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Discussion: A bit discouraged
Subject: A bit discouraged By: pamela g. Written on: 2006-06-01 15:20:17 Message: Hi, what a great group! I have been training for a 1/2 IM since January, the Vineman is at the end of July. I did an olympic in April and it felt good, I have been training really hard, long runs, 30-50 mile bike rides and mile swims. I ran a half marathon on Monday and was wiped out by the end, the thought of adding a swim and bike on top of that seems impossible, it was very discouraging, I'm wondering if I can even do this race. A typical training week for me is: M-off, T-weight workout at lunch, Spin class at night, W-7 mile hill run, T-swim:either ocean or pool-1/2 mile -1 mile, F-off, S-30-50 mile bike, S-10-12 mile run. Am I doing enough? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can improve my training? I really appreciate any help, I'm very nervous... Pamela
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-01 16:20:48 Message: Pamela, YES you can do this! I just did my first 1/2 Ironman this past Sunday. It was one of the most unbelievable experiences of my life! I had done a 1/2 Marathon in January just like you just did now and I thought the same exact thing you are thinking right now.... I followed the 13 week 1/2 Ironman schedule from Gale Bernhard that was printed in the Triathlete magazine over a period of three months. It looks alot like what you are doing right now. The schedule allowed for Monday and Friday's offs with long bike rides on Saturday and long runs on Sundays. The longest swim was one hour, the longest bike ride was 4 hours (60.3 miles) and the longest run was 2 hours (about 10 miles). I was also out for 10 days because I got sick with a throat infection and could not train at all for those 10 days. I did not try to make up any of the training. I just picked up from where the schedule said to do and listened to my body. I did the distance and finished my race. You are going to be fine! I would just add brick workouts to my training if I were you. For example: on Saturdays, right after your bike ride, add some running right after that of 30 minutes to 45 minutes. I did a few 2 hour bike ride followed by a 45 minutes run, then 3 hour ride followed by a one hour run. Make sure you are swimming a minimum of 3 times per week for a full hour. Remember the swim is a 1.2 mile swim-it will take you approximately 45 minutes to 50 minutes to do it. What training program are you following? Jael
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: Bill D. Written on: 2006-06-01 16:54:48 Message: You are doing just fine. Most of experience the same questions prior to a big race. keep going with what you are doing. practice how you will race race how you train. do not change anything. good luck let us know how you do Bill
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: Amy C. Written on: 2006-06-01 16:56:19 Message: Good advice from Jael - my first thought also was to suggest adding a few brick workouts before your race. Keep in mind that you will be pacing yourself through the 1/2, think of finishing not setting a speed record. I typically feel worse after a long hard running effort as oppossed to a brick or tri. You can do it (incidentally, I'm also pumping myself up to do my first 1/2 in July - We Can Do It!!). NYMom
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: Barry M. Written on: 2006-06-01 21:41:35 Message: We just don't spend enough time on the psychology of training. Your phsical program will prepare your body for the event. Late in any program we go through a period where we are mentally tired. Rest should be part of any good program. There is a saying "better to be overrested than over trained". I'm not in a position to say if you are or you are not, but, you have to listen to your body. I'm 17 days away from my first 1/2 Iron and there are hours in evey day that I feel exactly the same as you do. Having done other competitions I know this is normal and I will get through it... So will you!!!!
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-02 00:34:26 Message: Pamela, I still go through the questioning phase every year with halfs, it's a tough distance for me. You will most likely finish it just fine. There is something about a race that helps to carry you to the finish. I suggest that the next time you do a half marathlon experiment with making sure you eat carbs the night before (not beer, at least not much beer) and get plenty of sleep. Make sure you are well hydrated and nourished before you start and throughout your run. If you get it right you will be amazed at how much better you will feel. Muscles will not last through these long distances without fuel. Also, did you work out the 2 days before your half marathon? Ron
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: pamela g. Written on: 2006-06-02 01:13:34 Message: Thanks so much you guys, this really helps. Jael, I will do more bricks and I just made up the training program from different programs I saw, congrats on your half ironman, it inspires me! I appreciate all of your replies and comments of encouragement, Barry good luck on your half coming up Ron, in answer to your question, I really try to carb up for a few days prior to a day as well as hydrate as much as I can, I probably did not rest enough prior to race day and does anyone EVER sleep well the night before a race, if so, what is the secret? I'm too amped up. Amy, good luck on your training and your half! thanks again Pamela
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: D L. Written on: 2006-06-02 01:19:18 Message: by the way have you already registerd for the vineman because i was plannign on doing it but the website says it is sold out
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-02 02:01:27 Message: Pamela, Re: sleep before raceing I think being able to do so is a matter of training and practice and being aware of your habits and the habits of those around you. If someone is going to keep you awake then you have to get away from them. If you are simply nervous about the race - talk to someone to get it out of your head, if you know it will take a while to get to sleep then get to bed earlier. I learned long ago as a swimmer, to control the anxiety and not waste the energy, saving it until moments before the gun would go off. It is a learned behavior and I see it as a part of the race much like pacing for a long run. I heard a saying in an old movie " Rest is a weapon " In a way this is relevant, getting the needed rest will leave you physically and mentally sharp for your race. Ron
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: Stacey U. Written on: 2006-06-02 09:42:26 Message: You can do it! I would only suggest adding another swim to your schedule, since you're not completely confident on the distance. Maybe a nice slow swim in exchange for one of your rest days or in exchange for your weight workout. Good luck! Stacey
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: Steve L. Written on: 2006-06-02 11:47:13 Message: Sounds like you have more experience than I, but Go for it Pamela. Your training appears very similar to what I was doing to prepare for my 1st tri early last month (Wildflower) down in your neck of the woods. I would only recommend if your not a real strong swimmer that maybe throw in another swim as Jael and Stacey mention along with a few bricks and you'll be fine. SteveL.
Subject: RE: Sleeping before a race By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-02 15:09:22 Message: Pamela, if possible, try to get a little extra rest a couple nights before the race. This way, if you get a little less that night, you will be better prepared. Also, I've found that a good routine helps quite a bit. I get nervous about EVERYTHING. One thing that really helps me is watching a favorite movie or something really funny the night before. It's a great distraction, and laughter is good for the nerves.
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: pamela g. Written on: 2006-06-02 20:27:18 Message: Hi D.L., yes, I am locked and loaded for the Vineman, you should still try and jump on the waiting list! Thanks for the advice on sleeping, I know this is really bad but before my last tri I took half a mild sleeping pill and it did the trick for me, the hard part for me is to fall asleep early enough, I didn't feel groggy at all. Of course I would not suggest this as it may not work for everyone! I appreciate the encouragement and I am going to add another swim to my week as this is my weakest event. One last question, do you train the whole distance or will I be O.K. swimmimg mostly 1/2-1 mile swims, mostly 1/2 miles? Thanks Pamela
Subject: RE: A bit discouraged By: Steve L. Written on: 2006-06-03 22:45:01 Message: Hey Pamela, I would bump it up a bit, now I've only done 1 Tri, but because you are performing 3 different disiplines I would think you would want to train for those distances. If you don't get the time/distance in I would think that you would be pooped by the time you begin the next. That's what worked for me anyhow. Good luck. SteveL.
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