[MWILLS]

For 2021, I have a 70.3 in May and an IM in August (IM being the “A” race). If using training plans for both, they overlap. So what would be best, cut short the 70.3 plan and start the IM plan when its due to start, or carry through the 70.3 plan to the race and then continue with the IM plan?

[David Warden]

M,

Can you confirm two items for me 1) the exact dates of both events and 2) how important the 70.3 is to you. The answers to those two questions will determine my recommendation.

David

[MWILLS]

Hi David,

70.3 is May 16th and IM is August 22nd. The 70.3 isn’t all that important, but my weak point is endurance so don’t wish to curtail the longer training sessions leading up to it.
My original plan was to carry out the 70.3 training plan, take a rest/recovery week and then launch into the IM plan which would work out around the week before the race specific phase of the plan. Although would this approach bring about the risk of over training?

Regards, Marcus

[David Warden]

Marcus, thank you. Your plan is right on. There is enough time between the two events that you can treat them both as A races. Use the 70.3 plan for the May event, then take a week (even two) of recovery, then load the IM plan for the weeks remaining. Your fitness from the 70.3 is more than enough to allow you to enter the IM plan halfway through.

Yes, there is a risk of overtraining, that’s why you need the 1-week break in there, and two weeks is not too much. “Rest” does not mean complete rest. 2-4 hours a week with very little running, mostly swim and bike, is good.

David

[MWILLS]

Many thanks for the advice David

[Author]

Posts