Let the training begin!

This week begins the "real deal" triathlon training, which will then shortly overlap with marathon training and oh my, my whole life is starting to look like training.

Technically, I should of started things off last week, but I was doing this:

Can you blame me?

Of course, there really is no pre-written sprint tri + marathon plan already created, or at least I never found it.  I also opted out of just throwing one on top of the other, which didn't look promising either.  So I was left to my own devices, which is kind of how I like (for better or for worse).

I did however read a lot of plans, training strategies, workout ideas and the like and feel quite content with what I've determined are the necessary bricks and mortar of my plan going forth.  I also gave a lot of thought to how the rest of my life will coincide as having a job and social life won't just happen on their own.  And the more seamlessly I can incorporate those two items the easier everything else seems to be.

First I came up with a list of "essential" workouts/week.  

2 x short runs
1 x speed work
1 x long run
2 x swim
2 x bike
1 - 2 brick work outs (Combining two sports)

Now here's what my week should/could look like:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Bike + Swim	Rest	Run	Speed + Swim	Run	Bike	Long Run

This is what I came up with given all the variables that are still in flex.  In reality, my primary goal will be to fit all workouts in, so consider this subject to modifications.  The Rest day could be Monday or Friday, and swimming is somewhat subject to weather and pool hours.  I'm a little worried about how "speed work" might increase my chances for injury and may choose to taper that if I'm feeling any strife.  Also, I don't have stretching and foam rollering on there, but I should note it is an important element to the overall success here.  

I'm only biking and swimming two days per week, which might seem low, but remember this is a sprint tri (short distances), so I should be fine.  The should be fine part was confirmed by the guy I talked to on the airplane, so I figure that's confirmation enough.  Also, post triathlon (August 12th), I may choose to up play the running and down play other CT -we'll see.

My long run schedule will follow the concept of 2 step up weeks, 1 step back week.  I'm currently going to mimic what Hal Higdon suggests for long runs in his Intermediate plan, but feel free to drop down to a Novice plan if need be.  

Did I miss anything?  Probably!  Follow me on DailyMile.com to see how things progress. (link in the side bar)