Triathlon people where are you?

Swear - that is very impressive, I can't see it as that 'doable' at the moment. I can get my head around the swim and the bike but not then having to run a marathon
But you said it- need to enjoy it and not get injured!
My 20 week plan before Stafford starts on 14th Jan- really nervous to see if I can manage training around kids and work.

Thanks, but to be honest, it was entirely doable - I did it in just under 14hrs, and enjoyed every second. Spent waaaay to long in each transition, but was chatting and enjoying the moment, so no regrets! I've signed up for the Lakesman this year. The Ironman brand is fabulous, makes you feel really special because of all the incredible support, but also is very expensive! The Bolton course is changing this year, but wherever it goes, it will always be very special, and if you have the slightest desire to do an Ironman, I would whole heartedly recommend it. You get alsorts doing it, different shapes/ages/sizes but everyone I saw was having the time of their lives. In terms of training, I was doing around 10-12hrs per week. For context, I work p/t 3 days, and have 2 kids in upper primary. Hope that is some use for anyone considering it! As for this year, have booked a 20 mile race in march and a marathon in April, and a few 10k/half marathons in-between. Plan on doing 2 100mile bike rides in spring, but otherwise tick over on turbo trainer/spinning classes. Swimming wise, 2 hour long sessions per week, moving to open water in may. My aim again is to enjoy it, and avoid injury, which will be far less competitive than some of you are aiming for! Hope everyone has a fantastic time working towards their goals - and Happy New Year!

Happy new year triathletes!

sweerbyit wow, major respect for completing Bolton! How did you find it? Which iron distance have you entered for this year?

Tamethedragon you are very brave taking on Ironman Wales! What kind of training are you doing at the moment?

I’ve been doing a lot of aerobic/zone 2 heart rate training and it seems to be making a difference. My aerobic pace for running has gradually improved and is almost a minute per mile faster than when I started the HR training in September. So hopefully my endurance is improving, to get me through the dreaded run at the end of the half Ironman.

Kicked off the year with NYD parkrun with my DD. Now trying to work out a training schedule for the next couple of months. My OH starts a new job tomorrow with different hours so I’m trying to shuffle everything around so we can all get our training in. He’s doing Staffs 70.3 too.

Can I join too?! Did my first Ironman (Bolton) last year, and loved it, and have booked another Iron distance this summer. Previously I'd only done one sprint about 4 years ago. I was really motivated last year for Bolton, but finding it less easy, motivationally speaking, this time round, so hoping to take some inspiration from you all!

Cheers nate, but I’ll put that respect on hold until I’ve completed the bloody thing! And after struggling to fix a puncture today, I reckon if I pick up one of those on race day I’ll kiss goodbye to any chance of making the bike cut-off

Tame welcome! I thought I was crazy going from sprint to a half-ironman, but that's nothing compared to Ironman Wales . Much respect!

Oooh I’ve only just seen this thread - please may I join?!
For my sins I’m also a horsey girl, from this post it seems like there’s a correlation between horsey background and triathlon. I’m guessing that’s because we’re already gluttons for punishment on the physical side of things and are already used to chucking our money away!
Sport wise I guess running is my background, only over the past 4/5 years but I’m now running quite significant distances fairly regularly. I enjoy cycling but not massively experienced. Swimming I have had to relearn as an adult as when I went back to it after a 15year break I had basically forgotten how to do it and developed a phobia to go with it Last summer I came to love open water swimming.
Triathlon wise I have done one sprint so far, and since then have entered Ironman Wales next September I will be using the Fink training plan, and currently am ticking over trying to keep some baseline fitness before training starts in earnest.

How’s everyone getting on? I ran a HM on Monday which was on my “do” list before years end and the weather was perfect so I went for it. Swam last night practicing some breathing drills (nicked from my DDs swim club session) trying to do 6breaths in FC to see if it speeds up my arm pull. I was running out of air by 18-20m mark though. Also playing with my head position abit in the FC swim. Zero cycling done, as DH has monopolised the turbo and I just can’t bring myself to sit in the shed 😂. Also trying to tackle my diet as I keep gaining middle aged spread so just started reading Renee McGregor bookTraining Fuel to see if I can learn how to reduce carbs - which I need to - but still do sport & not feel knackered. Has anyone else been experimenting with low carb and exercising?

