2010 Triathlon Season

Carb

Ok, I know this is a very long time away, but I want to start giving some focus to my training, and make some decisions on what I want to work towards. Depending on how the season normally pans out, I can maybe set myself some targets or choose some non triathlon events for the Spring.

I assume the season runs from roughly May/June through to about the end of September. I would like to start the season with a sprint triathlon, do perhaps two Olympic distances over the summer and end with a HIM in late August, early September. I would probably throw in aonther one or two sprints in between depending on locations/timings/finances etc.

There appears to be any amount of choice on Sprint triathlons, although I'd like to hear about any that are particularly worth doing, or those that I should avoid based on prior experience.

My main concern is in relation to the longer distances. Assuming that races follow a similiar schedule, are there any particlar races that are highly recommended. I'd hoped the Eireman experience would have been more positive as I would have targeted this HIM for next year, now I'm not so sure. Are there many other HIM distances done during the year. I'm based in the NE, so any events up north are just as accessable.

Thanks for any advice given.

Carb

Ok, I'll try wording it differently.

For those that have done a HIM distance event previously in Ireland (including NI), which was your favourite and why. Also, what month was it on when you completed it?

tunney

Kenmare, Kerry. September.

Challenging swim, most of the bike discourages drafting (although the cheating cnuts in our sport still manage to draft), relatively flat run. Decent course, pretty safe event.

Night out it good too and as its generally the last race of the season people go nuts. Jam bakery in the town is a big plus (emmmmm cake) as are the good restaurants. Plenty of cheap accommodation too. Area is beautiful.

Could do with being a little more athlete friendly and the water is damn cold but its still one of my favourite races. Now that the finish is back in the town its a very spectator friendly event (see previous point on Jam). Killed me to sell my slot this year.

Carb

tunney wrote: »

Kenmare, Kerry. September.

Challenging swim, most of the bike discourages drafting (although the cheating cnuts in our sport still manage to draft), relatively flat run. Decent course, pretty safe event.

Night out it good too and as its generally the last race of the season people go nuts. Jam bakery in the town is a big plus (emmmmm cake) as are the good restaurants. Plenty of cheap accommodation too. Area is beautiful.

Could do with being a little more athlete friendly and the water is damn cold but its still one of my favourite races. Now that the finish is back in the town its a very spectator friendly event (see previous point on Jam). Killed me to sell my slot this year.

Thanks Tunney. I thought I was going to suffer the shame of starting a thread and getting no replies.

Kenmare sounds good, and the timing gives me 12 months to learn not to drown. How far in advance to the bigger races normally open for registration? 3/6 months?

tunney

Carb wrote: »

Thanks Tunney. I thought I was going to suffer the shame of starting a thread and getting no replies.

Kenmare sounds good, and the timing gives me 12 months to learn not to drown. How far in advance to the bigger races normally open for registration? 3/6 months?

kenmare will open in April, and sell out within 10 minutes. Its a small race in terms of competitors.

hunnymonster

you'll almost always pick up a transfer later in the year though. I only entered (via a swap) last week (just before the window for changes ended).

Carb

Thanks for the replies. Jaysus, 10 mins, soounds worse than trying to get tickets on ticketmaster.

Regardless, now that it has been said, I think I'll target this race. It suits time wise, gives me a very long build up including the summer to incorpoate other races and with it been in such a nice part of the country, it'll be a good excuse for a weekend away.

I went at lunch for a look around TCD's gym so I'll probably make a decision on that tonight. At least that would be access for swimming sorted and I might also do a couple of months of core/strength work whilst getting use to the bike.

If any of the more experienced amongst you have any tips/advice or training plans they would be much appreciated. I've already got the "triathletes training bible", so I'm learning more by the day.

Bambaata

that joe friel book is a good one to read alright. I'm going to re-read it before October to set out my training for the winter and into next year as there was so much in it that i've forgotten most!!

tunney

get a diet and nutrition book, clean your diet up. some advice we can all take.

Carb

tunney wrote: »

get a diet and nutrition book, clean your diet up. some advice we can all take.

Speak for yourself:D

In fairness, it is not something I'm too bad at, especially since I quit the cigs and started running.

Routine at moment is roughly:

5.00am Orange Juince, banana
5.30am Coffee
8.30am Med/Lg Bowl of Museli
12.30pm Dinner at work, ususally meat/veg./potatoe/rice. If I don't like whats on, I'll have a salad. More often than not I'll also have a yoghurt.
6.00pm, a couple of crackers and jam if I'm going running
8.30pm After run or slightly earlier if no run, it'll be boiled eggs or a tin of salmon, or sardines (with white bread/toast and a cup of coffee)

Once a week there is normally a chineese thrown in, and I may slip up one night every two weeks or so and head for the freezer. There is also a couple of litres of water daily and occassional fruit although nothing routinely. Beer is normally a couple of cans once a month at most. Generally too tired. My biggest barrier is probably the 5hrs sleep I get, which if I get orgiansed I could get up to about 6.5 at most.

