So you've got that idea to do an event or you've just signed up- so now comes the 'f'**k moment and realisation that you've got to train for it... and the anxiety kicks in if you've bitten off more than you can chew? Don't worry we will put your mind at rest. But before that, remember no matter how competitive you are, you are only racing yourself. Being healthy throughout the process and getting to the start line in mostly one piece and having enjoyed the process (for the most part) is the key.
Duncan has done a few ultras and his first and only ironman event (peer pressure) with coast to coast training this year about to start for the longest day. He would admit his training style is not what you will read in the manuals and online but hopefully it challenges your own perspective on training and may soften the edges of a rigid plan. ****Disclaimers ****Duncan peaked at sport aged 12 so this is a biased opinion of someone who isn't chasing podiums. This is also written from a perspective of someone who isn't juggling the school run and pick ups but there are a few transferrable nuggets so take what is useful.
My process was simple- fit in training around your life, get exploring, be flexible and listen to your body.
Being flexible helps for example if the weather isn't great then swap your bike for a swim. If there's a family engagement etc then try to fit around it, get up early and bike part the way there...Be realistic that training periods can be a good 3-9 months depending on the event and work/life/commitments may lead to a few weeks/months in the program where you don't get the training in that you would like. You will likely pick up a few injuries or niggles that set you back. I pinged a calf, had a grumbly knee that stopped me riding for 3 months and I'm supposed to know what I'm doing.... but most things aren't serious and you'll be able to get to the start line or train around it.
All types of training count. Can you make part or all of your commute active during the week such as run/bike to work and bus back? Brick sessions can be as simple as to get back from a ride and walk/run your dog that you'll be doing anyway. If you don't like road riding then grab a gravel bike or put gravel tyres on your road bike. We enjoy getting a few tramps in so walking up down hills with a pack on for a few days in a row gets you used to being active for long periods.
Each long ride I tried to do a small/large section of unchartered new riding. There's so many trails in Dunedin that will keep things interesting. For running it was the same and I preferred training on trails rather than pavement and the added bonus of hills meant I was training different energy systems without realising. Did I worry about training zones or heart rate- nope. My biased opinion is we've swung too numbers based but what ever works best for you. Chuck in a harder bike/run in the week and mostly train easy i.e able to hold a conversation usually simplifies most programs.
There is also power in training with others. Those long days on the tools or harder sessions don't usually means as much suffering if you're yarning away throughout and oblivious to the time/kilometers passing by.
I had a few weeks where I burnt the candle. I had a few big weeks on the bike combined with some fun weekends away tramping which meant the sleep/food wasn't hitting the spot- combined with some over working. I struggled to sleep and felt lethargic which are clear signs of overtraining as the body was craving some rest. I just took the foot off the gas and had a couple of easier weeks, nailed the nutrition as I was under fueling, set an alarm to go to bed earlier and started adding a nap during the day- so soon turned things around.
Just remember explore your local and regional trails as variety is fun. Mix things up swap a road bike for a MTB, a road run for trail and a swim for a surf/paddle. It all adds to your fitness. It will seem daunting at first and a lot of time on the saddle/pool/shoes awaits but just add a little bit more of each to your usual weekly routine of enjoyable hobbies and you'll be fine. Variety is the spice of life.
Ideal week- 3 bikes on avg, 3ish runs and 2 ish swims/paddles, 1-2 strength sessions but near the end CBA (70% nailed this)
-Monday- Rest and short dog walk
Tuesday- Swim (@SaltPool) and run the dog
Wednesday- Gravel bike (bit more effort) usually 2-3hrs and maybe a surf
Thursday- Run the dog
Friday- MTB
Saturday- Longer run and outdoor swim/surf
Sunday- Long gravel bike- 3-6 hrs mission
