Last week a friend asked me that very pointed question just out of the blue. And how to answer?
Well it was very interesting to take a step back and make an assessment.
So to look at each in turn. Like a report card!
Swimming. Grade C minus - Not enough consistency, distance won't be a problem but it's important to come out of the water feeling pretty fresh. Did some research and found a good masters squad in Melbourne to latch onto.
Cycling. Grade B - Endurance is good. Ridden race distance once already.
Running. Grade D - lacking in consistency and distance. Since that assessment have been focussing on longer runs and also at a more aerobic pace. Important to get the longer runs up around 2 hours in the next month.
So overall it is probably just scraping a C with the good results in the longest leg (cycling) canceled out by the poor form in the hardest segment.
So this critical question has been a good wake up call. As part of the remedy I bought the latest book by renowned triathlon coach Joe Friel. It provides a really detailed plan for Ironman preparation and interestingly I am not that far off where he would have me at this point.
Also in the last week I added my aerobars to my bike. These make such a difference, immediately you feel more comfortable and probably pick up around 2kph for free.
For my trial ride with these I did a regular 40k ride out to Wynnum/Manly and back in good time and then immediately headed out for an hours running. This is called a "brick" workout and is designed to get you used to running while already tired. It sure worked for that.
So to look at each in turn. Like a report card!
Swimming. Grade C minus - Not enough consistency, distance won't be a problem but it's important to come out of the water feeling pretty fresh. Did some research and found a good masters squad in Melbourne to latch onto.
Cycling. Grade B - Endurance is good. Ridden race distance once already.
Running. Grade D - lacking in consistency and distance. Since that assessment have been focussing on longer runs and also at a more aerobic pace. Important to get the longer runs up around 2 hours in the next month.
So overall it is probably just scraping a C with the good results in the longest leg (cycling) canceled out by the poor form in the hardest segment.
So this critical question has been a good wake up call. As part of the remedy I bought the latest book by renowned triathlon coach Joe Friel. It provides a really detailed plan for Ironman preparation and interestingly I am not that far off where he would have me at this point.
Also in the last week I added my aerobars to my bike. These make such a difference, immediately you feel more comfortable and probably pick up around 2kph for free.
For my trial ride with these I did a regular 40k ride out to Wynnum/Manly and back in good time and then immediately headed out for an hours running. This is called a "brick" workout and is designed to get you used to running while already tired. It sure worked for that.
And just as importantly it worked off some of the nervous energy prior to the Rugby World Cup final. All Blacks World Champions!
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