El Director

Thanks for opening this thread Carb, it seems we have the same idea in mind. I had been told that Kenmare was the HIM to aim in ireland and that's just what i will do. It's never too early in my opinion to start planning for next season, i have learned so much in this my first through my own experiences and advice from seasoned triathletes (thanks to the lads on here too!) Got the bible too and getting a turbo trainer also. Already looking forward to it!

mloc123

Bambaata wrote: »

that joe friel book is a good one to read alright. I'm going to re-read it before October to set out my training for the winter and into next year as there was so much in it that i've forgotten most!!

Just ordered this today, did you plan your training last year on it?

tunney wrote: »

get a diet and nutrition book, clean your diet up. some advice we can all take.

Worth a post over in fitness also for diet advice...

Bambaata

mloc123 wrote: »

Just ordered this today, did you plan your training last year on it?



Worth a post over in fitness also for diet advice...

I didnt quite plan my training on it as i had gotten it too late inthe year and this year was my first season. I'm am planning on using more of the advice this coming year though and plan on really knuckling down over the winter. I wont be having any "break" before it either. I'll continue as i am now and use the XC races to work on the run and to keep the training interesting. The key thing i did last year was getting in weekly long cycles and i saw a massive improvement there which was very encouraging. I'll need to incorpoate more long runs too though and my swim technique has seen improvement but still has loads to go.

Diet, as Tunney says, is crucial. I also have the Anita Bean book and will be re-reading it also

delboyfagan

Could never get over my experience in Blackrock when it seemed the majority of the particpants chose to walk rather than swim the 750m 'swim' section. For me, and u asked the question, based on past experience this is one I would not do again.

airscotty

Beast of the East is savage....

tunney

mloc123 wrote: »

Just ordered this today, did you plan your training last year on it?



Worth a post over in fitness also for diet advice...

I would have to say ar$e from elbow with regard to endurance sports.

mloc123

tunney wrote: »

I would have to say ar$e from elbow with regard to endurance sports.

Fitness forum and diets? True enough, they do seem to be very body builder orientated... that said I have certainly 'improved' mine based on it (cut processed food, eat wholemeal/brown carbs etc..)

Izoard

To bring this slightly back on track...rough plan for the next 12 months...

Oct DCM
Mar Connemara Marathon
Jun Tri Athy - Olympic
Jun W200
Jul Beast of the East - Olympic
Aug One of IM CH, UK, DE (Regensburg)
Aug Eireman full (assuming at least a 3 week gap and if it goes ahead)
Sept Brittas Bay - Olympic
Oct DCM

No HIM planned, but I've had a crack at Groomsport and Eireman, so the Lost Sheep would definitely be next up...

tunney

Izoard wrote: »

To bring this slightly back on track...rough plan for the next 12 months...

Oct DCM
Mar Connemara Marathon
Jun Tri Athy - Olympic
Jun W200
Jul Beast of the East - Olympic
Aug One of IM CH, UK, DE (Regensburg)
Aug Eireman full (assuming at least a 3 week gap and if it goes ahead)
Sept Brittas Bay - Olympic
Oct DCM

No HIM planned, but I've had a crack at Groomsport and Eireman, so the Lost Sheep would definitely be next up...

what is your A goal and how do the other events help you achieve it?

RedB

Connamarathon is April 11th:)

tunney

RedB wrote: »

Connamarathon is April 11th:)

IM CH is in July, while we're at it/

RedB

2010 wish list

Limerick Duathlons Feb/Mar
Connamarthon April
Hell of the West June
TriAthlone July
Eireman Aug
SeanKelly160km Aug
Lost Sheep Sept

Izoard

tunney wrote: »

IM CH is in July, while we're at it/

Well, that's just screwed my entire year plans...:)

Yes, CH has been moved back a week and that's better news re; Connemara.

Tunney, re; your earlier question as to "A" goal...to complete the IM.

I'll be loosely following one of Fink's plans, but my motivation for all the training is event driven, so I need intermediate goals along the way, or else I'll just get bored with the whole process....

hunnymonster

Do Regensburg :-) Might be the first year, but it's going to be better organised than IMCH.

