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Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM
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scb
Nov 1, 09 20:50
Post #1 of 25 (1641 views)
Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM
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Gearing up for my first IM next year (early season) and looking to add some structure to my training without taking on a "real" coach (at least not yet).
1. Multisports looks good because they have race-specific training plans but from what I can gather from their (hideous) website, they look static and any tweaks are up to the athlete.
2. MAO: Looks good because the software adjusts as you progress through the training.
Any thoughts from those that have used either one, or both?
furiousferret
Nov 1, 09 21:15
Post #2 of 25 (1612 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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I'd really recommend a real coach, there's something about an in person coach that makes you work alot harder. If you don't have one locally then I guess the online thing is okay... I'm just not sure over $100 a month is worth it for a training plan and a few emails.
Record10Carbon
Nov 1, 09 21:43
Post #3 of 25 (1589 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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I know many folks who have used MultiSports - some to finish, other to (and did) qualify. They do have a longer resume than most other online systems out there.
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Mediocre is just that...When did it start becoming a life goal?
NoBrakes
Nov 1, 09 23:38
Post #4 of 25 (1549 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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I used MAO last year. Got mixed feelings about it. The base training was effective, but not so sure about the Peak program. The good thing is you can post questions on the forums and get answers from Mark or Luis, although having said that I found some of the replies a bit generic. However a lot of the sessions are a bit monotonous e.g. go and ride for 6hrs in moderate heart rate zone. Also, there is a lot of swimming in the program but I really felt the swim sessions were not optimal use of time e.g. 800m kick sets, very little intensity, no guidelines on target times or performance tracking via time trials, not much to say about technique either. Overall this keeps the training simple but I think a bit more variety provides a better training stimulus for me. If you just want a program to follow I can recommend the ones in the book "Be Iron Fit" by Don Fink. I followed those for my first IM and it worked well for me. If you also want access to a knowledge base and forum you might consider using one of the off the peg ones from Ironguides.
AlexG
Nov 2, 09 1:45
Post #5 of 25 (1515 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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The guys from Multisports wrote a book that I used for my first IM. It's called "Start to Finish" and I got it at boarders for 17 dollars. I also signed up for their "ask the coaches" section on their website for 30 bucks a month. You get full forum access to ask them questions as you go and they respond pretty quick.
http://www.amazon.com/...athlon/dp/1841261025
SusanH
Nov 2, 09 4:45
Post #6 of 25 (1430 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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you may also want to compare them for overall structure to see which fits better with the rest of your life. I did Multisports at the same time my training partners did Mark Allen. Both worked great for the each of us and we'd all highly recommend the plans we used. there were a few differences between the plans in how you get a recovery period and in weekly volume... I have no idea if this is still the case as that was a couple years ago.
Koncity
Nov 2, 09 5:48
Post #7 of 25 (1386 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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have you looked into endurance nation also? Sounds like you can use 1 of their plans
Member HED, Cervelo, De Soto Mafia
IronRod
Nov 2, 09 7:14
Post #8 of 25 (1297 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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I've used Multisports and had good success. I had already done a dozen IMs before using them but it was nice to have someone else do my training plan. I did qualify for Hawaii using their plan. Nice thing too was they had a pre-race get together at IMF. Met the guys plus PNF.
I've also had a friend use MAO and she qualified for Hawaii using their plan. So I would have to say they're probably both good plans and no you don't need a overpriced personal coach. I've done 18 IMs including Hawaii 3x without a coach. Just got to be motivated and read what's available for training info.
triguy74
Nov 2, 09 7:52
Post #9 of 25 (1256 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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i used Multisports in 2007 to do my first IM (Canada) and i had a personal goal of under 12hrs. i bought the package that gave you race entry and the training program. (Multisports was not aware of my goal though).
i honestly couldn't have done the race without the program and i did finish in 11:58. (would have been faster except for my IT band issues on the run) the good? the "ask a coach" section is pretty helpful...most of the time you can scan the FAQ because you're seldom the first person with your questions. the bad? as mentioned with the MAO program, the "ride for 6hrs in Z2) was a bit vague. i didn't really do any intervals on the bike at all except for the wind trainer workouts on tuesdays.
their program is laid out with core workouts in bold, then additional workouts in a normal font. i will say that with my work schedule that year, i only did the bold workouts. i felt like i showed up to the race prepared to do well. and by "well" i mean not suffer horribly out there and post a decent time on my first attempt.
good luck. i think you are fine with either. of course it just comes down to commitment/discipline to do the program since there is no one present to ride your ass.
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Dave Burns
Nov 2, 09 12:52
Post #10 of 25 (1092 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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Assuming you are adequately self motivated an only want/desire some advanced structure, I'd recommend this (free) IM training plan:
http://www.trifuel.com/...on/ironman-workouts/
I've used it two times and will again for IMCDA next June. I like the detail within each workout and I simply tweak and/or insert my current targets/paces throughout the program as relevant.
