Tuesday, January 6, 2015

The Start of Ironman Training

Happy 2015 everyone! So much has happened since I posted here last including graduating college, turning 22 and catching up with so many friends over the holidays. This past semester was by far my most stressful between completing my honors senior research project and applying to grad school. The biggest question I have gotten over the last few weeks is "What next?" Right now I am still in the application process. I have an interview next Wednesday at my top choice school and will hopefully know by the end of the month. As for what's next this spring I am excited to be a Girls On the Run coach at one of the local elementary schools. I'm looking for something else part-time to do to fill some more time but to be honest I'm really looking forward to having a little bit of a break.


Another thing I'm excited about it the start of ironman training. Yesterday marked day 1 of 29 weeks of training for Ironman Lake Placid. I am not working with a coach, which initially I was nervous about but after seeing how well I did at my 70.3 in September I am excited to train the way I want. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved working with a coach and credit him for really pushing me out of my comfort zone and showing me what I am capable of. But I really enjoy the extra challenge of being in control of my workouts. I have been an athlete for so long that I have learned to listen to my body.

So what does the early stage of ironman training look like? Right now my goal is to swim three times a week, bike 3 times, run 5 and lift twice. I did a 31 day run streak between Thanksgiving and Christmas that really gave me a solid running base. I hate biking on the trainer and know that I will be able to put in some quality time on the bike once it warms up a little. This means I am working on building strength, improving my run base, and getting back in the groove with swimming and biking.


I am still working on finalizing my race schedule for 2015 but right now I'm looking at running an early spring half marathon and then a late spring half ironman. The two race I will be doing for sure are the York YWCA Sprint Triathlon in June and Ironman Lake Placid in July of course. I don't have any racing goals yet as all I really care about is crossing that finish line on July 26.

Happy 2015 everyone!

3 comments :

  1. Wow, amazing! I am in so much awe of Ironman athletes! You're going to be incredible!

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  2. Sounds like a solid plan, Shannon! Excited to follow your journey! And, don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions; I'm happy to answer :) Awesome that you're going to be a GOTR coach!

    And, best of luck at your interview!

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  3. Exciting plans! Which half Ironman are you planning on doing? I'm doing Eagleman in June.

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