Half Ironman Training – Only Half?
The 70.3 is known as a very difficult race; it is also known as the Half Ironman. It is a blend of momentum and the ability to endure. As a swimmer, the mind has to attempt to calculate how quickly to swim, how to provide fuel to the body, how hasty to be in transition, how to run, and the moment of the final kick. Read on to learn five half ironman training techniques that could save you from disastrous errors. These techniques could be the difference between losing or saving the race and going the distance.
3. More fuel than you need on the bike. In half ironman training, begin taking in more calories than you normally would on the bike. This technique is suggested to provide you with enough fuel and water to get you through what is known as “minimally fueling” for the Half Ironman run. We recommend that males take 350-400 calories per hour on the bike, and females take 300-350. Because of gastrointestinal distress, you should stop fueling at least 10-15 minutes to your run transition, then fuel yourself with only 100-200 calories per hours while on the run. We recommend grabbing a gel or a chunk of banana a maximum 2 to 3 times.
4) Try something different like a Walk-Run plan. In the 70.3, the half ironman, a 20:1 ration could work very well compared to the normal longer walking periods practiced in a marathon or Ironman. Practicing this tip and you will soon see the difference it makes. It allows your core to cool slightly and you are able to grab much needed fuel or water without the stress of choking. Walk at a brisk rate and then take up your previous pace. In a typical race, you are looking at running for 3 miles and walking for 60 seconds.
5) Push yourself on the last leg, the final 10K. During your half ironman training, it would be wise to include some progression runs. This translates to running an aerobic 10K with a very controlled gait, then hit another 10K with all you’ve got. Keep practicing this until you reach your maximum potential. This is a good strategy to strive for in most Half Ironman events.
Instill the desire to let loose at the half way point and you will enjoy the outcome of the race. Of course, the other side to this is going out for the transition too hard and blowing up before the halfway point.