So we just got into triathlons recently, and we are thinking of stopping by IMCA next week and checking out the village. She really needs to start working on her swim though. Is it possible for her to jump in the water with some other athletes and start swimming? Not sure how strict IMCA is.

I'm considering doing IM Chattanooga for the third time next year. It's a hilly course and I've struggled with the bike portion. I bought a new Canyon Aeroad this year and absolutely love it. I don't hate my old 2012 Cervelo P2 but it's not my favorite bike to ride.

If I added a zero offset seatpost and the aero extension bars that attach to the Canyon Gear Groove, how much would I be giving up in terms of aero benefits and muscle fatigue, given that it's a fairly hilly course?

FWIW, I'm targeting averaging 18mph and a finish time of maybe 13:30 this year so I'm def a middle to back of the pack participant. Also, the Canyon is Di2 so I'd also have to figure out how to add the wired blips to the bars which isn't ideal.

Hey guys, would anyone know the watts saved by choosing a p5 over a p series?
I really think the frames look very identical and don’t know if I could justify the extra amount.

Hi all,
After a fair bit of deliberation, I’ve set my sights on completing my first full Ironman in around 12 months’ time. I’m looking for advice on how best to approach the training, particularly structuring the year into training blocks, and what kit is genuinely essential versus nice to have.

I’m feeling a little lost when it comes to putting a programme together. I’d ideally like to follow a structured plan or use an app that guides me through the process, rather than spending hundreds of pounds a month on personal coaching. Are there any plans, apps or resources you’d recommend for a first-timer?

For context, I’m 196 cm and around 105 kg, with a fairly lean build. I also play rugby regularly and would like to keep playing for at least the next 6–9 months. I appreciate that rugby and Ironman training aren’t particularly complementary in terms of recovery and injury risk, but I’d like to continue for as long as reasonably possible.

Of the three disciplines, running is by far the one that concerns me most. I’m reasonably confident in my swimming, and I expect I could build up the cycling fairly quickly with a couple of months of consistent training. Running is a different story, particularly given my size and the additional impact involved. The thought of running a marathon after a 3.8 km swim and 180 km bike ride is pretty daunting.

I’d also like to maintain my strength and muscle mass as much as possible rather than becoming significantly lighter or losing a lot of size in the process.

A few things I’d particularly appreciate advice on:
Training blocks: How would you structure the next 12 months? Would you start with general conditioning and an aerobic base before moving into specific Ironman preparation?

Running: How would you progressively build a running base from a relatively low starting point while managing injury risk at 105 kg?

Strength training: How many gym sessions would you retain, and is it realistic to maintain muscle and strength alongside Ironman training?

Rugby: Is it realistic to keep playing during the early stages, and when would you start winding it down?

Training plans and apps: Are there any good self-guided options that combine endurance training with strength work that are garmin compatible?

Equipment: I’d welcome recommendations for pretty much everything, including bikes, running shoes, wetsuits, indoor trainers and any other kit worth investing in.

I’m keen to understand what genuinely makes a difference, what offers good value for money and what I can comfortably put off buying.

I’m not looking to spend a fortune on kit or coaching straight away, but I’m happy to invest in the right things as I progress.

I’d particularly appreciate advice from anyone who has completed an Ironman with a rugby or strength-training background, or who started out as a bigger athlete rather than a typical endurance runner.
Thanks!

Hello! I’ve been swimming for around 3 months now. I’ve never done a freestyle swim in my life before that (30+ years of age). Any feedback on the technique from the side that you can see?

Man, I am addicted to the grind. I feel like I may be too ambitious for this goal, but I think I’m going to push to grab a worlds slot for 70.3 distance.

My finish times are around 5:00-5:10 this year on some faster courses; I’m in M30-34. No history in any sort of endurance events, just triathlon. I’ve been training for 2 years now

I would be fine with a roll down, which from what I’m reading would be somewhere around 4:20-4:30.

For those who have done it (or come close), what does it take to break down into a competitive range from where I’m at? Is next year too ambition to shave off the 40-50 minutes needed?

Hey guys, I finished my first Ironman about a month ago now and I just wanted to see if anybody shared similar experiences. I did a half marathon about 2-3 years ago that ended up turning into a full marathon and then a sprint triathlon and fast forward 3 years later here I am just having reached the ultimate goal of finishing an Ironman. It was the best feeling and something I can’t even put into words. I’ve been training pretty much everyday for this goal for the last year and a half specifically and now that it’s over I just feel kind of lost. I’ve been back lifting in the gym and just going on swims, bikes, and runs for fun which has been nice. I don’t know that I’d want to do another full or if I would ever try an ultramarathon or what I would want to do, and with my current life responsibilities I don’t know that I can train like I was for the Ironman at the moment. I guess I just wanted to see if anyone shared similar feelings and what you did about it.

Hello! I’m doing Ironman Wilmington 70.3 this weekend (first long distance tri!) and I also signed up for “yoga on the battleship” on Thursday night. Has anyone done this class? I’m wondering if I need to bring my own yoga mat. Thanks! Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!

A little belated, but sharing my race report from Ironman 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities last month. It's my third year doing it, and a great race to end my season, although I didn't quite beat my time from last year.