My previous life was eventing 😀. Haven't sat on a horse for 10 yrs since my first was born.

Signed up to The Triathlon Cafe - thanks for that tip. Already getting 220 on subscription.
Had a lethargic week last week and only did 2 hrs of cycling. Will try and get my mojo back this week. I'm also eating too much and can't say no to the Xmas treats. Need to shift about 9kg before race day. How's everyone else doing?

This Why don't you join us at Stafford?

Hello tri-types! I did my first year of sprints this year. Struggling to keep up training through the winter... Haven't run for a few weeks but have been swimming a lot, and have signed up for month long MMA bootcamp, which I'm hoping will improve strength. No concrete plans yet for next year...

Hello. So I'm on week 10 of a Wattbike base plan to try and improve my cycling. 2 more weeks of that then I'm having 2 weeks off ish over Xmas and new year. Then I found a free 20 week beginner half Ironman plan online which looks doable do I'll follow that BUT I also work full time and have ds7 and ds10.
I come from a horse riding background I have no natural talent in any of the 3 sportsSo a real challenge. I can swim 1900 in 45mins at the moment and I can cycle 60 miles but I can only run about 5k before hips and knees start to twinge so I'm nervous about that.

Started weight training st the gym this week and now have terrible Doms so haven't done anything last 2 days. Really pleased there are a bunch of us aiming for Stafford.

Wow, yes, loads of us doing Staffs!

LoosingBattle, I was planning to use the half Ironman plans in the Don & Melanie Fink book. It has beginner, intermediate and competitive plans, plus lots of other info about nutrition, race day tips etc. Think I’ll need to start following the plan properly in the new year. At the moment I’m trying to do mainly easy, aerobic stuff to build endurance.

Just been out for a run with the Tri club. I always dread it but feel great afterwards.

Another mid-life crisis Stafford sign up checking in!

Running background. Can't swim well but been having lessons since June. Bought my first road bike last month .

Can anyone recommend a (gentle) beginners plan? Just winging it at this moment. Just finished my first Zwift cycle.

2000m swim and 5km run this morning. Now where did I hide the chocolate? :-)
Have a good training weekend, everyone.

Great mile swim tonight got in zone up/down happily in my own space. May do ParkRun tom depends on how heavy the “heavy” rain forecast is I don’t mind a shower but it was torrential earlier tonight with massive puddles/flooding in places. DH is really enjoying his zwift sessions this week I may have to venture into the shed and check it out. What’s everyone else upto?

Hi I was on the other thread bee I do all 3 sports in varying degrees of skill around job and 2 DDs. Have done 3 Go-Tris but not made it up to sprint level yet (my next goal) as dodging issues with discs in my lower back. Hubbie did his first Zwift sess this week on our turbo and lasted an hour going round “Innsbruck” looked funny on his Strava as he was in the garden shed 😂 I may have to try it out if he will let me use his account. I’m building back up to a HM run in Feb again, ran 9.5m last Monday so body holding up again which is good after zero running in Aug with back issues. Swim 1-2x a week.

I'm another 70.3 virgin but have signed up for Staffordshire next year as well. Good to know there's a few of us :-)

Nice one bee Yes, I could train loads (albeit on the turbo mostly hence Zwift) with my first. My second is not allowing me much (any) time!

I turbo train as I don’t have a lot of time to go out and ride, and ideally would like to train most days, which getting out is just not achievable. www.zwift.com It’s still turbo training but much better.

Like lifeisabeach said, it doesn’t kill boredom but it’s a good distraction from the fact you are just turboing! Ah sigh!

I have never attempted a triathlon. I ran the L M once... got injuries, then took up cycling and got a little obsessed! I’ll watch and see what everyone does on here :)