_dave
chrisjones
Nov 2, 09 14:00
Post #11 of 25 (1018 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [Dave Burns]
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In Reply To:
Assuming you are adequately self motivated an only want/desire some advanced structure, I'd recommend this (free) IM training plan:
http://www.trifuel.com/...on/ironman-workouts/
I've used it two times and will again for IMCDA next June. I like the detail within each workout and I simply tweak and/or insert my current targets/paces throughout the program as relevant.
_dave
This looks nice. Do they have a half-iron version of this plan? I looked around trifuel and couldn't even find the plan that you linked to through the front page navigation.
That Guy
Nov 2, 09 16:31
Post #12 of 25 (934 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [chrisjones]
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I'd be interested in seeing a half program as well.
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Nothing to see here people, just move along.
beltro
Nov 2, 09 18:03
Post #13 of 25 (878 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [That Guy]
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I used MAO for IM AZ last November. Had great success with it and they immediately answered any questions that I had. I trained at the heart rates they suggested, but I raced at 10 bpm higher.... Swimming improved greatly and pr'd in the bike and run as well. I'll once again use it in my next IM. There are allot of good plans and coaches out there, I wanted something simple and structured for not so much money. Good luck.
Dave Burns
Nov 2, 09 18:11
Post #14 of 25 (865 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [chrisjones]
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Here is a link to a half plan posted within Trifuel's website...
www.trifuel.com/triathlon-training/Half-Ironman-Training.php
mjpwooo
Nov 2, 09 18:11
Post #15 of 25 (861 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [beltro]
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Go to Beginnertriathlete.com. Click on Plans, and you'll see some written by Mike Ricci. For a small upgrade to the site, you can post questions directly to the coaches (and to Mike).
Total out of pocket might be $150 for 6 months or so, but that's a guess.
Also, for direct coaches, Mike Plumb is $85/month.
Either Mike gets two thumbs up from me. I know that's not in your subject, but want to give you some options.
thejoey
Nov 3, 09 10:07
Post #16 of 25 (697 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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just don't do ironguides.
if you do MAO, make sure you get MA to answer your questions. LV doesn't know that much.
if you go on the www.teamtbb.com forum, brett will answer your questions. he's great!
www.siri-lindley.com is also very good!!!
kesslergk
Nov 3, 09 10:21
Post #17 of 25 (668 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [mjpwooo]
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At BT if you want all the plans and no forum coaching above and beyond the generic website, it is $80 per year. If you want access to the coaching forum, price rises to a whopping $160 per year. I have done both. If you really like to ask questions, Mike Ricci and his staff are very good. If you just want a plan, then go for the $80. Good features over there for importing plans into calendar and looking at planned vs. actual training, etc.
Gordon
tommo
Nov 3, 09 10:29
Post #18 of 25 (658 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [thejoey]
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Aren't ironguides and team tbb fairly similar in their aproach? In fact I thought I read somewhere that they were affiliated in some way.
Tommo
thejoey
Nov 3, 09 11:03
Post #19 of 25 (619 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [tommo]
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NO they are in no way affiliated what so ever!
IG 'may think' they fellow brett's method, but they don't and advertise as such. the reality is no.
just read the team tbb forum and there is no similarities. IG actually put brett down on his coaching age groupers. which is a total joke, he turns age groupers into pro's, if they want to, that is :)
I got adrenal fatigue from IG coaching (marc and vinnie). brett saw my program and said the intensity and volume were way out of balanced for me.
IG coaches don't know what they are doing, they don't listen to feedback and think they know everything.
they got a little knowledge from brett but not everything, so it's turned out to be a bad thing.
Andre Bennatan
Nov 3, 09 18:58
Post #20 of 25 (500 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [thejoey]
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Not sure if this forum is appropriate for gratuitus personal attacks.
For what it's worth, we at Kiwami were honored to have been invited to support MAO. And now, we are very proud to be associated with their outstanding results.
Kiwami US
http://www.kiwamitri.com
contact@kiwamitri.com
beltro
Nov 3, 09 20:55
Post #21 of 25 (445 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [thejoey]
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Interesting. Luis answered multiple questions of mine and I always got something I could use out of his responses. To each their own I guess....
tsmagnum
Nov 3, 09 21:04
Post #22 of 25 (429 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [beltro]
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Ditto. Mark has been great. Luis has been great. Every question I've ever emailed about my personal training program has been answered within a day. Sometimes, they both send a reply and they have been similar answers.
rabid sloth
Nov 3, 09 21:11
Post #23 of 25 (423 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [Andre Bennatan]
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I agree. As a side note I have used both. LV was helpful and has a long history with the sport. Also used PH at Multisports. He is a riot. Hard for me to compare the two, as I used MAO, but in person for Multisports. In person should always be better.
LoganL
Nov 3, 09 22:30
Post #24 of 25 (388 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [beltro]
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Interesting indeed. I have had nothing but great results using the ironguides plans. They also always answer to questions on their forum.
scb
Nov 4, 09 20:18
Post #25 of 25 (230 views)
Re: Multisports vs. Mark Allen Online for First IM [scb]
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Thanks for all of the great feedback. Seems that either way I can't lose.
I'll update once I've got some time on the plan (decision tbd).
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