Alright…I’m goin’ for it. I’m going for the coveted Kona spot by next November. I have a very small AG (W20-24) and now would be the time to go for it!
I would love to hear some stories from those of you who have made it to Kona. What was your training like, what kind of workouts benefited you most…what race did you qualify in and how long were you training until you qualified.
Also, I am wondering if it would be wise to hire a coach/ personal trainer…or just save that money and rent a pair of zipps??
I am only a year into this sport, but I have a good background in general. I finished my first IM in 14:30 (yes I know it is slow) but I had only trained for it for 4 months and was just lollygagging around enjoying it and making sure I finished.
agreed! however ive found some great coaches to be either older more experienced athletes OR ex athletes
You dont have to go spending big dollars on people like Mark Allen or Dave Scott to acheive your goals…
not that there is anything wrong with those guys… but u get my point!
SOME people are nice ill grant that
LOADS of know-it-alls and posers too… question everything you read and find your own truths, dont rely on those of others.
What works for them maynot work for you!
Oh while im at it, dont neglect nutrition! Find out as much as you can about foods, what makes them up, how your body stores and uses fuel etc etc. This is essential in an IM situation.
Yes, a coach is worth getting. However, you will not be able to hire a coach for the cost of a Zipp rental. Sorry. A good coach is worth exponentially more than a pair of Zipps, though, so don’t feel too bad.
I am slightly biased, but check out Joel Filliol at Competition Zone (competitionzone.com or czone here on slowtwitch). You will not find a better coach.
Agree completely. My coach is an avid cyclist, but has a good running background too (knows little about swim training, but that’s my area of expertise!). A lot of the ‘coaching’ I’ve gotten has come from other people in my running club as well.
Finding a good coach is like finding a good garage for auto service or a good contractor. Ask around. Talk to enough triathletes in your area and it wont take long before you figure out which coaches have the best rep.
Why don’t you start by reading Gordo’s Book (Going Long) and Friel’s Book (Training bible)
I agree a coach is a good idea, but most coaches will be at least $100 a month. Unless you are an elite, you can make huge improvements just by grasping the fundamentals you will find in these books and making out your own plan. It may take some time to read the books and write the plan, but then you will own it.
Granted if you are really serious about a Kona Spot a coach may help, but the money you save will buy your plane ticket.
I have decided to remain self coached, mostly because of the money (I can afford it, I just don’t believe it is a good value for me) and the fact that I am a certified track coach anyway, so all I would get is swim and bike advice. And as for swim coaching…
Realize if you are swim limited (my major problem), unless you get a local coach who can actually watch you in the pool, the coaching you are going to get for the swim is worthless (i.e. just read this board and all of Doug Stern’s post for free and you will get advice that is equally good and maybe spend $30 for a Total immerision DVD).
all great posts above, esp. yoda’s on the books. I would try to hook up with a good “core” group of tri folks and ask them about local coaching. Face to face is always the best, and I cherish the athletes I work with near me. But I have had great luck with folks across the country too. Just make sure they meet your needs and personality type and ask lots of questions, that is what you are paying for!
Good luck in your Kona quest, any coach would be psyched to help you achieve that!