1/2 Iron man advice

[Tri Girl]

20 weeks is more than enough time, especially since you'll have all summer to train. Me too- yay for summers off, but I'm paying for that break during the entire month of May. Each day from here on out is a struggle to keep the kids interested and "tame." Sorry- I get off on tangents easily.

Back to the topic. Yes, that should be plenty of time. There are many training programs out there to get you into a routine. I love the programs at www.trifuel.com. They are free, and what I used for my first IM distance race, and what I'll use for my second in November. I'm a middle/back of the packer and although my training varies tremendously from those at the front, I do it for fun and not for the win. So I train, compete, and finish with a smile. I think you've got plenty of time to get ready!
Which one are you planning on doing??

[Gret1122]

I am thinking of doing Prairie Man or Longhorn. Anyone done these???
Thanks for the input. I will take a look at the site to get some training help.

Yes one more month is hard on us all. I am not sure who has checked out more some of our teachers or students.

[Wahine]

That's plenty of time, especially if you're not working. There are some free 20 week plans on www.beginnertriathlete.com as well. The biggest thing for you will be to make sure that you get outside for an open water swim at least once a week once the weather gets better. Go with some friends if you can and try running into each other and bumping each other around. It helps to get rid of the anxiety that is so common on race day.

[roadie gal]

I'm in your same boat. I'm aiming for a HIM in mid September. Starting around now seems pretty reasonable. You'll have to train consistently you should have the time to build up without being "rushed".

I'm using BeginnerTriathletes 20 week HIM plan. I've modified it a little. I've learned that my body just can't do 6 days/week. So I've changed it to 4 days on/ one day off. It adds another 2 weeks to the training time, but I think my body and mind will do better with this.

[ALCR]

I did Longhorn last year and it was a lot of fun. The swim is in Decker Lake which is also where they hold the Danskin Tri in Austin. The bike course has some rolling hills with a couple of good climbs at the end. The run is a 2 loop course, half on roads and the other half on a grassy trail. There are a couple of good climbs on the run, but nothing too long. I am planning on doing PrairieMan this year and relaying Longhorn (bike leg) as I will also be doing Halfmax two weeks after Longhorn. I have not done PrairieMan before, so I am looking forward to that race. I too am interested in hearing about PrairieMan if anyone has done that one before.

[Gret1122]

Thanks for all the advice ans encouragement. One big question... Will my road bike do or do I need to get a tri bike???

[roadie gal]

Pretty much any bike will work. You'll see all sorts of bikes from mountain bikes to roadies to very expensive tri bikes. Whatever is comfortable for you will be OK.