Training for Half-Ironman Triathlon

NicoleDurso

Hola everyone!

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you find we have commonalities, please consider being a friend.

As of November 2008, I was at my highest weight - 190lbs at 5'6". When my husband and I started dating in 2005, I was probably about 140lb. Since he also proposed in November of 2008, I'd say he's a keeper = ). The same month I joined a gym and lost 40 lbs through the course of 2 years. In October of last year I ran my first marathon. This is an accomplishment I will hold dear for the rest of my life. If anyone out there has ever run a marathon, I found it to wreak havoc on my joints in my legs. I took time off to let my body heal, got a pair of Vibram 5 Finger minimalist shoes and some Nike Free's, and planned on a road to recovery. I plan on completing a half-Ironman distance triathlon in June, but haven't been able to pick up the running portion of training due to pain in my knee. The lack of running has caused me to gain 10 lbs back in the last 3 months.

I've gotta say, myfitnesspal is an AMAZING tool! There is such a variety of food items to choose from that I am never at a loss when tracking calories. I find that mfp makes me much more conscious about what I put in my body because I know I will have to account for those calories!

If anyone is into endurance sports and still has to watch their weight, please consider being friends!

Thanks for taking the time to read my story, I look forward to reading many of yours!:happy:

Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet

Hi!

First off, you need more cushion in your shoes. Those minimalist shoes are great for yoga and such, but don't nearly provide as much support as you need for endurance training.

Well, I should say, first off, congrats for setting such a goal! Which race are you doing? I did 70.3 Cancun a couple years ago and I got into GREAT shape!

A couple (unheeded, but hopefully helpful) hints
-Listen to your body more than a training plan, but still try to push yourself. You'll help your knees a lot.
-If you cant run, bike. Biking is most of the race..
-Mixing up your workouts and spreading the high-impact running workouts around the low-impact workouts is a must.
-Elliptical is a good replacement if you absolutely need to run, but still need to save your knees.
-Try some extra knee therapy - search for stretches and balancing techniques to strengthen them.

Congrats on losing the 40 lbs!

PS I JUST signed up for the full length Ironman (Cozumel) for November. Eeek! Im hoping I will lose the weight like I did last time because I have a wedding coming up too! He also proposed @ my highest weight too haha.

robinkastner

hey I just signed up for this fitness pal and saw these posts! I trained for a half marathon for six months and lost 25lbs! I never knew what the big deal about running was until i ran this half m it was probably the most amazing accomplishment i have ever achieved. I want to keep training and eventually run a full marathon. I am planning to sign up for the rock n roll marathon in st.Louis in October. I love listening to every runners advice, there's always something new that someone has to add. The thought of running this 26.2 is daunting but i want to say i can do it! anyway good luck to you gals and if you come across any good tips please let me know!

thanks Robin

mrphil86

Now I would have to disagree on you need padding on your shoes. I've ran a half-marathon in mine and did not have a problem. I'd run a marathon in it but currently have no desire to run a marathon right now. It's all in preference though.

But anyways, good luck to you ndurso! Feel free to add me if you like.

Runningrn1

Hello everyone!

I'm training for a HIM in August. I had planned on a June 70.3 but the waters are cold and maybe too choppy in MI that early. I decided for my first August is a better date. I'm using a plan from a couple of books. Right now I'm still working on base training and trying to train slow to stay in Zone 2 heart rate. I think that's been the hardest since I'm riding the bike slower and running slower to stay in Zone 2. I'm doing a couple of duathlons before the half-Ironman to help my confidence.

I'm looking forward to reading everyone's training. Running is my weakest link. I just finished a 1/2 Marathon a couple of weeks ago. My goal is to keep the 1/2 marathon fitness while training the other 2 sports. I have a knee problem too. To strengthen my knee I do a strength video 2x weekly and try to add one legged squats. I am a mid foot striker in running which hopefully helps my knee.

I also am a masterful compensator when it comes to eating. I maintain my weight by eating the same amount of my exercise. I know the best way to decrease my cycling and running times is to lose my extra weight but it's been difficult.

Well, that's my story. I"m excited to join this group.

jjhenry5

I'm contemplating a full ironman for next year. I'll hit 40 in 2012, and it will be my present to myself to kind of show that I'm not over the hill. I have run 2 half marathons and a full in VFFs, and have not had any knee problems. In fact, since I've been running in them, my knee problems went away. It's all about changing your running form. I'm still trying to perfect my form.

I'm training for a half marathon in July and an olympic tri in September. Then it will be into Iron mode.