Jstyle...probably the first step would be to look over some training plans for Ironman and see which ones best suit you. Others may recommend finding a coach. If your money situation is like mine, self coaching is a good alternative.
In the programs you'll find various lengths for the longest training distances. For my past two IM's I swam the race distance on a regular basis in the two months prior. Managed to get in several 120 mile rides and long runs up to about 3 hours,which for me is 18-20 miles.
Others do different things...this is one one the things about IM. It is a voyage of discovery...That is why I self coach.
Books to get: "Going Long"
" The Triathletes training bible"
"Training programs for Multi-sport athletes."
The IM schedule offered here on this web site seems really good and is what I'm using,with some modification, for IMLP 07.
Good luck!
Oh...check the IMAZ site for the course profile!

Thanks guys... I have Joe Friels book I just haven't really picked it up so I am gonna get off of my @55 and read some tonight. Thanks for the info. I am planning on getting to at least the distance on each catagory 2x minimum. The run is the easiest because I am already a marathon-er...

cool, I will see you there!

Jstyle, Congrats on signing up - I will be there as well and it will be my first IM. I have two Tri seasons under the belt with several Sprint and Olympic distances and 2 Halfs so I think I am ready to make the jump. I would HIGHLY recommend reading the two Joe Friel books, I have used both for the past two years and they really have all the information you need to put together your own training program and to help you fully understand how to train for ANY length event. Joe is the MASTER. However understand this is not a book you sit down and read once and Voila you have all the answers. BOTH of these books have to be read through via sections at a time AND then used as an ongoing reference. These two books sit on my coffee table and I refence each sevearl times a week. Although I read other articles etc. and always like hearing other peoples advice on training I feel the "core" of what you need can be found in these two books and if you take the time and effort you will have a first hand knowledge of how to train. If you are like many people and prefer to get a coach etc. nothing wrong there either - plenty of good ones out there and I think that can work very well for people. However I have done very well in just two years on my own and I am confident I know a lot about how to train correctly thanks to Joe and his literature. So start reading and the questions you asked about how far to swim, bike run will be answered in some detail - remember though it will take time to digest all of this information. Good Luck see you in AZ.

I'm racing IMAZ and I am local, so if anybody needs info on the course, logistics, ect., let me know!

Hey all,

This will be my first. I have done some sprints and an Olympic and ready to take on the big one. I too was also worried about the race filling up. I spoke to a local guy here the other day that has done 10+ IM and said he was surprised to see it still open. That same night I went home to go and sign up. So here I am. I am in San Diego so if anyone would like to train together, let me know.

I hear that training peaks has great IM plans. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Me too - this will be my first as well!

Does any one have any reccomendations on a training plan that does not include strength training? This is the one I found does any one have another? http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=441

I picked up Matt Fitzgerald's "Essential Week-By-Week Training Guide" to get plans for training for the HIM I'm training for now. There are 10 plans for each race distance ranging from "just finishing" to "I want to win". All I can say is I enjoy the structure of the plans (for me, it 3S, 3B, & 3R per week) and I am definately noticing an improvement in my times (especially on the bike). Like you, this is only my second season so having a structured plan has been a big help versus just coming up with it on my own. If you're near a Barnes & Noble any time soon, stop in and page through it. And good luck in AZ.

Braden

All,

I need some serious help here. I am already getting stressed about IMAZ. I have done sprints and one olympic. Any ideas? TrainingPeaks.com has some plans but they assume that I am doing 8-10 hours a week of training, but right now I am doing about 4-7. What do I do?

TrainingPeaks has several good base building plans. I used those prior to starting the IM training program. Might want to use those to get your endurance levels areobic base established. You don't want to jump right into an IM plan with heavy hours without a good base - else inviting injury.