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Base Training... do i need it?

MichelleG's picture
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54
Member
1212 days
started by MichelleG on October 12, 2009

Hi all, have been off and on here for a few years.
Did a sprint tri way back in 05,
broke ankle in 06, (had surgery),
body building comp in 07,
'girl' surgery in 08, AND
just completed Portland Marathon last Sunday, which was so awesome!!

So now ready to get back on the bike and in the pool.... my question is, do I start with a good base building training program? And where do I find a good one?

My Goal is CDA Ironman in 2011... am I crazy??? Just need some direction please from you vets! Thanks.

~Shell~

NotAsFast's picture
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311
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1495 days
NotAsFast posted 5 weeks ago.

Yes, that would be wise. Look under the training tab for some plans. That would be a good start. Secondly look up a book by Matt Fitzgerald, I think it is called "Triathlete Magazine's Essential Week-by-Week Training Guide: Plans, Scheduling Tips, and Workout Goals for Triathletes of All Levels". That is a very detailed level book for all levels and distances.

As for CDA, that is very achievable. You just have to smart with your training, have the right attitude and deal with the ups and downs associated with the training in a positive way.

Good luck with CDA.

TriSooner's picture
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2255
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702 days
TriSooner posted 5 weeks ago.

MichelleG wrote:
my question is, do I start with a good base building training program? And where do I find a good one? My Goal is CDA Ironman in 2011... am I crazy??? Just need some direction please from you vets!

Since you'll be getting "back on the bike and swim" apparently after four years away from them, your base period could conceivably last from now, all of 2010, and your six month race prep would start Jan 1, 2011. Not that you'll only be doing base-level intensity, but the focus will probably be on big blocks of time and maybe overall distance rather than intevals and cadence and LT etc. From a macro level view, you're a marathoner wanting to do an Ironman (which is great), so even though you've done a sprint, it was four years ago so you're really starting over on the bike and swim. As such, these two will comprise the bulk of your training in 2010. Look through the Training plans linked from TriFuel across the top navigation bar.

tri-ac's picture
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2766
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1444 days
tri-ac posted 5 weeks ago.

+1 to notasfast's book recommendation...it's got training plans for all distances and you can use it over and over as you improve and move to the different distances during your buildup to IM...and it's pretty cheap

MichelleG's picture
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54
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1212 days
MichelleG posted 5 weeks ago.

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it!! I will look into the plans and the book... been thinking about hiring a coach too... maybe for my Ironman training... I've talked with Ben Greenfield through emails a few times, so considering doing his training plans for CDA...

Thanks again

~Shell~

WFD's picture
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21
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37 days
WFD posted 5 weeks ago.

Michelle,

Base training is definitely a necessity, especially given the long-term goal of an IM. Despite your recent marathon finish, you'll need to recover from that effort then develop fitness in the other disciplines. Perhaps more importantly, you'll want to avoid injury (especially given your history).

When shopping for a coach, do your homework. Ask tough questions. Seek professionalism. I hear all too often that athletes spend too much money for generic programs or for services that are neither professional nor customized.

Walter

xero.luck's picture
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1
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396 days
xero.luck posted 4 weeks ago.

I love the Matt Fitzgerald book, found it this summer @ Borders's on the clearance rack for $4. The same plans on trainingpeaks are anywhere from $50-90, so it's a good value book even at full retail.

tribarwarrior's picture
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31
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41 days
tribarwarrior posted 3 weeks ago.

base training is like the foundation of a house, you can't build an awesome triple story house on a weak foundation, or even a basic single story house for that matter, so building a foundation that you can build something spectacular onto in the future is very important if you want to get the most out of your ability.

You know you're a triathlete when your massage oil says: "Strictly for external use on animals"