Game over

Well, after nearly 4 months of training and hard work, I'm letting go of the dream to complete an Ironman Triathlon.

The Ironman has never been a lifelong dream of mine, but more of a challenge that would be cool to finish, like the marathon I did. Well the marathon didn't involve swimming. I started this journey to take a break from bodybuilding. I got my dad on board, now I don't want to bail on him, but I don't think I can do it. I'm finished, but plan to keep training with him when I'm in Tulsa to keep his dream alive and encourage him through the journey. In fact, 2 days ago we did a 45 min run (his longest training yet).

I have options of more lessons and Master's swimming, but I think we're at our financial limit with my hobbies. The Liniger family has dreams of being debt free and of home ownership. With the little one getting older and plans of future family growth, I can't hardly justify the cost of the Ironman anymore.

The running and biking have become more like chores as my training time increased and the swimming is grueling. Each day that I wake up, I do not look forward to the Tri training. I've recently compared it to doing laundry, something I hate doing, but feel a sense of accomplishment once completed.

I don't consider this experience a failure because I have learned a lot about myself. I feel that I could do the Ironman, but the cost and lack of enjoyment is not worth the family stress at this stage in my life.

For now, I'll do primarily bodybuilding training (which I LOVE!), but will keep running occasionally and do family bike rides/walks around the neighborhood.

New Direction...

My swim has improved, but at unbearably slow pace. My new plan is to give a good 70% of my attention and effort to swimming. I already know I can run and bike the distance needed, but the swim is the question.

I plan to join the local Master's Swim program. It may not be the best option, but it's cheaper than more private lessons and much cheaper than the swim weekend. The coach is a big believer in the Total Immersion method I've been studying and has completed 3 Ironman Tri's himself. My swim time will increase to 3-5 hours a week, so a positive attitude, time, practice, and a coach should help.

I'll continue to get my long bike and run in on the weekends. I'll work on overall flexibility and core strength.

12 Week Training Update

I've been triathlon training for 12 weeks now. The first several weeks were slow, but here are my totals during that time:

• 1385 min biking (23 hours)
• 761 min running (13 hours)
• 774 min swimming (13 hours)

Total time training 3814 min (64 hours). This includes strength training and other cross training.

I'm gradually adapting to the training volume. Intensity is low, but duration increases. Last week I trained 9.35 hours.