Over the weekend, a friend asked me what my next running race would be. I had to think for a second, and I realized that I don’t have any on the calendar until Chicago. What a difference from previous years when I would easily have 6 or 7 races lined up between now and the fall. That’s not to say I won’t be running any, but nothing has been decided. This time around I’m planning my season based on tri events, some of which are still being determined.
A few days after I ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October, I registered for Muskoka 70.3. Last week, I registered for another one. I seem to be making a habit of this…
Welland Half Iron Distance Triathlon
June 24, 2012
Muskoka is in September and I originally intended for it to be my first 70.3. I later decided that this would be a good addition to the tri roster as part of my training. Given that it is so early in the season and I have not been building my cycling mileage yet, I will most likely be treating this one as a “training day.” A 2K swim, 90K bike and 21.1K run training day…
Welland is a much smaller race and also a “friendly” (flat) course, so I thought it would be a good way to get some long distance tri experience before my “A” race. Practicing things like hydration, fueling and pacing will help me determine what I need to work on over the summer.
We are going to be spending a lot of time together.
With my focus being Boston until, well, now, I’m on an accelerated 8-week training plan that starts today. It consists of 3 build weeks followed by a recovery week, then 2 more build weeks and 2 taper/race prep weeks. I’ll be keeping it on the lighter side for the first couple of weeks to ease into it and ensure that I have fully recovered.
My primary focus is to build endurance on the bike; I know I can do it, but I have a long way to go. There’s no question that I have the running base, but I’d like to “sharpen up” in that department with less mileage and more workouts. Of course there will be plenty of brick workouts as well. I’m getting back in the pool with Masters tonight and hopefully we can get into the lake before the end of next month.
I’ve been cycling and swimming consistently since last fall so I don’t think it will be too much of an adjustment, and yet it feels so different now that I am actually working from a tri-focused training plan. As of right now, I’m about 20% terrified and 80% excited.
Let’s get started!
Happy training…nothing like a good old event registration to bring back the motivation! So exciting for you!
So exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about how you dominate 70.3 training!
Very fun! Will be a nice change from the long marathon training miles for you before you jump back in for Chicago!
I can’t wait for this event! Not sure how the waves are going to work, but I’m fully expecting to get chicked by you very early in the race!
Because you already have a solid fitness base, you will be fine!! I signed up for my first 70.3 10 weeks out and it was great! Good luck!!
Exciting!!! Good luck with all your training.
ooh, fun! I think you will be more than ready to actually race the 70.3 in June. Have fun with the training!
Woooohooooo! Can’t wait to cheer you on!
Hard to believe you haven’t been doing triathlons that long. Will be fun to follow this journey too.
Very cool! Better 20% terrified and 80% excited than the opposite!
Looking forward to watching your growth as a triathlete. Can I live vicariously through you? ;o)
Absolutely delightful! Although I have been dabbling with the bike and swimming, fear really is holding me back.
1)I’m afraid of speed/falling on my bike.
2)The thought of open water swims makes me….speechless.
I can’t wait to follow your training!
You freaking rock. So excited to see you take off!
I just know that no matter what challenge you take on, you’ll succeed.
It’s nearly Wednesday – I’m expecting some incredibly cute pictures soon
I’m excited for you too! Have a great training, I’ll be here following every step of it.
And 1 more sleep (at least I do) before your new family member comes home. Can’t wait to see pics. I’m even more excited about that
Woo hoo!! You are amazing Marlene! So excited for this and whatever comes after that. Because you just keep on going. I love it!
KNEW IT! awesome. wishing you luck! you will do awesome
20% terrified isn’t bad at all!!!
Good luck doll! I am Tri one of these days…but doubtful I would catch the bug like you..
Wow, why doesn’t this surprise me???????? HA
Awesome! I can’t wait to see how you do! And then in 2013, maybe, Lake PLACID! lol. I will do be there if you go. Brian and I have wanted to spectate that race for years! But we never know anyone racing, so if you go, we will be there!
Exciting, that’s going to come up fast! Happy training.
Yee-Haa my friend.
I have found that having a running base for running only is different than having a running base for triathlon. That is not to say that you don’t have the fitness because you certainly do but remember that coming off the bike you are going to be slower so don’t try to push it too hard and end up wasting energy and being flat-out exhausted.
I can’t wait to follow your journey and talk tri as opposed to ‘just’ running.
Go for it kiddo…..
Oops, somehow missed this post, but congrats!! You definitely have it in you, although I can understand the 20% terrified. Sometimes I think a healthy fear is a good thing, it will drive you to train well and take it seriously!
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