I just finished Day 1. I feel great :-)

I'm on week 3 and so far doing pretty well. Like WanaBSpeedy I've missed one workout each week, usually a bike workout. Since that's my strength I'm not too worried yet. It's great to see others are doing this plan too.

ajknightfan-

I would be happy to share experiences; I am only on the second week since I am doing IMOO my training only started January 5th. I joined a Master Swim class to improve my swimming and since I live in Boston I need an good indoor pool so Harvard University is nice.

I am actually a little a head of schedule I think I am 1 hour - 1 1/2 hours ahead of the training program mainly because my swim class is an 1 hour and 1/2. But I am tailing that back since 36 weeks is a long time.

I wouldn't worry too much on if you miss an hour or so a week but I would try to get those long runs/bikes in that are required during the weekend. It sounds like you are a lot farther along than me; what IM are you doing?

Remember this is supposed to be fun; don't stress so much life is stressful enough. Just follow that training program as much as you can. (BTW I lift weights 1 hour a day also)

This is my first IM but I know that a few people on this thread have done an IM before; like I think Zagfan and gfd.

-Mat

This is also my first IM. I've only done one other tri (70.3) and figured I might as well jump right into IM. It sounds like there is a decent group of Trifuelers using this program, should come in handy when we all have questions. I've been lucky and started training with a guy from work who's been into Ironmans for a few years now, so I've got the added benefit of having a training partner/coach follow the program with me.

ajknightfan- I don't dare to wear my Yankees gear while running.

What IM's are people doing? Anyone doing IMWI (IMOO)?

I am only running on the elliptical for now; since it is like 20 degrees here. Yeah let's start a weekly post or something once we get deeper into the training for tips/issues. Good luck everyone. I feel like I can eat almost anything training this much...
-Mat

Chessyman on last Saturday of September.

I am on week 6 or 7 can't remember at the moment, but If I miss a long bike ride or run I am not worried right now since I am doing a marathon next weekend, so I have changed the running. Since I go to a masters swim class 3 days a week, I use the master swim workouts instead.

This will also be my first IM which will be IMKY.

Mtbke15
I use the masters swim class as my swim workout also, do you do the whole class or just the time on the Ironman plan? I personally just do the time on the plan so I don't burn out

nyfan21 ...I do the whole masters swim class. I am also in the novice lane so we are typically doing about 2200 meters a workout and building as the sessions go on.

Finished week 4. Feel pretty good, only missed the long swim but hit everything else for a 8:30 week. Week 5 looks long.. can't wait to get started today.

Ok. So I am heading to Brazil for Carniaval for 5 days. I know that I wont be able to train much at all but I will be doing a lot of walking. I am currently on my 4th week and I am actually ahead of the training program. When I am in Braziil it will be like week 7; what should I do load up on training that week or just write off those 5 days? Thanks for any advice.

Well I assume you are in Rio--which isn't the safest place so you won't be out running (at least I wouldnt--hubbys company insists on a private driver in Rio and Sao Palo, sp when they are there for work) in the streets. Does your hotel have a gym? You could still get in a run on a treadmill and if you have a pool you could tie up and swim with a bungee, have done that in a pinch.
It won't be the same as at home, but I would just write it off as a recovery week.

Sasquatch-- I am doing a 30 week plan that doesn't even start for a couple of weeks (for IMC). Been running , and some biking. Won't even get in the pool for months still. You will be fine. I will say when I went to school I still ran in -20 but wouldn't WANT to do it now :) Ice does not help though so I would be skipping or finding a treadmill.

Yeah I will be in Rio; maybe I will just load up on my training the 2 weeks following up to it. I have yet to miss a day and I am acutually doing more on my swims.

You said Brazil - which is the 3rd largest country in the world but I'll assume you will be in Rio at least some of the time.. Carnaval, right?

I would make it my goal to run the length of every beach in the vicinity of Rio, especially the ones famous the world over. Copa, Ipanema, for sure. Hint: use your running shoes or you will injure your feet.

Then see about swimming as much of them as is safe or practicable given conditions,

and finally, how about renting a bike to ride the entire malecon and maybe up to sugarloaf. I don't even know if it has a road but these are some obvious tri-related things thatwill be vivid memories and serve as motivators when you get back, not to mention conversation starters, such as, "my favorite workout."

What an opportunity!

Go for it man.

PoC

Have fun!

Just got back from Carnival! Man am I tired and weak and now have a cold. But if there is one place after traveling alot around the world I would recommend is Rio, during Carnival or not...that place is beautiful...

Definitely been tired, but I'm doing pretty good with recovery time. I've found choc soy milk/hearty meal and more nuun or other elecrolite drink after the long workouts really helps.

I'm week 14 today. Week 12 and 13 completely blew due to illness. I think I did 8 or 9 hours total for the 2 weeks. I feel great now, and can't wait to get back into it.

Thanks guys; I did 3 months of a Masters Swim Class and thinking about doing another 3 months...yeah I think I am going to take a day off here and there if things don't improve. 36 weeks is a long time. Good luck everyone.

I'm on week 17 and week 16 was pretty much a week off b/c I was in Hawaii for a conference (side note, Hawaii is a great place to take a week off).

As far as my legs, I've been pretty good so far. Granted, my run has been cut back due to injury but I'm back in the full swing now. I just make sure to stretch and roll 4-5 times a week and I also hit a yoga class on the day off.

I also have two weight session per week and I focus on leg strengthening exercises to help stengthen/stabalize my legs to avoid knee issues.

Well I am now sidelined with a stress fracture--so biking and swimming a LOT to make up for the run. Should be able to try running toward the middle/end of June and get back on track.

Nice work everyone! Brittda - sorry to hear your injured, like GFD I hope you heal and recover fast.

I'm on Competitive week 1, and really see improvement in all areas. I've missed my share of workouts, but I think I'm in good form to finish in my goal time.

I did a 24 hour mtb last weekend and felt light-years better than last year, so I know the time on the bike is paying off. Can't wait for my first Oly tri in a couple weeks to see where I'm at.

I am on week 21; I took a few workouts here and there but I am still going hard. I stopped swiming for a month because my right elbow was hurting. But my bike/run and strong. I did a 1/2 marathon the other day and finished 1:41. I am doing a sprint then a 1/2 before IMWI... Good luck everyone with training keep up the hard work; I was told this is the hard part of an IM the training.

Great to hear everyone is doing well.

Brittda-Sorry to hear about the stress fracture as well. Way to look on the bright side though :)

GFD- Give us a report and let us know how you do.

I've been tweaking all over the place trying to fit everything in with 3 kids, and both my wife and I work full time. It's been an education in efficiency.... definitely no wasted time in my life anymore.

Zagfan-I'm a bit concerned abo0ut the high intensity stuff. How has it felt for you after 3 weeks into the competitive cycle? Are you able to recover and continue to progress? I'm feeling a bit worked at this point and am worried about too little recovery.