Can I Train for a Marathon and a Full Distance (such as IRONMAN) Triathlon?

Which Plan?

When you have both a Marathon and a Full Distance Triathlon to train for in one season, you will need to decide which is your "A" priority race. This will be the event that you’re most highly motivated for - the one you really want to succeed at. It will be the focus of all your training and preparation. You should aim to peak for your 'A' Race (Planning Your Race Season).

Marathon Priority:

Choose a marathon plan that ends on your marathon race date. Consider the time you will need to include biking and swimming to maintain fitness for these disciplines. Use your own experience according to ability, limiters, and goals to add 1 or 2 bikes and/or swims each week to your plan. These should be focused on building base endurance.

After you have completed and recovered from your marathon, you can choose a plan to fill the gap until your Full Distance Triathlon. You will need to check that the starting level of your chosen plan fits with your bike and swim fitness.

Full Distance Triathlon (IRONMAN) Priority:

Choose a Full Distance Triathlon plan and consider that you will need to add on time to extend your long run. You will need to adjust the long run within your chosen plan. This should peak at 2:30 hrs at 3 weeks before your marathon. Gradually progress the duration of this long run to avoid injury, about 10-15% each week. You can also add an optional midweek Z2 run that progresses from 30-60 minutes. Spending more time on your feet will enhance performance and reduce injury risk.

It can be challenging to train for two races of different disciplines. MyProCoach plans are written specifically to get you ready to be in your best shape for your target race. You can imagine if you try to mix plans, the effect will be diluted for both races. Be conscious of injury risk, over-training, fatigue and being unable to nail your key sessions.

Check this video where triathlete Ant Gritton explains how he included his Marathon training block whilst maintaining readiness for Full Distance Triathlon training.

Manage Your Training

Phil has a range of plans that enable you to select options that best meet your goals, schedule, and ability. There are two ways for you to manage your training.

1. Purchase a Flexible Training Plan with Coach Support

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