Running everyday is definitely something I prefer not to do. For some that works well, but the reason I switched to triathlon was because of frequent overuse running injuries. Last season I ran 3 days a week and split 1:23 (13.1) during the HIM. I certainly will need to up my run volume (and entire volume) to prep for an IM, but staying healthy is key for me.
The swim is absolutely my weakness (my username probably gives that away). My HIM swim time was 40 min. That is a pace that I can go pretty much all day (1:54/100 yd) but I cannot go faster to save my life. If I try to go faster, I fatigue out incredibly fast. I have already contacted a local masters group and will be starting with them 3x/week once a spot opens up (end of fall).
I generally hold my own on the bike, averaging between 22.5-24.0 mph depending on the course and the distance, but by no means contest for top bike split. Last season I generally just rode with some local road groups, then took my Tri bike out on the weekends. I want to start to focus a lot more on specific workouts on my tri bike rather than letting a group dictate how I ride. I purchased a power meter and used it for a couple FTP’s, and to help pace my races, but did not use it to structure my workouts. I REALLY want each ride next season to have a specific purpose (even if it’s just a chill recovery ride). Too often I would ride a route just because I liked it, rather than to accomplish a training goal. If I felt good, I rode hard, or if a roadie past me and gave me the wrong look, I turned it up to show him up haha.
I read the triathlete training bible cover to cover and used it initially to plan my season, but ended up not using it. I found the workouts offered through the virtual coach or the index of the book did not adequately adjust during the season. For example, the virtual coach kept recommending the exact same brick workout, or bike workout even though I was on base 3 week 3 and should have been striving for 23 hours… If I am suppose to hit 23 hours in a given week, I want a plan to already have workouts in place, rather than have to cherry pick the highest volume options and string them together.
Back to my original question. Are there any solid online training plans (through some searching I have seen options like Kicker Endurance, Endurance Nation, QT2, etc…) that are dynamic and specific for the non MOP AGers? Just through brief time on some of those sites I see potential, but seem to think that they are more targeted for someone just trying to finish a race rather than race a race…
Anyone use them, do they seem to adapt as you adapt? I will likely try some of their free trials, but experience and feedback is always welcome!
I will also seek out local tri clubs for support. Thanks.
I would just add one more point for you to consider. Of course there is VERY much to be said about coaching and making every work out count. However, there is also very much to say about your current training program…e.g. riding a route because I like it…making training pleasurable also increases performance! My last HIM was a 28, 2:23, and 1:41 in Sept at Mont Tremblant. For the first time, my run is slowly creeping towards half-way decent…simply because I have finally found how to love running whereas swimming and biking have long been enjoyable. Now…let’s figure this out…you give me your run speed, I’ll get you going in the water, and bam…we be cooking with gas!
