Very excited for this post. This is my first training update which will include a high-level plan of attack for improvement over the offseason, my primary Ironman training schedule and a couple races I have registered for or are contemplating.
My knowledge of triathlon training was and still is very, very limited. Part of my excitement for this journey is to become more knowledgeable about triathlons, training and the overall impacts (both good and bad) it has on my diabetes. I mention this for two reasons: 1.) I will be learning as I go and know that mistakes will be made so bear with me. 2.) Any input or comments that you have are greatly appreciated. Self-awareness is a key to success in anything you do, and I am very aware that I am a wide-eyed rookie when it comes to triathlon training.
As of now, I have started pacing myself into shape. My personality is to go into something full steam ahead, but I have had to be honest with myself and my current state of endurance - which is essentially non-existent I haven’t ran consistently since high school (12 years ago) and I was in a coma a month ago…. so I’ve had to dial back my excitement and pace my progress.
Training Tools & Support:
Luckily for me and by complete chance, I stumbled across a request from TriDot for participants in a Preseason Training Project. Essentially giving me 2 months of free TriDot support and training so they can collect more data for their own research and improvements. Very excited to see how this project goes and hoping it gives me a crash course in triathlon training. I’ll provide more updates on that later as I get started in the program.
In addition and correlated with my TriDot program, I purchased myself a Garmin Forerunner 735XT watch. After researching different options, I landed on the 735XT as my choice. Not only is it a good for training, it actually has the ability to sync with my Dexcom CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and display my blood sugars - an essential tool for a Type 1 in the middle of a long run or ride.
Here is a high-level schedule for how I intend to build myself up to Ironman-ready:
Offseason:
Oct. - Dec. 31st:
Build up stamina, flexibility and strength slowly
Follow TriDot Preseason Project
3 Days/Week: Running or Cycling in a Zone 1 or Zone 2 HR
3 Days/Week: Strength & Stretching workouts
Dec. 18th, 2022: 5k Run
I signed up for a fun 5k run right before Christmas to support local charities that donate gifts for children. This gives me an opportunity to support a good cause and see how my endurance training is going.
Jan 2023 - April 2023
This is where I want to ramp up my triathlon program and begin a full cycle of swimming, running and riding. I haven’t developed my weekly schedule for this period, but I am focused on having a foundation of endurance and strength in place by the new year.
April 22nd, 2023: Sprint Triathlon
I’ve already registered for a local sprint tri in April. I don’t have any expectation for this other than to see where I stand from a fitness level, get used to handling my blood sugars during competition and get used to the flow of a triathlon. This should be a good warm-up for my first Ironman.
Ironman 70.3
I am still undecided on what Ironman I should sign up for. I would appreciate anyone’s opinion on this.
My original plan was to participate in Ironman Tulsa, however, I strongly believe that I should participate in a sprint triathlon prior to jumping into the Ironman, and with that race on 4/22/23 and Tulsa on 5/21/23, I am worried about the short break between them. Thoughts?
So my other main options are Boulder on 6/10/23 or Des Moines on 6/11/23. Hopefully by next week’s update, I’ll have a better idea on this.
I will be adding more detail and providing my actual training plans starting with next week’s update. For now, I just wanted to lay out my overall plan and go from there. Again, any feedback is appreciated. As I start training more and more, I’ll start giving some insight into my diet and how my blood sugars have been impacted.
I’ve also got some exciting plans in place for some upcoming collaborations and longer blog posts. Stay tuned for more on that!
Life is too short to worry about failing! Make “someday” today!!!
— Tanner
Tanner- Thanks for sharing your stories here, particularly your 'close-call' coma journey with diabetes. Your wife is amazing and a second chance is always a great reminder of what's important. Hope you're fully recovered, and if not, on the way to recovery!