The coaching problem thread got me to thinking…Does anyone else just train on the fly?
I admit, I’m not nor ever have been a numbers person. When I see training plans that say do so and so number of repeats or that have complicated graphs, my eyes just gloss over. For upcoming IMKY, my plans are pretty much on a week by week basis. Roughly, swim at least once for 30 minutes (I’ll catch up on this during last month and taper). Try to run at 3 or 4 times, a couple of them being 1.5 hours at least. Ride two or three times, a couple being 20 miles or more and one longer one on weekends. Throw in some century rides when possible. That’s about it. Granted it keeps me as a firm MOPer, but honestly, between full time work and kids, it’s almost impossible to map out a complete training plan. Plus, I don’t think I would enjoy it as much.
Someone please tell me I’m not the only one doing this.
I pretty much go by the fly. I keep track of weekly miles in my head and such but I don’t have a strict plan. Impossible to adhere to it when it isn’t your job.
I’ve never had a coach. I just go by how I feel and what I think needs to be done. I don’t know if I’m good at the guessing game or what but I’ve done ok in my Ironman Endeavors considering I’m a mere mortal and only have time for about 14 hr training weeks at most for a couple weeks. My best being two 11:11 IM’s yes two with the same time.
I am currently training for an Xterra, but I think i’ve underestimated it a bit. Going fast on a MTB and trail running at a ski resort is alot tougher than I anticipated.
You’re not alone. Most days, when I get up, I have no idea what I’ll be doing. Depends on when I get out of work or what the weather is. Like you, I’m not going be up front anytime. I’m playing with the idea of getting a coach, but honestly, I’m in it to enjoy the training, not for the race (and for the toys of course). My max distance is HIM, and I do not even consider going longer. For Eagleman I did a few 7 hour weeks, but mostly it’s less than 5.
I confess. I’ve tried to follow a structured plan from time to time but easily get sidetracked to riding more and running less than the plan usually calls for. Also living in a rural area I don’t have nearby winter access to a pool so that messes up the swim training also.
I basically train on the fly. My basic rules right now are to: 1) Have fun, 2) Do 9 workouts per week (4 run, 2 or 3 bike, and 2 or 3 swim), and 3) Make sure to do one long run and bike during the week. I will change the ratios around if I feel that I need to work on one sport. Right now I’m concentrating on running. I’ve also been running sans any electronic gear. I’m just trying to have fun and get in consistent work for all three sports.
Lots of people train on the fly. It has merits in that you get to do what you want and there is not the pressure of a schedule to follow. With a job, family, etc. many people find they enjoy their hobby a lot more training this way.
Now if you want to continue to improve your performances, this approach starts to get a lot harder to make successful. Typically people fall into patterns, and as these patterns become more solidified, performances tend to stagnate. In the end, it is your hobby, do what you want with it.
That’s me, concentrate on running. I’ve finally gotten in the habit of doing my runs early in the morning and I’m really enjoying it. Haven’t tried without the watch yet but will be going gadgetless at IMKY.
I only train by the seat of my pants on the bike. I train by the soles of my shoes on the run. I train by the palms of my hand for the swim.
But seriously, folks…
I don’t use a coach or a structured workout from a book, but I do sometimes at least try to plan a few days ahead just so I can balance the effort I expend and the recovery I get.
"Typically people fall into patterns, and as these patterns become more solidified, performances tend to stagnate. In the end, it is your hobby, do what you want with it. "
That’s true, but I think there are ways to improve one’s performance and still train on the fly. For example: Throw some random sprints and/or hill climbs into the running and biking. But I think you’re right that in order to see large gains, a more structured approach would be more benefitial.
The trick is to know if you can honestly evaluate your training needs and effort. If you can admit to yourself that you are being a wimp and need to go hard today, and do it, you don’t need structure.
Thats me all the way, usually I set a short term goal, right now the goal is to be able to run 10 miles comfortably again. Cycling goal is to do 2 100 mile rides in the next two weeks, swim goal is… well to go swim at least once every two weeks. I don’t have any races planned until next year so that’s ok. I get a little more structured when i have a race planned but not a whole lot, focus on speed if it’s a sprint or oly, distance if it’s a 1/2 or an long run race. I tried folowing the plansd and advice on ST and got so dis allusioned I quit coming to the site for about 6 months. Now I do what i need to do and am back to enjoying training.
This describes me as well. I have general goals in terms of hours per week, but that’s about it. This has helped me to be very successful in my opinion, and I’m still improving a lot each year (only 3rd year of designated triathlon after a few years of running). Perhaps when improvement drastically slows, I’ll need a “plan”. Ugh, I don’t even want to think about that…
I train with a similar approach. Swim twice, 45 min to an hour per session. Run 3 or 4 times, 25-30 miles per week with one tempo run and one long run. Bike 2 or 3 times with one longer session of 2.5 hrs or longer and one short intense session (usually intervals on a trainer). Thats the goal. Every week, I look at my schedule and try to fit those workouts around my other commitments. Sometimes, I have to skip a workout, some weeks, I skip 2 workouts. Just depends on how busy I am and how I’m feeling.
That said, i do log workouts every day.
If I’m doing a build up for a long race, than I simply up the mileage of the long run and long bike. Pretty simple really. I think tri training is pretty simple overall…its my opinion that its easy to over-complicate it. But the majority of the battle is simply getting out there and doing the work, week in, week out on a consistant basis.
My best being two 11:11 IM’s yes two with the same time.
Man, that’s hilarious. What are the odds? Still, those a great finish times. Me? 13:10 is my best so I’m looking for sub 13 in August. Don’t know if I’ll find it, but I’m looking ; )
But the majority of the battle is simply getting out there and doing the work, week in, week out on a consistant basis.
Bingo! Exactly right. Since I started working at a place that offers a sports club membership, I’ve been using my lunch hour to run 3 or 4 miles or swim for 30 min. I’m starting to see big improvements in my longer morning runs.