[mhafner01]

I am going to finish IM California this Oct 22 2023. After many different training plans over the years and may starts and stops; I found 80/20 and have had great success. So far I have completed all the workout as prescribed. All my numbers have improved and I have been injury free.
I am very confident on the swim, confident on the run and still need some work on the bike but know that I can do that leg also. My plan has scheduled working on open water swimming as soon as the weather warms in May. Focus on race nutrition begins in April.
Mid May 2023 I will have completed the IM Level 1 Plan using power for both run and bike. Important to note that I have never done either a half or full IM. I have done a number of Sprint and Olympic races.

I have two questions looking ahead and need some advice/guidance:
1) After I have completed the Level 1 plan should I do the Level 2 plan or restart with Level 1? Level 2’s increase in volume will not be an issue.
2) Santa Cruz has open registration for a half IM on Sept 10. IM California is Oct 22. Living in NorCal it an easy drive and may be a good test. But not convinced the test will really be of value since its only 6 weeks until IM California. I am thinking that continuing with the prescribed plan; especially at that point is likely more beneficial.

Appreciate your advice. I want to complete IM California really bad and am completely focused on it.
Again I must say that the 80/20 plan has worked out great and just the whole training process has brought about a number of positive improvements in my concentration, confidence and health. My time management both at work and at hope has improved and I find myself far more productive. This has been a very rewarding journey.

Thanks in advance !!
Mark

[Germán]

Hi Mark

Here’s what I would do if it were me:

1. If you don’t have a problem with the increase in volume from LVL1 to LVL2, definitely try LVL2. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or think its too much; you can always scale back to LVL 1.

2. 6 weeks away from your main “A” race, is a good window to try out a “full dress rehearsal” with a shorter “B” race like an Olympic or a 70.3. If I’m not mistaken, that would be around week 18 of your plan. It’s a good opportunity to try out some race-specific pacing and nutrition.

Hope this helps

Germán

[leyla@8020endurance.com]

Totally Agree with Germán’s advice here!

[Author]

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