Phil Lynch's Blog

Melbourne Ironman – 12 days to go – Balancing Work, Family and Needed Training

Balance – it’s been the biggest challenge in trying to plan and complete this event. I spoke to Lorna and the girls who having experienced Tour de Cure in 2012 agreed that doing the bike ride again was all for a good cause. Adding an Ironnman with their support was easy in conversation though its been hard going in the last few months – but supportive they have been so thanks family.

So what does training look like for a 50 year old, who has done a few half 5 -6 hour Ironman’s and a lifetime of at least some running and a few years biking. Well its starts with apropriate ambition – yes I have a serious job, important family to do’s and an ambition to enjoy the event versus breaking records so what does that look like. Toys help – in this case my new Specialized Shiv Expert – one of the fastest Triathlon bikes available and as you can see one very fast looking bike.

Someone once said “Its not about the Bike” – instead it really starts with discpline and following directions from someone who knows what it takes and there really are no shortcuts.

In my case it was Brad Pamp (BP), an exercise physiologist who passes me 28 day training programs that I complete almost 90% of. Most days look like a 4.40 wake up, for at least an hour and more often 2 hours each day and generally a 4 – 5 hour early Sunday program. 28 hours training in December and January, 45 hours in February and 21 in March up till today. Last week was particularly tough – biked from 5 am on Friday for 45 km’s and ran 30 km’s in 3 hours that same afternoon. Swam 3 km’s Sat cut short by taking Brooke to Basketball practice but backed up Sunday for a 5.30 am ride with friend David to Calga followed by a 5km run post return. Up Monday at 4.45 for a 12 km run in Mosman on a very dark and quiet Alan Border Oval, running in circles for 12 km’s – a 4 km swim this Tuesday morning before work and yes its really boring at times but its all part of the mind training -that will make a difference on IM day according to coach BP.

What amazes me is how adaptable the body has become, even at my ripe old age. I used to think that a 10 km run was a big deal and that it would slow me down that day. But now its 25 plus km’s before I feel that same fatigue. Yes I do sleep early, by 10 pm latest when I can though work can impact that and it often does.

So with 12 days to go I am feeling strong and as ready as I can be – yes I have tried not to compromise work and family and its probably only the weekends where fatigue leaves me less than the Father I should be.

Melboure Ironman is my current main event though it follows quickly with the Tour de Cure – the photo of me with the kids was one of my fondest memories from the 2012 Tour and post Ironman I wil get back to sharing the TDC program as we still have an Adelaide Canberra ride ahead of us – stay tuned – 12 days to go and 7 weeks to our TDC ride!

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