I have a busy spring/summer/fall with non tri related plans, so I can only do 1 half IM and I just realized it is coming up in 14 weeks. Are there any good 12 - 14 week programs out there for a novice? Is it within reach for a novice or is that timeframe way too short?
I lift regularaly and have done a handful of oly tri’s in the last 2 summers, but my recent off season training has only been weights. Should I go for this or forget it? Is 14 weeks enough to get someone in good enough shape to do this?
I am affraid that you are setting yourself up for a “memorable” experience. I am no expert, but I would chiken out on attempting to complete a race on such a lack of base. Even though most plans out there assume or require you lay some foundation prior, I think if you only focus on base building and ensure you hit the most important workouts with appropriate duration and frequency, you can get away with completing the race.
check out begginertriathlete.com, trinewbie.com, and just search 1/2 ironman training plans in here and you will get several very viable options that should get you across that finish line without spontaneously combusting. Probably won’t break 5 hours, but who cares, you just completed a 1/2IM!! I say go for it.
x2 on Beginnertriathlete.com - they have a pretty good 16-week plan for a 1/2 IM - I used it last year and almost broke 5 (5:03 arrrrghhhh) so it’s a solid plan but if you can probably cut it down a bit for your situation. You can probably do it but just don’t expect a podium spot on only 14 weeks.
I have a busy spring/summer/fall with non tri related plans, so I can only do 1 half IM and I just realized it is coming up in 14 weeks. Are there any good 12 - 14 week programs out there for a novice? Is it within reach for a novice or is that timeframe way too short?
I lift regularaly and have done a handful of oly tri’s in the last 2 summers, but my recent off season training has only been weights. Should I go for this or forget it? Is 14 weeks enough to get someone in good enough shape to do this?
In an upcoming issue of Competitor Magazine, I have a piece on 10 weeks to a half ironman, on less than 10 hrs per week. This is designed for the athlete who wants to finish it, not necessarily be competitive. It is scheduled for the April issue. Even if this is not what your looking for specifically, it goes to show that yes, you can do it. You need to make sure the goals you have match the level of training you’re doing, so keep that in mind.