Its been a while since my last blog, but I thought I would post as i am now a week into my official training.
Over the last few months I have been reading books, Paul Rudd's 24 weeks to an Ironman, Joe Friel's Going Long, Newsome and Young's Swim Smooth, and last but not least, Fink's Ironfit.
Swimsmooth has definitely helped me no end. I was averaging 2:15 per 100m over a 1800m swim set on Oct, and now I am down to 2:06 average over a set of 2500m. I definitely feel a stronger swimmer with a bit more technique, which is pleasing. I will try and get to some masters swimming sessions at some point over the next couple of months. I had read Total Immersion previously and found it quite a difficult book to implement the training techniques, but Swimsmooth is much easier to read with some decent exercises to practice.
Now for the big question.......which training plan should I follow....... After much deliberation I am going for Fink's. Again as with Swimsmooth it is an easy read, with clear instructions, good training plans, and focuses on fitting in what you can on limited time. I have a wife and 3 children and must be able to fit in a sensible but effective training strategy at minimal disruption to Amy and the kids.
The Snowdonia Slateman Swim - Lyn Padarn, May 2012 - the water was 11 degrees!
Before Christmas a peer from SYtri, James Moon (James' blog) set up a V02 max Cycling session which was really good. A number of SYtri members took part over 2 day's. My visit produced the following results; Max wattage 270, FTP (Functional threshold power) 225. My weight was 86.9kg when I did the test, and what is clear is that if I drop my weight my FTP would increase, A clear goal to be had! Compared with someone else on test who was 69kg's and with a Max Wattage of 300, i have a lot of work to do!
Bradley Wiggin's weigh's 69kg and can hold 450 watts for an hour! Go Wiggo the machine!
I have now gone 12 days without Chocolate, crisps and alcohol, and the weight is coming off. 84kg's currently but that needs to be closer to 78/79 I think. I am certainly motivated at the moment, but recognise I need to maintain this motivation for another 7.5 months. I am sure days will come when I will want to cave in, but i'm on this for the long haul! I don't want to let anybody down, Family, Friends, & club members alike., My Dad Pete who i am raising money in memory of. I am representing you all......
Last year I did not do enough Bike work. I know this for sure and relied mainly on my running fitness to get me through a triathlon so i am looking forward to the in-roads I should be able to make with some focused bike work. A controversial point which has sparked many a debate amongst IM distance triathletes is whether to go and get a TT bike or go with a road bike. I am still undecided but edging towards a TT bike I think.......
Ok, so one week into my IM training and Fink's plan seems to be easing me in. It is quite hard to train in HR Zones 1 & 2 when you are used to training in Z3 & Z4 most of the time. If you imaging cycling or running slow, then run slower, you have Z1 & 2 :). It's all about base training & improving technique for the next 10 weeks. Build a solid base then move on from there.......
I now have a venue sorted for the Spinathon i am arranging on March 16th thanks to Danni, Matt & Fitness to Improve in Ellesmere. We have 9 spin bikes and are selling slots so please message me if you want to buy a slot. £5 per hour. The slots are filling up so please get in contact soon. This is in support of the rotary foundation - PJ's Ironman Fundraiser.
Anyway, thanks for reading, I must get on as the children are waiting for me to take them swimming!
I will post again soon....
Paul
Shrewsbury Triathlon, Sept 2012
