Friday, August 20, 2010

Ironman 70.3 Hawaii



Since it was a slow day and I didn't have anything any good to write about, I decided I'd create some "news" by signing up for the 2011 Ironman Hawaii 70.3, which is happening next June.  I figured that would give me something to talk about tonight.

Of course, once I finish this post I am faced with getting ready for it.  From what I understand, the swim start is brutal with 1400 participants starting at once.  The bike course is bound to have gusty cross winds with a long 17 mile climb up to the turn around point at Hawi.  And every race report I've read says that the run course is confusing, hot and hard.

But it IS Hawaii, the spiritual birthplace of Ironman.  I'd might as well go all in for my first one.  And besides, Mary and I are discussing a way to turn it into a vacation, which we have not done in years.  I figure we get in two days before the race, and stay four after.  Maybe without Ian?  That's an appealing proposition, but also a bit scary.  Plus I like having the little guy around.  We'll see.

So ROUGHLY, here's what I think my training/race schedule will look like:

- Now through October 8th:  Continue to train for and participate in the Orange County Olympic Triathlon.

- Balance of October:  Relax a bit.

- November-January:  Start back in on training with a bit more emphasis on swimming and running, and take it a bit easy on the bike.  Run a couple of local 10K's.

- Early February (Superbowl Sunday):  Run the Huntington Beach 1/2 Marathon.

- February-May:  Do a 16 week Half Ironman training plan. Participate in a few local sprint races.

What do you guys think of the plan?  It seems to make sense to me but advice would be more than welcome.

Any one else thinking of doing this race?

20 comments:

krystyna47 said...

I'm not sure if it is possible, but get there more than 2 days before the race to acclimatize yourself to the heat/humidity. I've read that a lot of people don't do that and, come race day, their sweat is very salty (normal in humid conditions), but they aren't replacing enough electrolytes b/c they haven't needed to in training runs/rides.
But... COOL. I've always wanted to race/train in Hawaii! Amazing!!

Barbie said...

Awesome, awesome, awesome. What more can I say, oh that's right "AWESOME".

valen said...

plan sounds good. I'd probably take the cycling club offer seriously and keep the open water swims.
Funny 'bout your garmin. I do the same on a weekly basis. the last episode saw me calling my boss to retrieve my hr strap from the office shower room.

KovasP said...

Hawaii in August sounds good, not that I'm anywhere ready for a HIM. Maybe Laima and I will join you just for the vacation portion.

Unknown said...

Awesome news!

Your plan looks solid. Use those winter months to focus on running and build a good base and then jump back into it hard. What plan are you going to use?

The Green Girl said...

Talk about a way to liven up a 'boring' day. Congratulations!

Pahla said...

OMG, how exciting!!! I definitely agree with the "make it a vacation" plan. Sure, you'll have race nerves, but what a great getaway!

skierz said...

How great is that! If you are going to do a race do an awesome one! The plan looks solid! Lots of quality in there and some time to smell the roses along the way!

RockStarTri said...

Sure hope you don't get another slow day soon - imagine what could happen?

With regard to the plan, I believe that investing more in the bike even at the expense of swim and run to a point, will pay dividends in longer events.

Exciting news!

Jennifer said...

You'll do great. The plan sounds perfectly acceptable, not that I know anything about training for an IM or HIM (or even want to) but Hawaii, no that sounds wonderful!

ajh said...

Very cool. It all sounds good. An awesome race, a vacation, time in Hawaii!

Jill said...

Man, I need to get more boring I guess so I can sign up for exotic far away killer races. I've never done it (hello, I own a mt bike) but I do know someone that DID do it this past year: http://www.goalsfortheweek.com/

Unknown said...

That's fabulous. Take Ian with you. He'll be old enough to remember it for a long, long time. We talk about things like that with our boys; "who knows if they'll have another chance" is what I tell myself.

I'd start upping the bike mileage now, especially if you're going to break from it later. The bike and run are the most important parts.

Bryan S said...

Sweetness! I like the way you think. It sounds much more exotic than the Ironman 70.3 Kansas I am planning on the week after yours.

As far as the plan, sounds solid to me. I am thinking the same thing. Using the winter months to build a base, focus on what I love (running) and trying to get my swim in decent shape since the winter winds aren't good for biking. Excited for you!

Shannon (IronTexasMommy) said...

Awesome Patrick! I say.. train like crazy, qualify for Kona and just stay there for the duration (for acclimation reasons, of course!) Super exciting!

Molly said...

Wow, congrats on signing up for such a great race!!

wendy said...

Hawaii, sweet! I am never swimming farther than 1/2 mile in the lake or ocean for a race...

J. L. said...

Yoga on the off season is always a good idea. Yeah for the courage to sign up!

Big Clyde said...

Patrick, I am catching up on some blogs and just read your earlier post about your past. Thanks for your honesty and I am once again impressed with you.

I didn't realize that you once weighed 300 pounds. I weighed even more than that just recently and am always surprised to read your frequent encouraging comments to a big lug like me! But you really were in my shoes in the past and now you are a monster! Thanks for the support, my friend.

Aimee said...

Woohoo! That is so awesome that you signed up! I've thought about doing a destination tri and that would definitely top my list. I would totally make it a vacation if you can!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails