Navigating the Ironman Journey: Balancing Training and Life with Jeremy Dutton

/February 21, 2024

In the latest installment of our series “Enjoying the Journey,” we catch up with Ironman in training athlete Jeremy Dutton. Jeremy shares how the past month of how navigating the Ironman journey has progressed. He provides insights into his training routine, the challenges he faces, and the delicate balance between pursuing his passion for Ironman Maryland and managing the various facets of his life.

Finding Balance Amidst Challenges

Jeremy reflects on his training, acknowledging the hurdles he encountered during the week of Christmas. “It has its ebbs and flows,” Jeremy admits. With a demanding work schedule of two jobs totaling 75 hours a week and unexpected roadblocks like closed pools and illness, Jeremy faced burnout. However, he emphasizes the importance of adjusting and finding balance, reducing his second job hours to 30 per week and strategically rearranging his training schedule.

The Art of Flexibility in Training

One of the key challenges for Jeremy is aligning his training schedule with his coach’s plan. “I do miss some stuff,” Jeremy confesses, referring to his Training Peaks calendar. Within that same calendar, he adapts workouts to accommodate pool availability and his commitments at the rescue squad. Jeremy shares how flexibility is crucial for maintaining a sustainable training routine, allowing him to pivot between recovery and intense workout days based on unforeseen circumstances.

Mental Strategies for Endurance

Jeremy discussed the mental aspect of his training with regards to how he manages heart rate zones during runs and power wattage during bike sessions. “I shoot for my zone two to be, 137 to 140,” Jeremy reveals, shedding light on the psychological tricks he employs to stay within his zones. He works towards ensuring a controlled and effective training session by staying on top of his heart rate zones. By focusing on his heart rate zones Jeremy is able to gauge his progress. It is in those moments where he can reflect on the past. He can take solace in the progress, even if ‘small.’ The mental tricks allow Jeremy to continue training with a positive outlook toward his fitness.

Evaluating Progress and Building Confidence

When asked about his progress in each discipline along with his perceived strengths and weaknesses, Jeremy is very self-reflective. Despite initial concerns about his run, Jeremy reveals his coach’s confidence in his overall progress. “According to my coach, I’m not behind on anything. I’m where I need to be,” Jeremy proudly asserts. He describes specific improvements in swim times and bike performance, showcasing the evolution of his capabilities.

Navigating the Path to Eagleman

As Eagleman looms closer on the horizon, Jeremy outlines his strategy for training beyond the requirements of a 70.3 Ironman. By pushing his boundaries in swim, bike, and run distances, he aims to enter Eagleman with a mental advantage, feeling fresher at each transition. “My goal is to be at a point where my long bike rides by Eagleman are closer to 70, 75 miles,” Jeremy envisions. Eagleman will be important for his success but his training is focused on Ironman Maryland. This long-term view of the year will allow him to be ready for Eagleman without the focus of 70.3 specific training.

Grading the Journey

In an honest self-assessment, Jeremy grades himself on life balance and training progress. “I would say in balancing life, I’m closer to a c plus right now,” Jeremy admits. While acknowledging areas for improvement, he expresses contentment with his consistency in key workouts and strategic training decisions. His self-assessed grade is better in this area than it is in balancing life and training. ‘I’m comparing training this year to past training sessions, and honestly, I would say I’m a B+ with that. I’m very consistent with hitting my big workouts.’ Jeremy tells us.

As he works towards Eagleman and the ultimate goal of Ironman Maryland, Jeremy’s journey is reflective of the various parts of life that everyday athletes must handle. Focusing too much in one area can lead to poor performance in a mother. The journey to an Ironman start and finish line is riddled with obstacles. How an athlete addresses those obstacles will ultimately lead to how well they perform in the race.

In the next installment of “Enjoying the Journey,” we continue to follow how Jeremy is navigating the Ironman journey. We will be exploring how he tackles new challenges and what he does to overcome them. How will he maintain the delicate equilibrium between training and life? Stay tuned for more insights into the inspiring journey of an athlete determined to conquer Ironman Maryland.

Jason Bahamundi Run Tri Bike Magazine Owner Triathlete Ultra Runner Trail Runner

Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run Tri Bike, is a passionate and accomplished endurance athlete dedicated to proving that there is a spot at the starting line for everybody and every body. With a background deeply rooted in the world of triathlons, running, and cycling, Jason has not only excelled in his personal athletic endeavors but is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive world of endurance sports. This led him to establish Run Tri Bike, a platform that serves as a hub for enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources. Jason's genuine enthusiasm for endurance sports, continues to inspire individuals to pursue their goals and embrace the transformative power of an endurance sports lifestyle.