I have been eagerly awaiting this written piece for two years, which is ironic, because without him . . . Crushing Iron may not exist. I am excited to release the debut post from the man who got me into endurance training, Jim Schwan.
Not only is Jim a great friend, I would not be where I am in triathlon without his support, insight, and patience. He’ll be on the course at Ironman Maryland this weekend and taking a new training strategy along for the ride.
Time to Put My “Lifestyle” to the Test – Jim Schwan
I wasn’t going to do an Ironman this year. Too many life changes to think about dedicating the time and effort into 6+ months of training.
The problem with that plan was 2-fold. First, some of my closest friends were all planning to race and either directly or indirectly putting pressure on me to make the race commitment. And second, I really enjoy the training.
Even before I decided I was going to do a full Ironman this year I knew I was going to spend countless hours in the pool/lake and on the bike. I mean, could I really lay in bed while Corey, Wasky, Robbie and Tarrolly were logging miles and chiding my laziness?
What became clear to me early in the training season was that I would really have to work my ass off just to keep up with them 
on the Trace and as much as I enjoy riding with them I really wasn’t that interested in killing myself this season. Thus, the “Lifestyle” approach was born.
Just putting in the miles. No tempo work. No pressure. Just enjoy every workout.
If I wasn’t into it I would cut it short or not start at all. If I was enjoying myself I would go longer or maybe push a little harder.
In the past I have meticulously tracked my workouts…heart rate, cadence, mph, etc. I would study and analyze the details. I was literally sweating the small stuff.
This year the approach couldn’t have been more different. I wore a HR monitor all of one time. I only used my cadence monitor when on the trainer and although I would check my speed averages, I didn’t let it dictate how I felt about a workout. I just put in some miles.
Well, I did eventually pull the trigger and signed up for Ironman Maryland and holy crap . . .It’s race week. This is the inaugural full IM in Maryland but it uses some of the old Eagleman 70.3 and Chesapeakeman full courses. Flat, fast and windy.
This will be similar to my first iron distance race, which incidentally, was my fastest. So it is time to put the Lifestyle to the test.
Even though I put in substantially less miles than I ever have for an Iron distance race I have a calm confidence about it. I am probably under trained but healthier than I have been in 3 years.
My longest swim…3500 yards. My longest bike…2 Century rides (but well supported and pace lined). My longest run…14 miles.
I really have no idea if I will PR or finish in 16:59. I’m going to take this race just as I have taken my training. If I’m not “feeling” it I will take it easy, take in the scenery, cross the finish line and add a crab to my calf. If I’m into it and feeling good I will push myself and try to make my 4th iron distance race my fastest. Who knows…maybe there is something to this “Lifestyle.”
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