IM training

[KSH]

The easiest thing to do is google triathlon coaching. It's best to get someone in your vicinity because you will often do some testing with them periodically. Most custom programs run $150 to $200 but are well worth the price usually.

You can also buy programs online. Joe Friel sells them for a little under $50 for each phase of training (base, build, peak and race). His stuff can be viewed on www.trainingbible.com (I think that's right). I use Joe's book, "The Triathlon Training Bible" to plan my programs but it is complicated and time consuming. I think a happy medium would be to have your VO2 max testing done at the beginning of your training to define your weaknesses, buy the programs on-line and then tweak them out yourself using the "Training Bible" and the information you got from the VO2 testing.

I'm watching you KSH. Don't back out form the HIM unless you have a really good reason. Oh, and IMAz is a good one for first timers, it's pretty flat and at a good time of year.

Thanks for all the details! You totally rock!

I will skip on buying premade programs... as I really need something that is geared towards my schedule and strengths and weaknesses.

I truly doubt I could plan my own programs. I would get so lost in the all information, I think I would just give up.

VO2 testing? Sounds complicated too. I'm trying my *best* to not get a heartrate monitor. I kind of HATE gadets, because I can NEVER work them. I couldn't even set the time on my $10 Target watch. Sad. I know. I can still barely use my wireless bike computer.

[Kimmyt]

KSH, I just bought a basic Polar HRM. It is actually really easy to use! Only one button, which is great!

I'm not all about the fancy doodads either... I don't even have a computer on my bike (it's actually sitting at home in a box, has been for a year... I hate things with wires, they make me claustrophobic, so I think I'll have to get a wireless one if I get one at all).

Anyway, just saying that there are some easy to use HRMs out there. Mine's the very basic one from Polar, and I only use it when I run. So far it's been pretty easy! Of course, I only use one simple function of it!

K.

[Wahine]

KSH, I just bought a basic Polar HRM. It is actually really easy to use! Only one button, which is great!

K.

It's all you need and makes the data from the VO2 more usable.

[Wahine]

Hey IMers, how's everyone doing? I know we've got some IMAz athletes out there, you gals shoulb be going pretty hard right now. Wait a second...suddenly I feel a little silly for wondering why we haven't heard much from you.

As for me. The first base week is almost over and I feel fantastic. Fabulous even. I have a 2.5 hour ride on the trainer scheduled for tomorrow and once that's done I will have logged between 13 and 14 hours for the week. I had two great swims, my speed is coming back. I had three great runs including 1.5 hours on the treadmill today doing some aerobic threshold work in intervals deterimined by the shuffle of my 80's Ladies iMix. You can't beat Blondie or the GoGos for getting your turnover up and The Cowboy Junkies are great for the longer hill intervals.

Well off to bed so I'm fresh tomorrow!! I love the focus of IM training.

[Wahine]

So here I am going into the second weekend of my somewhat serious IM training. So far so good. I'm tired tonight, but that's understandable, I've had a big week. So all I have left are my long run tomorrow and long ride on Sunday. Then my peak week for Base 1 phase and on to a rest week. Yipppeeee.

Actually, I'm really enjoying the training. My legs are starting to look like real cyclist legs again and the focus is great.

I am a little lonely though, over here on the IM training thread, all by myself with not a peep from my IM sisters. Where is everyone? I'm not really alone am I? Where did you all go?