How long b/4 I should start thinking about cycle training for IM CDA. I know I’ve got 11 months, but I currently only ride 30 - 50 a couple times a week. I’ve never ridden longer than 80 (and only did that once), and am a bit nervous about the 112 + marathon, but don’t want to burn out. Any suggestions on cycling training or a book or website to go to?
Depending on where you live, and you’re background, I’d start the cycle training for CDA right now, in the summer, when you can get some good hours in.
I’m stepping up to HIM next year, and here’s my plan- kinda sketchy, but I think it’ll work. All subject to revision, of course:
I’m going to concentrate on cycling over this summer. Swimming and running will pretty much take a backseat to the bike until the days get shorter and colder, then I’ll switch it up and spend more time swimming and running. Next spring, I’ll put everything together in more of a balance, and see how it shakes out.
There are a number of books out there and a number of websites you can get training plans from. You should check out Going Long as a good resource for IM http://www.nytro.com/Going_Long.html (can get it many places) and you can check out Gordo’s website which has many valuable articles http://www.byrn.org/gtips/gtips.htm You can also conisder a pre built training plan like those at Training Peaks http://www.trainingpeaks.com/ which will allow you to use a structured plan rather than designing your own
Buy “Going Long” by Joe Friel and Gordo Byrn.
If you can handle the $$, get a coach. For less $$, trainingpeaks.com will feed you workouts. You can also pay a little extra and get a pre-packaged IM training plan.
I wouldn’t start thinking about IM training until Oct or Nov, and then it’s just easy pre-base stuff. The serious training comes in '06, so enjoy your life now before training takes it over.
All of that said, it can take years to build a good cycling base, so ride ride ride and keep it fun.
why not try a late summer or early fall century ride to build confidence. They have stops with lots of food, and if you can ride 30-50, you can build up to a century by the end of the summer without killing yourself. This will probably build lots of confidence for IM training.