I am still on a high from Lake Placid and not planning on doing any exercise this week but I honestly don’t know what/how/when I should start training.
How does one train for a second Ironman? Full disclosure, I have done one ironman each year for the past four years but as soon as the race is over, I stop being a triathlete and turn into a runner (always do the NYC Marathon to stay in exercise mode).
Last year I missed a Kona Qualifier at IMLP by 5 minutes. It motivated me big time. All winter I used my desire for Kona to get me out the door in the snow or rain. I was obsessed. But I never made a plan for actually training past Lake Placid. I am sort of superstitious and felt I couldn’t spend any energy on that.
So here I am. Happy but clueless as to how to do this.
I have friends that have qualified and felt they had to show up in amazing shape, ready to “race”. For me, I have done the hard stuff, I want to enjoy the day, I am not looking to set an PR’s (not that it would even be possible in Kona). Any suggestions on my training? Or alternatively, any books, websites, etc. that you might recommend.
Then of course, I have no idea where to stay. So any thoughts on that would be extremely appreciated too.
Endurance Sport Travel has packages available, the pretty much do everything for you except race. Ken Glah, the owner will be doing his 25th Ironman Hawaii race this year.
Congratulations on qualifying. You obviously know enough to get to Kona. If your goal is to just have fun, why not just scale back your normal IM training plan? Nonetheless, Gordo’s Going Long is a great book. His website (gordoworld.com) is awsome. Check out gtips. Then, of course, there’s this website. What more could you ask for?
Few people qualify. I wish I could. But my wife would probably kill me if I did qualify.
Oh thank you. I plan on enjoying the heck out of Hawaii! But I have to laugh when you say: You obviously know enough to get to Kona.
I would say that I know how to get the qualifier to show up.
But I don’t know what my next training steps should be.
I “think” doing almost nothing for the next 10-14 days is what my body craves. I missed a lot of training this year with a bulging disc in February but ramped up quickly in late March. So that leads me to believe that less now and more volume closer to the race is what might work. But I sure would like to have a book or website tell me that.
My advice is to get out of the single ironman and then refocus mode and start thinking that LP was just another race. For the next few weeks get back into training mode instead of the normal post-ironman shutdown. Do medium intensity bikes and swims and only a few easy/short runs and then starting around the week of August 11th get back into your “normal” pre-ironman weekly training and keep it going until taper time for the big show.
Just to address your “where should I stay” question. For your first time in Kona I would second the Endurance Sports packages. Trying to book accommodations on your own at this late a date will be difficult. Plus, you will get a lot of valuable inside information on the course, race activities as well as “tourist” activities. Ken and his staff’s experience will be extra valuable for a “first timer” in Kona.
Where you pick to stay depends on if you want a Hotel or Condo. If you want to be close to the action, or in a quieter area. I will warn you, anything very close to the transition/finish area will probably be already booked. Parking is difficult right at the race central, especially on race day. If you aren’t within walking distance, Ken’s shuttle service will be invaluable.
Joe and I aren’t usually “group” travelers". Joe’s very independent and doesn’t like to fit to a fixed schedule. We went with Ken’s group to Switzerland though and the help was worth it!
Did my first Kona in '06 and decided when I was there that I was going to go steady all day and enjoy the day, which I did and am very happy I did. Went in well trained and didn’t strain to finish, still top 3rd of AG. Agree with support crew regarding accommodations, I’m using Endurance Sports this year and I don’t really have to worry about finding place to stay which is a pain. Enjoy your day, it’s awesome! Congrats!
First off - congratulations! You set a goal and met it on a challenging day. When future challenges (like Kona preparation) feel daunting, remember what you have accomplished and smile.
Second, I think you are bound to have a good Kona experience because
you are addressing the challenge now and asking the right questions
you are listening to your body
you have decided to “enjoy your day” in Kona instead of making it the A priority race of your season
I had the opportunity to race Kona in 06 after IM Canada and took a similar approach. The advantage I had was that the shorter time between IMC and Kona meant that most of my Kona prep was done by the time I qualified. IMLP is a bit further out, so some proper IM-type training is advised, but probably still less than you think. Not knowing you outside your post I would suggest the following:
Continue to listen to your body for the next 3-6 weeks as you recover (yes it can take that long)
Build your (easy to steady) SBR volume back up during this time and mentally accept that you are still a triathlete for the next 3 months
Take advantage of the lower intensity during this period to work on skills, technique and economy
Recognize that September is your key race-specific training month and arrange your schedule accordingly
Use the determination and resolve that got you your Kona spot to address challenges specific to Kona; namely wind, heat/hydration, and ocean swimming (you are lucky to live on the coast even if it is cold!). Your most challenging race specific workouts should address these elements rather than pushing your intensity and duration limits.
If your schedule and budget allow, arrive in Kona 2 weeks early for weather acclimation and to get to know the area. By the time the craziness of race week is upon you, you will be comfortable with the environment and can enjoy what is really a 6 day event with a little triathlon at the end
- If your schedule and budget allow, arrive in Kona 2 weeks early for weather acclimation and to get to know the area. By the time the craziness of race week is upon you, you will be comfortable with the environment and can enjoy what is really a 6 day event with a little triathlon at the end
I like your thinking! Now can we get Joe on board with the idea.
I’m gonna do whatever it takes to have the time and race of my life