What we're learning about Ironman training

In 14 weeks we will be doing our first Ironman Triathlon

2.4 mile (3.86km) swim, a 112 mile (180km) bike, and a marathon 26.2 mile (42.2km) run, raced in that order and without a break. 

We'll have 17 hours to finish

Between us and the finish line still stands about 200+ hours of training.

A little bit, each day, whittles down that big number....until June 23rd.

Then we'll cash in all this training...

and complete a life-long dream.

We are excited

People often ask us how it's possible

with full-time jobs

parenting

and making sure we don't neglect our friends

Here are three truths we live by:

1.  We're doing Ironman together.  

This value has made us structure our training in a way that invites the family to have fun too. Swim workouts involve the kiddy pool, bike workouts mostly happen inside, and run workouts happen together and end up at the park.

2.  We're doing Ironman to enhance our life not take it over

We've learned this the hard way.  Ironman training has a peculiar way to take over your life.  For example, it can affect how you spend your free time (i.e. don't go skiing because tomorrows workout will suffer or don't watch that movie because it ends to late and you'll be tired for your workout tomorrow or don't eat that cookie because it will make you fat and you'll have to carry that cookie fat next time you run).  Get the picture?  Yes....triathletes are that anal retentive. 

3.  Excellence is doing the best you can with the time you've got.

We don't have unlimited time.  We have demanding jobs....THAT WE LOVE....kids that don't want to just watch mommy and daddy sweat, friends that we love spending time with, and frankly, our personal devos every day are way more important and life giving than any training session.  Excellence is just trying to do the best with the time you have.  And if you don't have time to train that day...skip it and don't stress out about it.  

"Ok Joe and Heidi....I get that.  But seriously.  Level with me...how does it really work?  I can't imagine really fitting this into my busy life.  How do you do it?

We get that question, a lot.

One day...we'll do a really practical post about tips that we've learned that anyone can use to train 2 hours a day, every day with an already busy week. 

But for starters....here's what it takes in 5 points:

1.  Early morning workouts are KEY. We're up at 5:30am

2.  Accept that once you're up...you will be active (with work, family, and friends) for the next 20 hours

3.  Accept that you can't do everything you want to do, if you train for an ironman 

4.  Accept that you're workouts will be compromised

5.  Schedule your workouts with friends or family (it'll keep you goin' when you're lazy).

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