Ok, after months of trying to decide on a training plan for completing a full distance, I've decided on one. I chose to follow the Endurance Nation (EN) plans. They have an unique and and unconventional approach for endurance triathlon training. I'm up for something new...but anyway, more about this plan in a later post.
Here's my issue right now. My EN plan should begin the first week of February which means I have 12 weeks before I actually should start my training plan (assuming that I can register for a full-distance race scheduled for Nov 7, 2009). I am so anxious to start a plan since it's been months since my last race (Steelhead 70.3/Aug 1, 2008) and I don't feel like I have done anything productive with my training since then. My EN training partners urge me to take this time off to re-group and take it easy with the workouts; once the training begins it's going to be hard work. But I've been in that "state" for 3 months already. I'm getting restless to say the least but I also don't want to jeopardize my physical and mental state by burning out when the real training period is in full swing.
What are my options here? 12 weeks...12 looooong weeks! I'm afraid without a plan, I will flounder like a fish out of water.
Revisit goals:
Pick a quality training plan: Done.
Lose extra poundage: Well, that's not going to happen over night but I can focus the next 12 weeks on working towards losing some body fat/weight. But how do I do that without compromising my future training?
Work on skills: Definitely do-able in the next 12 week period. I own a copy of the Total Immersion Swim instructions (I bought for a friend; friend never used it and gave it back). Time to sharpen up my swim skills. I can also work on some bike drills as specified by my training plan. Finally, I've learned of a new run technique (at least new to me); I need to learn it and as well as build up to a distance of 5k and feel comfortable with the new technique.
Water: A day to day thing. I just read today that the Biggest Loser Coach suggests to hydrate with a 100 oz/day. Wow, I don't think I'm any where close to that! Maybe I need to make a diary of water intake. Yep, that would make me more honest.
My goal for this week is to devise a solid workout plan that will help me lose some BF/weight without comprising my long term training, and that will focus on skill training for all three sports. Lastly, I will keep a diary of water intake for the week.
Ok, there it is. Hopefully, within a few days this Shark won't be floundering any longer.
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3 comments:
I have to agree with the "chilling out" and taking it easy. When I'm not training for a marathon, I have my usual running plan that I have been doing for over 10 years. Run about 5-6 miles, 2 or 3 days a week, and then on Saturdays when I'm up for it (almost every Sat) I allow myself a good long run. Its a good balance between maintaining and also allowing that little distance runner in my head to get her fix too. I'm sure there's a tri version you could find to for your off-season.
Great thinking. You have plenty of time for the hard stuff ahead. And also great goal setting until then.
Ditto what everyone says about keeping it easy (easier) right now. If not, you will burn out in the middle of training!
Now's the best time to work on losing some weight, because once training starts that won't be your primary focus. I actually tend to gain weight during peak training.
If I were you I'd work on slowly developing your aerobic base (super long workouts at super easy HR) to help drop fat.
I'd also work on incorporating core and weights into your workout to accelerate fat burn and get stronger at the same time.
One day a week do a "hard" HR workout - on bike or running. I typically did it on the bike (spin) just because running that fast leads to injury in my body.
Take a look at your 12-week plan and see what you need to be capable of that first week and aim to be at or better than that first week, too.
If you need goals, write out mini goals for a week or two. "This week I will get in one long run of 80 minutes at 70% HR and cut my dinners out in half" or something like that. It's what works for me!
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