IM/HIM Athletes......help....

[woowoo]

I know there are several on this board, hoping to get some 'high level' and equipment advice.

I haven't even officially started training for Steelhead next year (it's not until August, HIM) and I'm already getting discouraged.  I know I'm still a newbie Triathlete, but I felt like I made huge strides this year and don't want to wait another year to train for a HIM because DH and I want to start a family towards the end of next year.   However, the more I read, and the more people I talk to, I'm feeling completely in over my head. 

There is just so much to learn, understand, purchase, make decisions on, etc.  I can't do a single swim workout without having to work to decipher it.  I bought a mag trainer for my bike but the workouts are all confusing and I am not even sure they best way to incorporate this into my pre-season workouts.  Do spinning classes help or should I exclusively use my trainer? 

I could very easily spend $600-$1000 on joining a Tri group training for the race, which might help with some of my questions/concerns, but I'm in Chicago and the workout locations and times are all EXTREMELY inconvenient to where I live.  I'm not opposed to sucking it up and paying the $$ if it's truly worth it...but how do I know which groups have quality trainers and which don't?

Do I need a heart rate monitor to effectively train? 

What else can I do in the "off season" to get ready for my first training program?

Maybe I just need a pep talk?   I'm not overwhelmed by the time commitment, or the financial commitment, I think I just don't know what the hell I'm doing.

*deep breath*

[Susie]

Caveat: I am no expert! I have one HIM under my belt, and am doing #2 and #3 in 2014.  But I have a few thoughts.

1.  Ask your questions here.  We have deciphered swim workouts for people before and will happily do it again, as many times as you need.  Same goes for all the other stuff.

2.  I am not a good role model re: bike workouts.  I logged the time, I did the rides of the prescribed distances, and for a first timer I feel like I did just fine on race day.  This year I am going to buy a pre-built plan from a coach, which I hope will give me more structure/goals, but it's not necessary if you are in it to finish it.  As long as you build through the mileage -- I did long rides of 50, 55, and 60 miles at peak -- you will be fine.  As far as spinning vs. bike on trainer:  you might find you work harder in a spin class, with an instructor in front of you.  I don't do much spinning because I'm more comfortable on my own bike.  In the off season, I wear a HRM to keep myself accountable, and binge on TV shows on my trainer.  Currently:  Breaking Bad.

3.  A tri club can be amazing.  I lurrrrrve mine.  But if it's not convenient, you probably won't make great use of it.

4.  I think a HRM is really, really helpful.  Maybe not a NEED, strictly, but really really really want.

5.  Off season:  I aim to workout 5-ish times a week.  Typical workouts are 45-60 min bike workouts, run 3-6 miles, and swim 4000 yds.  I try to do each 1-2x/week.  I should strength train, and want to work that in this winter.

6.  I don't know exactly what your distance history is, but this is totally surmountable.