How much training would I need to cover the IM distances? Having put in up to 17 hours for the 70.3 (half IM), I have been pondering over the training time required to complete an IM.
After a few discussions with coach, here's what I established:
- 6 months of training
- peak mileages (6 weeks out): 10 km swim, 300 km bike (400 km preferably) and 80 km run. In one week. For two consecutive weeks. [faint!] The rule of thumb coach uses is twice the race distance.
- That's more than 30 hours a week for my limited capability. Alternatively 25 hours on higher intensities.
- 6 weeks before the race: 4 weeks of speedwork and 2 weeks of taper
With such Herculean prospects, it would mean either (a) train for a good AP 70.3 (Dec 2010) and a mid year 2011 IM, or (b) treat AP 70.3 as training for IM China (May 2011).
A number of other considerations come into play in the choice of IM race - (a) cut-off time, preferably 17 hours, (b) distance and cost, preferably Asia, (c) beach or deep water swim start, (d) temperature, (e) time of the year, preferably during school holidays so that the family can go as well, and (f) work and travel schedules.
After some deliberation and consultation, I am targeting IM China (May) and IMWA (Dec). AP 70.3 and Aviva 70.3 would be training sessions.
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