Training for an IronMan requires a lot of time, and sometimes work travel will inevitably come in the way of training. In order to succeed, you have to be flexible with your training plan and methods.
In the middle of a 10-day roadtrip, I have used a lot of stationary gym bikes and threadmills to keep my training numbers up. Usually the hotel gyms only offer recumbent bikes, so one of the first things I do when going on a work trip is seeing what gyms are in the area. I have found that YMCAs, present throughout most of the country, offer great alternatives for a low price (with great hours too). They usually have a pool and plenty of fitness/spin bikes.
I also tend to run on treadmills more when on travel, as that is usually the most convenient exercise to mix into a busy work-day on the road, particularly as most hotel gyms have them. Although long-duration treadmill running may seem boring to most, if used right it can be a great tool in improving your overall running fitness.
The flat, smooth surface will avoid rolling motion/injury of the ankles (who hasn’t had those while trail running), and it is a good chance to practice a generally shorter stride length, with more efficient and higher cadence. The latter is particularly important for triathletes coming right off the bike. The treadmill is also a great tool for incorporating fun interval workouts (different paces, different inclines, etc.)
Probably the major downside of treadmill running you do have to be aware of is that it is much easier to push yourself past your known limits on a treadmill than it is on a regular road or trail run, as you have this handy pace button right infront of you and you basically have no choice but to keep up that pace lest you want to fall off the machine…
Numbers for this week are below. First time hitting 200miles on the bike in a week and I really feel like my bike fitness is coming along nicely. I have done 3 century rides (100miles or more) the past 3 weekends with a short run off the bike and my body feels great after each one. Had to dial down the running a bit as I focused more on the bike this week, but looking to hit at least 35miles in that department this coming week. Next weekend will be my last big training weekend before the taper starts in earnest. Looking forward to it.
