Training for an endurance event can add excitement to your normal exercise regimen. A triathlon may be of interest to you if you like to vary your workout routine. If you are an intermediate level athlete and the Ironman distance seems like too much to take on, training for a half Ironman can offer a more flexible training schedule while still providing a sense of accomplishment.
Half Ironman Facts
The original half Ironman is the Ironman 70.3, although there are other race companies that sponsor the same distance. Participants race to qualify for the World Championship Ironman 70.3 held every November. In 2011, the World Championship event moved from Clearwater, Florida, to Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ironman 70.3 consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.
History
Triathletes John and Judy Collins created a triathlon event in Hawaii in 1978 on the island of Oahu. A 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and the 26.2-mile Honolulu marathon course were linked together to create the first Ironman race, which is still held yearly and considered to be an ultimate challenge for endurance athletes. Ironman 70.3 was founded in 2006 as a way to enable more athletes to experience a taste of the Hawaiian event. As of 2011, there are 49 official events around the globe.
Sample Training Week
Training for a half Ironman should be approached once you are already comfortable with swimming, biking and running at intermediate distances. Training plans usually last for 16 to 20 weeks leading up to your event. In your first week, swim two sessions of a minimum of 30 minutes. Three runs along with three biking sessions are also required in the first week on most plans. At least one day of rest is needed to allow your muscles to recover, so on at least two days you will be completing two different workouts. If you are not able to complete these workouts, take time to build your base before beginning official training.
Considerations
If you have never participated in a triathlon event, you may want to work a shorter distance race into your training plan to grasp the challenges that race day poses, specifically transitioning between segments and performing in a crowd of people. A triathlon specific coach or training club might help you with your training. As with any new exercise program, check with your doctor before getting started to rule out any health problems.
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