Waco 70.3 down with an Asterisks - Tips on 2nd 70.3
Hey guys, just finished my first 70.3! Really proud of even finishing, as this was my catalyst for the past year to get back into shape and dropped 25 lbs. With the rains in Texas though, the swim was cancelled, so it doesn’t feel like I got the full experience so I’m already prepping the wife for the next 70.3; aw shucks lol.
That said, I’m really glad I did this 69.1 first, as I had to walk the last 2 miles of the run anyways. I felt amazing during the bike, besides my lower back which forced me out of aero for the last 28 miles, and felt good on the run up until mile 11 when it felt like I was going to pull (not cramping) all of my lower body muscles (quads and hammies, with some tension in calves) and had to walk the last 2 miles. I am a 32 year old male, 5’ 11”, 225 lbs for context.
I’m saying all this, to give the background for asking what you would recommend focusing on training for the next 70.3?
The plan currently is to spend 2027 losing 40 lbs, and then spend 2028 training again for a 70.3 (there are life factors influencing the elongated timeline).
I know a few of the obvious things (lose weight, stronger hamstrings, and get fully used to 3+ hours in aero) but is there anything else anybody would recommend? Or ways to help with those obvious changes? Asking because I’d love to break the 5 hour threshold, and know that is going to be a journey that might take every bit of the next 2 years so starting to forecast now.
Thank you!