EN versus LSB
I come from the traditional Long Slow Boring (more descriptive than LSD - Long Slow Distance) background, where lloooooonnnnngggg sssllloooowwww rides are the norm. To that end, after IM Cairns this year, I was kind of burnt out. I then trained for IM Sunshine Coast 70.3, and had more fun with the shorter rides. EN is obviously not into the LSB rides, so I have 2 days to decide if I register for the full or the 70.3 in Cairns for 2015. Can someone enlighten me as to what I can expect for the full ironman plan, how long are the long rides, how many, etc. I've been attracted to EN because I would much rather work harder than ride longer.
Thanks,
Aaron.
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Comments
EN Specializes in maximization of training time. Therefore, you will work at a much higher intensity than any LSB plan no matter what race you chose.
It's really hard to accept. We work hard on our sets. And we don't advise adding junk miles/time. That means, there's more time available in your day for the other stuff that needs just as much attention and focus. And, the results are legit, too. EN's numbers speak for themselves. Some podium, some KQ, PR's are common. Most importantly to me, it's sustainable. I know if I'm forcing 15-25 hours of training volume onto my work life and family life, it's only a matter of time before something gives.
Note: Old habits are hard to break. If a week calls fro 8-10 hrs of training and an opportunity for a hard 3hr ride pops up, I have to really weigh (or ask around the forums) what the effects of that ride will have on my recovery or next scheduled workout. So, just be wary of your old tendencies.
Good luck,
Chris
Aaron,
Welcome to your trial. Brenda gave you an idea of the length of the rides on the weekend, though I'd say they are actually a tick less than that for most of that 12wk block.
The difference, however, is how we structure those rides. It's common for new athletes too look at the back of the book, so to speak, just checking out the volume numbers in the last ~8wks of their plan. That doesn't tell the whole story. Nearly all of our sessions, swim, bike and run, contain some flavor of interval work, from Zone 2 to Zone 4-5. The net is that each session is very focused and purposeful.
We do our best to maximize/optimize the amount of work you get done within a relatively fixed volume window. So rather than dialing up the volume from week to week, we keep training volume relatively fixed and then closely manage the intensity details within that fixed volume.
Robert's response "Commit to long when you are ready and eager" really hit home. Great advice.
Aaron,
You can do either the 70.3 or full, the plans will get you there. With the race being on June 14th, 2015 it might have been optimal to be in the November outseason (NOS). We are just completing week 4 but this can be worked through.
As mentioned in the out-season you build fast then put far on top of that with the HIM or IM plan. Beyond the outseason there are options to get you to your race no matter what the distance. Once you have made a decision submit your races and Coach Rich will crank out a triathlon season roadmap to get you started, under the training plan tab --> triathlon season roadmap.
Gordon
Yeah, over the last 4 weeks i've been having a go at the week 5 of the intermediate OS plan as shown in one of the public docs. Have loved it, and just set a whole bunch of MTB PBs last night, so a stronger rider already. Loving it, and looking forward to seeing similar improvements in my triathlon races. We are basically at the end of our season here. It's just too hot to race in this part of the country. So definitely Out Season time
Aaron....although your question has been answered well below, I just CANNOT resist the urge to tell you my experience. I am a busy surgeon (on call every 2-3 weeks), with 5 kids and a wife, 2 cats and a dog
. I have been with EN for 2 years now. I completed IMTX 5/2014, my first full. I have trained with EN for 3 HIM as well. The main differences I see are the following:
Swims - longer in the IM prep, usually ~12 wks prior to race. Typically take me (MOP swimmer) an extra 20-30mins 3x/week compared with HIM weekly swims. Usually 3x/week during race prep.
Bikes - usually one mid-week ride, no material difference in time HIM vs. IM plan on this ride. The weekend bikes are longer in the IM plan, usually 4-5 hrs (and two 112 mile ride days with 6mi/1hr brick run race rehearsals) on Saturday and 2-3hrs on Sunday. The HIM bikes are usually saturday 2-3hrs and sunday 2 hrs (and two 56mi bike/6mi run brick race rehearsals). So, the MAIN difference is a few hours on the bike on the weekends. The coaches also recommend a "big tri week" or "big bike week"....I take a day of vacation (Friday) to get this done, or attend an EN camp (IMTX camp for me was very helpful).
Runs - not much difference for all the weekly runs, except the long run (prescribed for Thursdays). It'll be 30-45-60mins longer during race prep 12 wks.
So, with my schedule/life, the 12 wk race prep phase for IMTX was challenging for me and family and job. But, I was able to manage, stay married, kids still recognized me, etc. I really prefer the full distance, but it is hard for me with the time constraints. BUT, as I compare the differences in the plans/time required, in my opinion, there is really not as huge a difference as one would expect. (By the way, I did IMTX in 11:58:xx, beating my goal by an hour!). There is more "volume" required in the IM plans, no question, but it is not twice as much....and yet if you do the plans as prescribed, you will be unquestionably prepared. Thus, I have registered for IM Canada 2015....with spousal approval.
Welcome!