Training

My official training plan started this week. It is a 30 week program. I have Mike Winn (IRONMAN FL Finisher) from Vanguard Endurance as my coach. I will be swimming, cycling and running six days a week, with one day off for rest. My program will be based off of heart rate training. This is the first time I have used heart rate for training and am looking forward to it. I read Don Fink's book "Be IronFit" and it seems to work from others that have used heart rate training. Friend and Lawrenceburg native, Doug Folk used heart rate training to become an IRONMAN in AZ this past fall. My training plan will be utilized with the Training Peaks website and program. I have a Garmin 910xt watch with heart rate monitor that will be uploaded into the site. I also have a Garmin footpod for my runs and a cadence sensor for my bike. Coach Winn will be able to view my progress and workouts that I completed from the uploads from my Garmin.

I am currently swimming with the Hamilton Southeastern Swim Club Masters program. Joel Elber is my coach. He is an Ohio State grad, all American swimmer and Olympic trials qualifier. We are currently working on speed and will transition into longer endurance workouts in April. Our workouts are generally 2500-3000 yards per workout. In a short time I have already taken 1:15 off my 500 yard time. Joel varies the workouts each day and they are challenging!. He uses an underwater camera connected to Tivo on a delay to critique my stroke and I am able to see it as well. He has helped improve my stroke drastically and its a work in progress.

My running has mainly been indoors on the treadmill in the basement. Due to the cold weather and conditions, I have opted to stay indoors the past week or so. I do get out when I can to get some running in. Watching sports on the big screen helps pass the time. I am currently running with Brooks Pure Cadence but think I will be going back to Newton's. I ran the Flying Pig on Newton Gravity's and liked them. I may try the Newton Distance this year.

My cycling has been mainly indoors as well on the trainer in the basement. I have been alternating Computrainer workouts on Saturdays at The Cycle Studio in Carmel and T3 Multisport in Indianapolis. The Computrainer is a really good workout. My teammates from Team Tatum along with Coach Winn help push me. The trainer is computer based and I ride my own bike. I am riding a 2011 Felt B16 carbon frame tri bike. It is an entry level tri bike but it works for me. I am planning on upgrading my wheel set in March. I plan on getting a 60 front and 90 rear from Flocycling. They will be lighter and more aerodynamic then my stock wheels.

I had been working out at Crossfit Indynorth 2-3 days a week as well. I need to get back in there as I can tell I have became weaker in some areas. Balancing family, work and workouts is the key!