Lionel Sanders’ 2024 schedule? A work in progress
The two-time Ironman World Championship runner-up reveals ambitious swim schedule
Photo by:
Kevin Mackinnon
Canadian star Lionel Sanders told us earlier this year that he would be focusing on the Ironman Pro Series rather than the T100 Triathlon World Tour. We knew that he’ll be part of the stellar field that will line up at Ironman 70.3 Oceanside, and in his latest YouTube video post (see below), we learn that he’ll be racing at Ironman 70.3 St. George in early May, too.
“After that we have no idea what we’re doing,” Sanders said. “We’re spending this year getting back to basics and getting into good form. We do need to race, though.”
To win, or at least do well in the Ironman Pro Series, Sanders will have to compete in at least two Ironman races. He said he’s still not certain when he’ll compete in a full-distance race.
“I’m not ready to do an Ironman yet, the damage is deep,” Sanders said. “I’m not where I need to be to be competitive, so I’m not keen to do an Ironman just for the sake of doing an Ironman. We’re just keep grinding until we get the swim and the bike and the run into a place where I’m confident I can perform well … Hopefully by July that will happen.
Days off
In the video Sanders also provided some insight on his latest block of training. Sanders said he’s been swimming seven days a week, averaging 40,000 yards (36,500 m), but feels he’ll need to start backing off on that ambitious schedule soon.
“In the past I used to take a complete off day,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong – zeros (a day off) are important, every now and then. But logging zeros, frequently, I’m not sure if that’s going to get you to the top level. It’s a balancing act, for sure.”