Only thing I've entered so far next year is Roth. Hoping to do UTduMB but other than that, I've promised not to enter as many races as this year.

tunney

hunnymonster wrote: »

Do Regensburg :-) Might be the first year, but it's going to be better organised than IMCH.

Only thing I've entered so far next year is Roth. Hoping to do UTduMB but other than that, I've promised not to enter as many races as this year.

Roth seems to be the race of choice this year for the Irish IMers.

tunney

Izoard wrote: »

Well, that's just screwed my entire year plans...:)

Yes, CH has been moved back a week and that's better news re; Connemara.

Tunney, re; your earlier question as to "A" goal...to complete the IM.

I'll be loosely following one of Fink's plans, but my motivation for all the training is event driven, so I need intermediate goals along the way, or else I'll just get bored with the whole process....

Then I think you need to drop the connemaration. And Beast of the East. Both these events will comprimise your training. I'd also reconsider Athy depending on the exact dates of the IM you pick and the date of Athy. Up to you though really whether you want an 'A' race or a series of 'B' races. (That being said an 'A' is also all your eggs in one basket).

delboyfagan

Having talked to guys who did Roth, including some guys from Nirvana Europe that do travel packages to the event, it can be a logistical nightmare to get to. Also apparently not a great spot to hang around as quite dead (although the event itself is well supported).

Having done Germany and Austria, I am going back to Austria next year - but the more I look into it the more I kinda regret not doing Germany as so so much easier to get to. And I think the bike course is easier!!!

hunnymonster

Roth itself is a village in the middle of nowhere. Nuremberg is not far away though which has plenty going on. Last time I was there, I flew Dublin-Frankfurt-Nuremberg. This time we'll probably go Cork-Munich and drive up.

Carb

Thanks for all the replies. I was away for a week or so there, and I didn't think this thread would still be going. There is some food for thought there.

I want to initially target something for the Spring. Does anyone know when the earliest marathon in 2010 is? I think it wll be a toss between a suitable marathon and perhaps the WAR race mentioned on a thread here recently, as I would be a little concerned at the focus I would need to put on running alone for a marathon when my swimming/bike are my weakest.

TFBubendorfer

Carb wrote: »

I want to initially target something for the Spring. Does anyone know when the earliest marathon in 2010 is?

Connemara

interested

Izoard wrote: »

Tunney, re; your earlier question as to "A" goal...to complete the IM.

Just a note on your plan for next year.
Theres a hugh gap between W200 and the Beast of the East - its about 8 weeks or so. I trained towards Eireman and had the following run which worked well for me:

Valentia Island - sprint
Athy - oly
W200 + 5km run/shuffle
ROK + 10km run/shuffle + 6km OW swim in Kerry the following day
BoE

I found that the ROK and additional run and swim were very good in early July if taking on (in order to complete) the IM in august. For me, doing the ROK on my own or employing non-drafting tactics for the spin is the most effective way of using it for training. Sitting in a group chatting and eating scones on the way about isnt really IM simulation.

Just an opinion.

Bambaata

Barcelona is early too. I think it was March 1st this year.

Izoard

tunney wrote: »

Then I think you need to drop the connemaration. And Beast of the East. Both these events will comprimise your training. I'd also reconsider Athy depending on the exact dates of the IM you pick and the date of Athy. Up to you though really whether you want an 'A' race or a series of 'B' races. (That being said an 'A' is also all your eggs in one basket).

This is really a symptom of my overall approach to endurance stuff in general.

Up until now, given work/family, when I have an hour or 2, I swim/bike/run for that time period. I enjoy it, but need events at regular intervals to keep me motivated.

This has got me to a point where I can do 3 30 or so for a standalone marathon and 2 40 on an "easy" oly course (e.g. Athy).

So, in order to change that behavour, I am starting to inject a little more structure to the sessions without getting too prescriptive.
First step is investing in a HRM and following one of the Fink plans.

However, I still need the intermediate events, or else I'll be way off where I know I need to be, to get around the IM course.

So, in summary my requirement for multiple events is a factor of my personal motivations, but which is an accepted limitation of a potential "best effort" at an IM.

A bit of a ramble, but hopefully gives an idea of the (flawed) logic...

Izoard

interested wrote: »

Just a note on your plan for next year.
Theres a hugh gap between W200 and the Beast of the East - its about 8 weeks or so.

Very true...I'll probably look to find an event within striking distance of Dublin to cover that gap.

macinalli

Hi,
Some folks here seem to have done/will do Roth and was wondering if anyone has advice on where to stay or how to get there. Will be doing the Roth relay this year and we're undecided on the package deal or to stay in Nuremberg and travel to/from independently. Any advice welcome!