Training and travel tips
Mara Barth is an age-group athlete and a member of the PPS team assisting travelers to our events worldwide. She is a veteran of 63 marathons and 5-time Ironman finisher. Shes currently in trainingfor the ultimate endurance event: PARENTHOOD (due Oct.3)
Going to race in Kona? First time? We hope these few tips will help you through a safe and productive training season. More race specific tips to come as October draws near..
- Take advantage of the summer heat. Kona is hot & humid and it's best to get used to this during training. Same goes for wind! If you find an especially breezy day on your hands, take the bike out for a spin. It may not be an easy ride, but you'll be glad you have the experience when you're out on the road to Hawi.
- Drink Gatorade. I'm not trying to sell anything; it's just that this is what they'll have on the course. Use it during your training so you'll know how your body reacts. Also test the food you plan to eat; race day is not the time to try a new energy bar for the first time.
- Long Brick sessions: Don't split your long run and long bike into two workouts all the time. Get used to taking the bike out for 5+ hours and then running for a couple more. Plan at least one 10-hour (or longer) bike/run/walk session. Get used to moving forward for great lengths of time, and push through being tired. The strength and toughness you build now both mentally and physically will carry you a long way on race day. If you're already used to the long sessions, Oct. 16 will be all the more fun for you.
- Rest Days. Yes, you're training for a race, but one of the most important parts of training is recuperation. Rest means REST. Take at least one day a week to sleep in, take in a movie, catch up with friends and family, and restock the fridge.
- Friends & Family. It's been said that no one does an Ironman alone. Be sure to tell everyone what you're doing in October, and apologize ahead of time for skipping out on social functions because you have an early swim or ride the next day, or because by Friday night you just can't seem to keep your eyes open after 7pm. Be sure to make up for lost time and celebrate with them after the race. (Plan now for the Ironman viewing party you'll host in November.
- Getting There. Book travel early! Choice condos and hotel rooms tend to sell out quickly, especially if you want to be within a few miles of the race start. Flights into and out of Kona on certain dates also get pretty full (Oct.12 and Oct.18 are heavy travel days). Allow us to take care of your travel arrangements now, so you can focus on training for the summer.