How do you train? Trainer? Groups? Books?

[bluedress]

How do you train for races?

I am relying on the paper and ink coach this year. I have a great stash of books that I am pulling training plans and advice from. I have run for years and it will likely be my strength (if I can keep from tripping—anyone ever see Sponge Bob episode where his shooz come untied—that is SO me when I am running) but bought a book for that, too—CHI RUNNING. (Maybe I need to see if there is a title called UPRIGHT RUNNING—HA!) I plan to hook up with a Red Cross swim coach for a few one-on-one lessons to hone my swim form. And for the biking I spin some (great class at gym, taught by a cyclist/IM), ride some (demoralizing hills around my fav lake), and use my trainer/Spinervals DVDs (spin faster, girl—push past the discomfort). And I strength train twice a week.

For specifics for next few weeks see:
http://66.93.39.154/blogdocs/Trainin...ummer 2006.doc

I think I am starting to ramble now...going...
~Marca

[Tri Girl]

I joined a Tri-Club here and have met some other athletes just about my speed that I run and ride with. The swim is all on my own- but wouldn't it be great to get to talk and swim at the same time? Sure would help pass the time.
Right now I'm doing the full iron training program on trifuel.com It's based on HR training, and I'm getting into the swing of it. I'm usually up around 85-90% on most of my runs, and it's getting me to where I can comfortably run in the 70-75% range (much more doable for a 17 hour event).

Anyway, I need human contact when I train, so I train with others. Even if we're not at the same speed, we always stop and regroup every 5 miles or so. That way I know someone's out there with me (suffering like me) and we can "talk shop" about our training for the day. I'm also a worry wart, so it puts my mind at ease knowing that there is someone just a couple miles away who can help me if I need it (tire change, dog bite, mental breakdown, etc).

[btchance]

I've been doing the swim training by myself with some technique help from a couple of friends who were collegiate swimmers and have done a lot of coaching (one for triathletes). My biking is a mix between road and mountain, which I usually do on my own with about one spinning class a week due to time constraints. I almost always run with friends, as that helps me push through it, since running is definately my weakest area. Next week I'm planning on going with a friend to her triclub's training brick for the first time and see if that's something I want to do. (not too sure about this, though, as I'm really competitive and have a tendency to get frustrated if I can't keep up). We'll see if it works.

[RoadRaven]

I train with my husband and sons who do their recovery rides with me when I do a harder ride, I train with another woman my age for a medium paced ride - I do alot of riding - expecially my hard rides, on my own. I have just joined the local cycling club - so part of my training will be in a race situation.

[Lise]

Eric Harr's Triathlon Training in 4 Hours a Week, and Jayne Williams' Slow Fat Triathlete are the books I use most. I work a strange mix of days/nights/weekends, and have other committments during the week. I've wanted to join a tri club, but my schedule and theirs don't coincide. So I mainly train on my own. Sometimes run with friends, and that's fun. I took two swim lessons last year to tune up my technique. I need to make a weekly schedule...will start that this weekend, and stick with it. Nothing fancy, just getting all three sports in every week. It's easy to look up and see that I've let one slide.

[RoadRaven]

Oh... yeah... books....

Use those too...

Joe Friel's "Training Bible"

Also "Cycling Past 50" (although I'm not 50 quite yet) but it is excellent too...