How To Train For Your First Half Ironman

Making the step up from an olympic-distance triathlon to your first Ironman 70.3 or middle-distance Tri can be a formidable task. We're here to help you use your time efficiently when preparing for the longer event.
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[colinsullivan]

Biggest lessons from my first 70.3:
1. Nothing new or different on race day. Stick to your habit patterns built in training.
2. Don’t skip out on your easy runs after long rides. Those first few miles off the bike are so crucial to transition mentally and physically.
3. There are not many problems that can’t be fixed by SLOWING DOWN. Take your time and be cautious going through transitions and aid stations. Especially on the bike. Walking is fine, just don’t stop moving forward!

Excellent video! I wish I saw this before my first race. Good luck to any first timers watching this and thinking about getting into it!

[jeromeibanez]

The main tip that my coach (3x Ironman champion) gave me was to learn how to train not so intensely. He said that most age groupers train harder than the pros and it's because the age groupers don't know how to train properly. Also, give less attention to the swim and more attention to the bike.

[MrTraveller.]

Did Triathlons & 42km full Marathons 5 years ago, moved countries, took a break & am now starting Half Ironman 70.3 training.
Very exciting !!! Thanks for the motivation 💪🏽🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️❤️💯🇹🇼

[stolts]

Did two Ironmans 70.3 in 8 hours. My third Ironman 70.3 end with a DNF before the last lap of the run. Going to Panama City Beach in May to get my pride back.

[christiaantroskie]

As a South African, it brought me much glee at 05:30 when my countryman nearly said, "less kak."

Massively helpful video! Thank you.

[devo]

I simply enjoy all the disciplines. I follow the usual training plans. Fortunately I’m fat and old so I don’t have high expectations. 3min/100m swim followed by 30km/h bike and a painful 8min/km HM. I’m not last but I dont care if I am. I just love doing it.

[rylanrussell]

Whatever you do don't neglect heat acclimation in your training. My first 70.3 attempt was in mid September, so I assumed it wouldn't be too hot, and mostly trained early in the morning and in the evenings. Race day it got up to 95 degrees. I was prepared for the swim, bike and run, but not in that kind of heat. 3 miles into the run I started vomiting virtually all fluid I tried to hold down. I started getting severe dizziness and felt as if I was about to pass out. Medics had to practically burry me in ice. Heat acclimation is a real factor in 70.3+ distance races that I think is often overlooked. Have a good training plan for heat acclimation, as well as a good race day hydration and nutrition strategy, otherwise, all your training might be for nothing.

[McStoolio]

The first thing you have to do is save up, ….a lot. 😂

[WalkingPoles]

James nailed it: "Never skip running because you're tired. Practice it." Arrived just in time when I was sitting in my sofa after 2 hrs bike ride and morning swim session and thinking that I earned free afternoon. Damn you, James! 😂

[bro]

It’s been 1 step forward 2 steps back for me. I’m no spring chicken so smaller injuries have required me to strengthen other muscle groups before continuing. Plantar Fasciitis, rotator cuff, runners knee…..It’s been frustrating but I keep going!

[lydiadavies]

I did a sprint last year, have signed up for 2 olympics this year and will sign up for a half IM next year :D thanks for great tips!

[billaronis]

After catching the Triathlon Bug & completing a few Olympic events - just signed up for my 1st Ironman 70.3 (Oceanside CA) - THANKS GTN!!

[jamesridley]

70.3 Melbourne coming up on March 20. Only 4 weeks to go! This one’s been a long time coming - was originally scheduled for Nov 2020 so been pushed back almost 18 months due to Covid. Now that’s a long training plan! 😆

[savagepro]

GTN: How To Train For Your First Half Ironman
Me: prepare for a full Ironman, then suddenly stop midday!

[djscootersmooth]

I got lucky my 1st half Ironman is gonna be in my hometown in June of 2023, already signed up.
Great video, good information .

[WILDFOXRUNNING]

Since it’s such a vast topic. “My first 70.3” could be a great series for your channel 😉. So we could get more into specific areas? Cheers, keep up the great work

[rmqshzp]

Always have been interested and will be looking to do the Swansea 70.3 in 2025. A while away yet but gives me time to train.
Have run a few half marathons and swimming is my favourite. Just need to get on that bike!
Great videos and always helpful!

[tonylomas]

Go Ahead and Do The Full Ironman. That is the best way to train for the half Ironman. Yesterday I had goal of doing the 1.2 mile swim more than a 100% improvement, went ahead and did the 2.4 miles more than a 400% improvement. I was homeless for 15 years. ...I am determined. ...nothing is impossible.

[BabaDeyTri]

70.3 Eagleman and Atlantic City. Excited to see where my body goes.

[IronmansBeatAlzheimer]

Great video, thanks for all the tips ! I'm taking up the 5 Ironmans 5 countries in 1 year to Beat Alzheimer, a health and solidarity initiative to heal the disease all together, cheers