My EPIC plan for 2014-Need advice from Ultra runners who still tri...
So I have my heart set on attempting my first 100 mile ultra marathon in April (April 26th-27th). I also just pulled the trigger on registering for IMWI 2014. Now many may look at this as stupid-I get that, it is-but I would appreciate some feedback from anyone who has experience with Ultramarathons and triathlons. So far, my plan looks like this:
I just finished IMWI 2013 (IM #8) about 10 days ago, so I'm doing some hardcore recovery now. Haven't run yet, and probably wont start until October at the earliest because my heel is still bothering me from August training/pushing in the IM. So I'm looking at starting my 100 mile training in November until April. Still looking for a plan that looks like it'll fit me well, and ideally I'd like to get at least a day of biking in per week while ramping up the run mileage.
Ill hopefully finish the 100 at the end of April, take 7-10 days completely off (maybe some swimming as active recovery) and start swimming/riding in mid May. Take all of May off of running, then starting some short runs in early June. Then a 12 week Ironman build starting in Mid June for the September 7th Ironman.
I'm a decent swimmer so I'm not too worried about not swimming until May (this year I literally started swimming in June). But since I have no experience with this 100 mile run, I want to know if this is a reasonable plan for my goals of 2014. My hope is that with that crazy awesome run base my marathon time in the Ironman will improve greatly, and with a May/June focus on cycling I can get some sold biking in.
ANY ANY ANY thoughts, feedback, plans, etc. For this would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!
Comments
First off are you in Westmont NJ ?
You are mixing apples and oranges with the this idea Lauren.
Specificity, To be a good runner you run, to be better at swimming you swim.. etc, etc... An improvement in your IM your training needs to be specific to THAT.
Another good example is an athlete here Shuski< SP... he did very well his first IM on the run as he is an ultra guy too. The IM he just finished his run was off, he still did well mind you but I think his goal was Kona.
I get it go have fun with your life and fitness just understand the above principal.
I am a new trial member here, but want to comment because I may or may not be in the same situation in 2014, trying to figure it out right now! My thoughts are you can certainly do both events, but would have to really have focused training to have your best possible HM in September. I think it is unlikely your 100 mile ultra will add any benefit to your HM run pace but I could be wrong. That may depend on whether while training for your ultra you add in speed work/intensity or if you are happy racking up weekly mileage at the same pace most likely HR Z2 and Z3. This depends on the ultra course you have chosen, but I know a few ultra elites (Troy Howard, 2nd Hard Rock 2013; Lucho 1rst place 2012 Leadman) actually bike a lot training for a 100 mile ultra. I recall he said that this year for Hard Rock his highest weekly run mileage was never over 70 miles, but he did a lot of hard climbing on his road bike. Perhaps you could do something like that, swim for active recovery, and at the end of the ultra be ahead of the curve for triathlon. Good luck!
Bill