TRAINING FOR ITU LONG DISTANCE ... HIM VS IM PLAN ... ANY THOUGHTS?

Juan Vergara

ITU Long Distance (which I will try out in March 2016 hoping to qualify for the Sep. 2016 ITU Long Distance Worlds in Oklahoma ... Al Truscott's Wicked Smart idea) is pretty much in between IM and HIM: 4k swim - 120k bike - 30k run (or 2.5 mile swim - 75 mile bike - 18.75 mile run = 96.25 mile race). I guess to be on the safe side, IM training is a better choice?? Thoughts, suggestions, experiences are MOST WELCOME AND NEEDED!!!

 

Paul Hough

I've raced the distance twice and use the HIM plan but hack it to increase the swim volume to IM+ and adjust the long bike to the 70-80 mile range.

Al Truscott

I'm not doing this until 2017 (the 2016 USA qualifying race is 70.3). I intend to do the IM plan, no modification for swimming, and limit biking to 4 hour maximum rides.

Robert Sabo

I haven't raced ITU worlds in a while but I do remember trying to run at HIM pace and it does not work. The run should be raced like IM but since it's only 18 your increased effort over the last 5 miles may actually increase your pace.

Tony Puckett

I qualified for the long course race in Oklahoma City in 2016. My initial idea was to do a HIM plan, and add swim and bike volume. Coach Rich recommended a IM plan, and cutting the volume on the bike rides. It will be a new longer distance race for me so we shall see.