This year I did my first Olympic ever. I did pretty well and I really enjoyed it. My choices for 2012 are:
Option 1: Focus on Olympics and try to kick ass. You don’t always need to keep reaching for longer distance to satisfy your triathlon craving.
Option 2: Add in the Toughman 70.3 in Sept to find out what it’s like. You won’t know whether you like it until you try it.
I’m very tempted to go for #2. Part of my hesitation is that my training load will likely be solid for Oly distance, but on the middle-to-low end for a half. I don’t like doing things half-ass, and I’m not sure I want to commit to raising my training load.
I’m guessing the ST-approved-answer is “more is better”, but I’m curious to hear what others think based on their experiences.
Do what makes you happy I would say. I did a half in my second year and had a good time, but I really wanted to do a half cause I thought it sounded cool. I understand wanting to get as fast as possible at a distance before you move up, but really in a sport that you’re not making money in you need to do the things that sound like the most fun to do.
I, typically, am an Oly distance racer. But, I start my season with a half (Oceanside). This kinda has me make a large base and loads of endurance before I drop down into speed work for the short course. Im not fast, but I really notice that next few races generally go really well, for me. You seem to be wanting to be building during the end of the season for your half, which might be interesting. 2012 I am doing IMAZ after an Oly season, so I would like to see what you come up with. Good Luck. have some fun
Exactly the same thing I am doing. Oly Distance as first race of year, two weeks before a HIM (probably an A- race). Then its all about speed. The HIM and the training leading up to it provides a good base.
Personally I understand, although dont necessarily agree with this idea of going long too early. I think it curtails how many races you do, and in the long term, without that intitial speedwork can harm your performances. It seems that many people get burnt out after going long. I see many 3 year athletes, first year sprints and an oly, second year a few sprints and olys with a HIM, third year IM. Then they give it away post IM.
Moral of the story, you have a long time in the sport (if you choose) take your time and enjoy the process. I get more satisfaction out of reaching 5k time goals, than finishing a long distance race,
I think you need to take a look at what it will take or what you will be willing to sacrifice for the additional training. Do you want to just finish or finish in the top of your age group ranking? What is the support level of your family to dig deeper into longer and more training sessions?
I was in the same boat; I still have the desire to do a half and/or even a full ironman someday, but for me personally right now is not the right time. I have two younger boys, and uping my training for either of those distances is not something I want to do at this stage, because of the family time it will take away. I have a perfect base right now to finish in the top 5 and/or top three in any sprint race I do. I have decided instead of signing up for a 70.3 next season, I will focus on 3 or 4 shorter sprint races that I finished well in this summer; return to those venues and try to take the top AG podium spot. I personally am coming off a lower leg stress fracture, so for me my running is finally coming back into full swing again. I am looking to move up to some olympic distance races.
I though of taking on a 70.3 next summer, but right now family committments, work, ect. are very hectic. Besides, the 70.3 or 140.6 distances will always be there; it gives me something to look forward to in the future. For myself, I feel that I have done some shorter races, have looked back and wondered why I didn’t do a couple of things better which may have made me place better or do better in that particular race. NO, podium finishes and receiving a medal is not all I race or train for, but its a pretty good motivator. My wife also does tri’s and would like to do an olympic distance or something longer someday as well, but right now we have a really good balance of family life, work, training, racing,ect. My wife and I each at 36 years old, are in the best shape our lives right now.
