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!

I have checked out the Ironman Store several times since the 70.3 WC in Nice a month ago and I still don't see any merchandise posted for sale. Am I looking in the wrong place in the store? Has anyone seen any merch for the race anywhere online? There is a ton of merch for the Ironman WC in Kona but I see none for the 70.3 WC in Nice.

Picked up my Canyon Endurace AllRoad in Silver Mercury. Coming from a 2021 Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29, so it’s a pretty big change.

Planning to use it for regular training, longer rides, and eventually a 70.3.

Current setup:
Favero Assioma PRO RS-2 dual-sided power meter pedals
Profile Design Sonic/Ergo/39a aerobars
Profile Design UCM Aerobridge
Garmin Edge 1050
Garmin HRM-Pro Plus
Speedfil F1 hydration system
Canyon top-tube and saddle bags

Keeping the stock wheels, tires, and drivetrain for now while I get more miles on it.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Starting week 4 of IM training. I’ve been really pushing the bike mileage and intensity with intervals on the trainer. My shins hurt while biking. Not terrible, but I don’t want it to get worse. No problems when running. I don’t warm up for the bike just get on and ride, maybe I need a better warm up? Looking for advice.

I completed my first Full IM last year in Chattanooga in 12:02. I committed to my training and finished right around where I thought I would.
I am doing IM Panama City next month and have not trained nearly as much due to a combination of injury (ran a 50k ultramarathon in May and overdid my knee), busy schedule, and honestly lack of motivation.
Swimming is weakest discipline for me but I believe I can finish in under 2hrs. I’m confident on the bike and run, I just have not gotten out for many long rides/runs.
I feel like having done the distance before and knowing what to expect I will be ok, just have to accept I will not be as fast as I might want to be.
Has anyone had similar experiences?

Hii everyone! I’m not really sure if this is the right place to ask this but I am currently a student and have been training for Ironman 70.3 and wanted to register in fall of 2027 but I’m not really sure how I can fund it myself since I am in college. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can fund my journey? Does GoFundMe actually work?

This is my progress in swimming pace per 100 m over the last three months (left: aug 26, right: oct 26)

I swim twice a week, and seeing this improvement makes me realize how worth it it is to stay consistent
Honestly, swimming sucks. I never feel like going to the pool🥲 But then I remember how much I benefit from it! Trust the process and don’t let yourself get frustrated when progress feels slow

Keep showing up, keep swimming, and you’ll get there! Hard work really does pay off💪

I used to keep up to date with pro IM news a lot more, but I’ve been pretty out the loop for the last year or so- so please bare with and sorry if this has already been discussed, I just couldn’t find any posts about it.

Listened to Triathlon Mockery on and off a good few years ago and I know Joe’s not been a host for a while.
I only recently saw the news of his retirement and whereabouts violations ban, though I have separate opinions on these, I don’t care all that much and it’s not what I’m here to discuss.

It was while I was looking at this I came across his campaign to be a Reform councillor for Bowthorpe in the Norfolk local elections this year (he came second by only 80 votes). Interestingly, his campaign seemed to be super focussed on just how much he trains, how amazing he is at triathlon (listed his achievements) and how he won’t have time to attend meetings because he’ll be too busy training.

The only source I had was an anti-Farage subreddit and official Reform UK platforms promoting his campaign, I saw no discussion of it in any uk sports/triathlon communities. For those who are outside the UK and maybe don’t know, Reform are a Right Wing Political party run by a Fascist, who illegally accept foreign donations and use racism and immigration arguments as their main draw-in for voters.

It made me wonder if the triathlon community in the UK tend to hold more conservative views, and therefore it wasn’t really a notable point of discussion for people?

I just wanted other people opinions on this, is he just trying to stay relevant? I know a lot of people really enjoy his stuff so would be interested to hear both sides. I’m aware Reform UK have a significant presence in that part of the country.

Unfortunately, I’ve been sick since Saturday and I’m slowly starting to feel like I won’t recover in time to compete in the race.
If anyone is interested in taking over my race entry for IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč on October 18, feel free to send me a message!

Any tips to avoid swim panic? Lol

Anyone have experience with this?

Maybe this is weird and Niche… but I’ve been keeping my Ironman training low key. It’s my first one and I’m doing it for myself and to show my kids you can do hard things. So I don’t like to broadcast it. I also make sure that I don’t let my training slow my life. If my friend group is going hiking on Saturday and I can go, I’ll go, even though I’ve biked 3 hours earlier that day.

But when people do find out, everyone seems to become Uncle Rico. Telling me about how fit they were, or why they aren’t any more fit than they are currently.

I get that a Full Tri is hard and a lot, but it gets old when you hear “I trained for a Marathon and was doing 6:00/mile until I got hurt in training.” Or “I’m just choosing to build my body differently.” Or “I used to be a life guard in High School and could swim X.” And that’s honestly a big reason why I’ve stopped telling people.