week isn't out of line at all. You'll need lots of brick practice so you get used to running on tired legs. I tell people the physical part of the training is the easy part. The hard part is the mental training. You need to train yourself to not stop unless you'll injure yourself by carrying on. You need to learn how not to be bored, since you typically are not allowed to wear an iPod or similar devices. You need to learn when to push through a workout even though you're tired, and when to bail because you're fatigued. I'm looking forward to my next half IM because it will be over so quick.

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  57. Never done a Tri because I'm terrified of fish infested waters...glad you got your training plan around!!

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  58. Like the pic of you cradling your Boston medal.

    I would love to see this training work out schedule. I have been interested in this iron man stuff. Not for my own personal use by any means... but I am curious about how one trains for such a sport. So I will be following you along this journey.

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  59. Wow...funny how things like a tri can seem way off in the future and then, BAM, it's on the horizon. Thing is, I know you'll do it and do it well!

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  60. 70.3 advice - nutrition. I got endurance trained but missed nutrition. No fuel, no go. :)

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  61. I like the rounded edges on the photos. Nice touch.

    You are going to be great at Boulder 70.3. Look Bob does 140.6 with just One Hour Per Day Training. You can do it too.

    Let me know how else I can help.

    In June we will be training together for a few days....that will be killer!

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  62. My first triathlon story.... at least the event story... there is more to this from all the training, I just never posted those training logs...
    http://triing2findacure.blogspot.com/p/nations-triathlon-2010.html

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  63. I can't wait to read about your Tri journey! This is going to get interesting I'm sure!!

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  64. I'm so excited to hear about your training. I want to do a half too..you'll nail it!

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  65. Thank you so much for making me FREAK OUT! :)

    My first half is in *GASP* 5 weeks and I have yet to EVER bike more than 30 miles. I am not doomed, I am telling myself this is a "training" half in June to prepare me for my real half in August. Why I felt the reason to pay $200 to train is beyond me right now. You are way ahead of me, so hopefully that helps.

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  66. I forget you're in the Rockies. That's why you drink that shit beer. JK. Shiner is the best!

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