My Next First

For 2013, I had minimal goals as a triathlete. I wanted to get back out on the bike after the abysmal showing in October 2012 at the REV3 Half-Full race, which I did at the Goochland Sprint Triathlon. I really needed to get my confidence back before attempting my ultimate goal of finishing a half distance triathlon. Part of preparing properly for that goal is to also complete a long distance running race such as a half marathon or marathon. I believe I am ready for a half-marathon, but when I found out about the Army 10-miler, I could not pass up the chance to do that instead of a half. Ten miles will be my longest distance running race thus far.

But how does a swimmer pretending to be a triathlete train for a distance running race? Where do I get my training programs?

The answer may shock you and decrease my street cred as a triathlon blogger: the internet! I typed in "half marathon training" in Google browser and clicked the first link that popped up. This is exactly what I did to find out how to train for my first triathlon!

Much more of this to come!

In my opinion training for races, especially running races, does not have to be overly complicated. You get out there do some short runs, long runs, some recovery workouts plus a little cross-training if you like and that is about it. Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training Guide at intermediate level is a pretty reasonable training program that fits my style. It is already very similar to how I like to train, though I only have about 9 weeks until my race instead of the prescribed 12 weeks. I highly recommend at least 3 or 4 months for training for endurance races unless your "status quo" distance is the distance of the race (e.g. I can do a sprint triathlon with just upkeep training - I will not win any races doing that, but I'll be able to complete it).

My goal for this race is under a 12-minute pace for 10 miles even if I have to walk a little. I think this training program with modifications will work for me. Because of the reduced amount of time to train, I am going to end at week 8 and replace week 9 with the cool down/taper week 12 workouts. I do not have any planned races on the weekends as seems to be suggested, however, I can do a mock race if I want. Also due to other obligations every other Sunday will be a bike ride unless the weather is too poor for it so I will have to modify my Sunday runs sometimes.

Regardless, the take away form this is to choose something that works for you and modify it to your needs.I am glad to be back on a regimented training schedule and I hope my blog will be a tool to keep me motivated and on track with my workouts.