I now have Week 1 of my Ironman training under my belt. And realized that I still have 40 more to go. Wow. That seems like a lot - it's the same as a full term baby! And I remember those last few weeks when I was pregnant...Not. Fun. Hopefully these upcoming 40 weeks don't produce morning sickness, cankles, weight gain or any of the other unpleasantries associated with pregnancy!
via Google - I love this!
My coach, Roman, has been great so far. He has helped get me through the "newbieness" (is that a word? If not, it is now) of how to handle a training schedule this long. I've really never done a regimen longer than 20 weeks or so (when I did my first marathon back in 2003)...and that was when I was brand new to running and weighed about 50 pounds more than I do now (that's a story for another day).
Most of the days in Week 1 were double workout days, consisting of 2 out of the following, keeping my heart rate in the 120-155bpm zone:
- Bike 1 hour
- Swim 1 mile
- Run 3 or 4 miles, some with intervals/sprints
via Google - this is my life for the next 40 weeks!
So basically, 1 1/2 hours a day, give or take a few minutes. I confirmed with him that I am able to break them up and don't have to do them as "bricks" (i.e. back to back) if I didn't have time.
Now that we're back in Michigan, I've been getting up extra early and getting my 1 hour bike ride done before Julia wakes up and work starts. It's been nice - I keep my heart rate down, catch up on reading, watch a little news, and I'm ready to tackle the day.
I have then done my swim or runs at various times - usually around lunch time, after I've dropped Julia off at school. That seems to work well for me and has tended to be a good break point in my work day too.
However...I'm already getting tired! By about 8pm, all I want to do is curl up on the couch!
Overall, though, I think I'm adjusting ok so far. Week 2 starts tomorrow with a 1 hour bike and a 5 mile run. Next week I'll be in California for work so Roman has me just trying to get outside and walking or doing a 3-5 mile run each day since I'll be busy in conferences all day. That will be nice - I hope the weather cooperates!
Off I go!
Questions:
1) What has been your longest training program? Did you think it was forEVER long?
2) Any suggestions on how to stay awake a little longer?
3) How has your week been?
Sounds like your IM training is off to a flying start. Well done! My training started this week too. I'm actually really enjoying the structure after being a bit lazy over the holidays. I'm no good at staying up late so I can't give any advice there...but I know if I try and fight it and stay up late I pay for it eventually.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first week! I'm also training for IMAZ. I can't believe we still have 40 weeks. Just keep plugging away! Next thing you know you'll have a 20 hour training week and it will seem like no big deal and you'll feel pretty bad-ass! I promise!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing and I can't wait to follow your training! I'm so impressed and doubt I have much to offer that you haven't thought of….I love the comparison of your training program to carrying a baby full term, my longest has been marathon training. I know I hit a "wall" late in the day and it seems to literally happen as I walk through the door at the end of the day. I've found if I just relax doing whatever I want for a little while instead of jumping into laundry, dishes, dinner, etc, etc, I feel much better. Either that or maybe an afternoon coffee or tea?
ReplyDeleteYou rock! Way to go on the training! I didn't know you had a coach... (As you can tell, I'm working back through the posts that I missed.) I have been really thinking about Louisville this year and was thinking of calling you to get your wisdom on training. I might have to give you a phone call one of these days.
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