If you’re participating in the 2013 Ironman Coeur d’Alene, then you have about 12 weeks left before the race. By now you should have put in about 18 weeks worth of swimming, biking, and running. Maybe you even did some strength training too!
This will be my third Ironman race, with the first two being at Coeur d’Alene as well. My focus this year has been on losing weight and strengthening my legs to get ready for the hills of Idaho.
If you live in a flat world like I do here in Florida, then you need to do everything you can to prepare for the hills. The elevation is not too bad at approximately 2300 feet above sea level, and the temperature is usually mild (60-72F) on race day, but hills are the nemesis.
Try hitting the gym and doing step-ups or hack squats to work on leg strength. If you have an indoor trainer, then you can also try working out in a big gear with the front of the bike raised. I personally don’t find this a good simulation of going up the hills because I was always spinning in my easiest gear to get up the mountain. The biggest hill is about 3 miles long, so if you have trained for that, then you will be ready! Just keep on training and remember that you can do it.
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I live in Orlando, Florida and participate in marathons and triathlons.
