Locked and Loaded

Well, I registered for a half-ironman today. I will be doing the Door County Half-Ironman on July 21st. At this point I am still deciding between training programs. My father has sent me the program he used and I/my wife have found several other programs. As of Monday January 27th, I will be 25 weeks out and 171 days from race day.

As with my marathons, I am setting up a pad calendar to layout my training. I obviously will have every intention to follow it as closely as possible, but things happen, hence the pencil in the picture.

I am also taking in some literature on the topic. The two books on the right have been suggested from my father. The book on the left, I read the second edition, then lent it to my father, then he threw it away, then I decided it was good time to buy the third edition (I realize the grammatical train-wreck that was the last sentence). I do enjoy "nerding out" about topics that I am interested in, so I am excited to read the books. I am not sure if I am more excited about the actual race and training, or researching how to train.

I am deciding between a few training programs:

Beginner Triathlete's Plan
Tri-newbiews
Matt Lieto's - This is the one my Dad used and really liked
Amateur Endurance

I am still reading the books and will probably choose the plan that seems to most closely align with what they say. They talk a lot about  the benefits of rest in the books. I think that is something I will have to pay attention to. When I ran the majority of my marathons I was still in my mid 20s. I don't remember being tired or injured throughout my training. I think now that I am a little older, I might be more likely to break down. If any of you have suggestions for plans let me know.