Sometimes it's best to go back to the basics and re-think what you might already know. Or answer the questions that a lot of people think about but are afraid to ask. Today, we drove the podcast by asking AI what are the most frequent questions asked about Ironman Training. We get into proper volume, plan structure, longest runs and rides, taper, Zone 2, burnout and overtraining, and how to avoid injuries. Success in Ironman rarely happens without a great understanding of this basic principles. Open your mind and come into it fresh.

Come join us at one of our awesome Camps:

Nashville, May 13-17 - https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Nashville/2026Camp

Madison, Wisconsin, July 30-Aug 2 - https://c26triathlon.com/camps/triathlon-camp-wisconsin-2026/

Topics:

AI dating and restaurants
How many hours per week is a realistic training volume for a full Ironman?
Your peak period should be what you earned
6 hour easy rides are actually intense for most people
What does a properly structured 6-month or 9-month Ironman training plan look like?
How long should my longest run and longest ride be before the race?
What is the optimal Ironman taper, and how many weeks should it last?
How important is heart rate Zone 2 training for building long-course endurance?
How do I avoid injury from the high volume of training?
How should I balance the three disciplines to prevent burnout or overtraining?
How good is your ability to shed fatigue?
Life stress affects your taper
The taper responsibility is mostly on athletes
The taper is an Art
The "D" word
High volume should be volume you "can handle"
Stacking volume in manageable ways
Is stretching creating injuries?
Burnout is mental
Fatigue is physical
End today's workout looking forward to tomorrow.

Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com

Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

#907 – Ironman Training Basics