planning for ironman

there are so many different parts of my ironman experience that i feel like writing about but, as soon as i get to writing, i find myself writing these detailed descriptions that are important to me but probably seem lame to EVERYONE else. then i feel dumb for writing about something that nobody else really cares about especially if you don't understand my obsession with ironman. in the end though, maybe this will help you understand?? or, maybe you'll get bored and stop reading. let's just say you've been warned. this post is about my ironman training planning which really a lot of my energy goes into, it's kind of like a behind the scenes look at the crazy behind the crazy. :)

one of my favorite parts of ironman training is the planning. sitting down and reading through my ironman training books and mapping out a plan that is going to make me train hard and do my BEST come ironman day. i'm not sure if it's the fact that i like to plan things in general, if i like calendars, or if it's actually just a really really good way to procrastinate while feeling productive. regardless, i love it.

i have my little stash of books that last year for my first ironman i read them ALL cover to cover and then sat down with pen in hand and laid out a plan that i felt was do-able. after going to all of that work last year, this time around i was able to do a little less leg work and just use my ironman library for quick references. my ulitmate companion that i wouldn't make it without which i would recommend to anyone training for ironman is:

"Start to Finish: Ironman Training". This book has it ALL. A detailed day to day training program, tells you when to rest, when to go hard, how many reps to do. It's also written by Roch Frey and Paul Huddle who are known for coaching world class triathletes AND are well known successful triathletes themselves. This is definately the closest thing you get to professional ironman training coach for only $11.00. :)

other books from my library i couldn't live/train without are here:

"Going Long: Training for Ironman-Distance Triathons"
This book was less detailed and specific as far as a "plan" goes. It was more designed for someone to read and then make their own plan. What I loved about this book was it's detailed race week preparation sections, and mental preparation sections which can be helpful for any athlete!

"The Triathlete's Training Bible"

This is definately the best book for triathletes in general. It has great information for newbies starting out, but also enough important information for the ironman triathlete to learn something new.

"The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Triathlon"

I didn't even know I should be lifting weights for my ironman until I got my paws on "Start to Finish: Ironman Training". After reading through their breif but perfectly detailed weight training chapter, I wanted to know more. I found this little book that has been super helpful in my quest to be buff. So, really I barely lift, but regardless this is a nice little book for the triathlete looking to get a bit stronger.

"Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletetes"

most of the above mentioned books have nutrition information in them specific to training and racing. but again, i wanted to know more. i found this book recommended on a professional triathlete's blog. it is SO informative. it talks about eating for recovery, eating for races, sport specific eating. WOW. this lady is good.

"Becoming an Ironman"

This is one of my all time FAVORITE ironman books, i read it over and over. it really doesn't belong in the training category, unless you are training your mind to love every second of what you do. this book could make ANYONE at least look into signing up for an ironman. i think that every triathlete needs to own this book, and most athletes should also. :) it is a compilation of stories written by athletes who competed in ironman and ranges from the first time ironman competor who "just happened to place in the top three", to the veteran who couldn't finish his race on a given day. it is inspirational, heartbreaking, hilarious, and fun! did i say i loved it?!?