10 Tips – Ironman Training in 60 Days
So, at the very basic, here are the top 10 things you need to do to get started. You can check out my training schedule, if you want a good routine.
1. Buy a good pair of running shoes. Simple.
2. Find a friend that wants to sign up as well – as it happened, every dinner party, lunch meeting or activity I did for one week (as well as sending an email to all my friends) I asked – who’s up for an Ironman? Strange as it may sound, this is when you realize that woman are actually Much more courageous than men. Even men physically in amazing shape (who have done Triathlons before) got scarred with the idea of doing an Ironman. So, my friend, also called Rebecca (we’ll call her Rebecca 2.0 from here on) volunteered.
3. Buy Swimming Goggles. Now, I grew up in the South of France for part of my childhood, so swimming in the open water has never been an issue, but, by swimming I also mean taking a dip after getting too hot tanning, or from playing Volleyball…for an Ironman – this is serious business, you need Goggles. However, GREAT NEWS for people who cook – I have found another use for them – listen to this Rachel Ray – they are perfect for slicing and dicing onions. Seriously, I may look a little strange with my swimming goggles on (I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’ve gone a little nuts), BUT it works.
4. Get a bike – A Good bike. More on this later, but this is coming from someone who prior to deciding to do an Ironman has done approx. 200 miles of riding IN MY LIFE. Well, that’s what happens when you grow up in Boarding School – no bikes, no TV privileges and no pets. Though, there are a lot of other things you do get into while at Boarding School, but that’s another subject entirely, and maybe a whole site by itself.
5. Join a Gym with a swimming pool (and preferably with spinning classes).
6. Get a Triathlete boyfriend. Ok, somewhat joking here, but I originally had all intentions of doing this, then realized most Triathletes are pretty hard core and actually some of the most boring people you will ever meet – so I’m changing it to – get a boyfriend who does one of the 3 sports well (swim, run or bike), ideally your weakest link (mine is biking). If that doesn’t work (let’s face it, the dating world can be even harder than completing an Ironman at times), then get a partner that gives great massages – or the usual…blah, blah, blah…supportive partner. (or at the very least, get a good massage therapist).
7. Buy a helmet & cycling shoes.
8. Get Good music for your iPod. Let’s face it, when you first start running / cycling – it can be so monotonous. Seriously, get good music, but especially upbeat music (I say this as much as I do love Barry White, I realize he is not going to get me through 120 miles of cycling -sorry Barry).
9. Eat & Drink sensibly. Now I realize sensibly is a relative term. However, I’m also used to drinking a glass (or two) or wine every single night (thank god for Trader Joe’s)..I grew up with wine, and after work it relaxes me, at least that’s my excuse for my first glass on a weeknight, the second glass helps me fall asleep (this is not an excuse, its a fact:). Weekends, I’m not new to getting completely drunk by taking one too many “last shot for…x,y,z reason”. So for me, since I don’t want to mess up my system completely, I thought a good compromise was limiting myself to only 1 glass of red wine / day on weeknights, 2 glasses /day on Fridays & Saturdays of wine, beer, cocktail. And yes, even though I tried saying in my head that a Bloody Mary consisted more of a breakfast item rather than a drink…It didn’t pass my “sensible” test. So there you have it. Food wise, I haven’t really changed my habit, I’ve heard people stop drinking Coffee, High Fat Foods or Junk, but to be honest, again, for me Cheese, Coffee & Chocolate are my daily necessities – so I’ll probably keep to that, but again within moderation.
10. Have fun.
Rebecca Bahr
http://www.ironmangirl.com
