I’m doing my first Ironman next fall and I’m curious about the how long (20, 25, 30 weeks, etc.) others specifically train for their Ironman events. I’m fit, and generally average 10-12 hrs a week in the off season. I’ve seen numerous 30+ week plans, but the problem is that I don’t know if I can maintain focus for that long. Is 16-20 weeks too short? Thoughts?
Matt
matt. i did IMMOO last year as a tri rookie - it was my second tri ever. i was sick as a dog most of march, all of april, and into may with mono (42 y/o). i was off work, and did absolutely nothing all of april, and only a couple things a week till mid-may. so you could say i had 18 weeks to get ready and was starting in the worst shape i had been in for years. i totally had a good experience, and finished no problemo, smiling and enjoying the race immensely. still, i am starting a da#@ site earlier this year.
MTS,
Your instincts are correct to a point…One you have established a strong aerobic base (it sounds like you are doing well), then 16-20 weeks of training is excellent. This will allow a period of additional higher volume work, a period for sport-specific intervals, some racing, and a final IM build-up (I usually do pretty high volume with some intensity from T-6 to T-3 weeks). In short, base miles are great and sport-specific/Ironman training for 16-20 weeks is plenty.
Good luck. It’s a great group of people. Enjoy the journey.
If anything I just do a 12 week build up - obviously I’m not doing nothing before (probablt fit enough to do well in Olmpic distance race). I find that anything more than 12 weeks and you loose focus or overtrain yourself to death.
July 30th, 2002 registered for Lake Placid’s July 27th, 2003 race, partly to avoid spending a year as an Ironmate! 
July 31st, 2002 started my “Ironman” training log. The day’s entry says: "Gate City Striders, I’m up to about 8 minutes running at a time."
This IronVirgin will be training all year, and wishing the year was longer!
Unlike you I am coming off a one year break caused by a bike wreck and subsequent surgery. So my aerobic base is almost zero. I’m also a total beginner at running. I only entered IM-USA after I calculated that I should be able to finish under the 17 hour limit walking the entire marathon!
–Bill
July 30th, 2002 registered for Lake Placid’s July 27th, 2003 race, partly to avoid spending a year as an Ironmate!
July 31st, 2002 started my “Ironman” training log. The day’s entry says: "Gate City Striders, I’m up to about 8 minutes running at a time."
This IronVirgin will be training all year, and wishing the year was longer!
How did the race go?
(I have always wanted to reply to a ten year old post!!, but never had the motivation until today)