The Hours of Training

A Half Ironman requires a huge time commitment. Training for one is an achievement in itself. As I worked through my training plan, I became aware of the importance of consistency and dedication.

Based on my experience and level of fitness, my training took an average of 6 to 10 hours per week.

In the early days, I spent about 6 hours training a week. As the length of my workouts increased, it took between 8 to 10 hours a week. Some people do more and some do less. This suited me. After all, I was not trying to break any world records. Caitlin and I simply wanted to cross the finish line. My weekends were dedicated to long runs and rides because that’s when I had more time. It would have been too much of a rush during the week.

I was concerned at the beginning of my training by the idea of cramming so many hours into my already full calendar. How would I be able to plan my training around my life? I started setting out particular times during the week to work out, treating them as important appointments that I had to keep. This mental adjustment made it easier for me to commit and I enjoyed the times when I had to work hard and exert myself.

This worked for me because I didn’t give myself a choice. Following my training plan became like brushing my teeth, eating breakfast and going to work. I did it whether I wanted to or not. If I didn’t do these things, there would be a negative impact. If I didn’t brush my teeth, I would have bad breath. If I didn’t eat breakfast, I would get hungry and not perform to the best of my ability. If I didn’t go to work, I would let my colleagues down. If I didn’t do the training, I wouldn’t have the fitness or the mental strength to cross the finish line.

Every training session served as a foundation for race day. I discovered that the quality of training was just as important as the amount of time invested. It was important to train consistently so my body got used to the progression of gently increasing my endurance. If I took breaks, it would be harder to get back on track.

Critical components of my training included having a consistent swimming speed, being able to ride at a comfortable pace and having a strong running form. The hours I spent getting ready also helped strengthen my mental fortitude.