It All Starts With a Great Plan
Behind every great race there's a great training plan. If you’re looking for the best plan to help you achieve your race goals, you've come to the right place.
Developed by acclaimed triathlon writer and expert Matt Fitzgerald, Triathlete.com Online Training Plans are super time-efficient, easy to follow, and based on the most cutting-edge training methods.
And with 10 different levels for the Olympic distance, there’s a perfect fit for every triathlete, regardless of experience and ability level.
What You Get:
- A complete 16-week training plan that culminates in the race of your choice
- A personal training calendar powered by TrainingPeaks
- Daily workout reminders emailed to you daily
- Weekly tips and goals
- Supporting documents with information on workout intensity, strength training and more
Olympic Distance Triathlon Training Plans By Matt Fitzgerald
click plan name for plan description
This is your bare-bones Olympic distance training plan – the minimal training you need to do to complete such as race without suffering inordinately.
It is well suited to beginning triathletes who want to start with an Olympic distance race, and to any triathlete who wants or needs to prepare for such a race with a low-volume training plan. There are only 6 scheduled workouts a typical week: 2 swims, 2 rides, and 2 runs. In weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, a 10-minute transition run is tacked onto the end of Saturday’s bike ride. In weeks 10 and 14 a bike-run brick workout takes the place of Sunday’s run.
The plan is 16 weeks in length and includes an optional sprint distance tune-up race at the end of Week 12. The base phase is six weeks long and the build and peak phases five weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final one is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled for week 12. If you don’t have the opportunity to do one, do a brick workout instead.
It begins with 1,600 yards of swimming, 1 hour of cycling, and 50 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 3,000 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 5 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 41 minutes of running in Week 15.
It is well suited to beginning triathletes who want to start with an Olympic distance race, and to any triathlete who wants or needs to prepare for such a race with a low-volume training plan. There are only 6 scheduled workouts a typical week: 2 swims, 2 rides, and 2 runs. In weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, a 10-minute transition run is tacked onto the end of Saturday’s bike ride. In weeks 10 and 14 a bike-run brick workout takes the place of Sunday’s run.
The plan is 16 weeks in length and includes an optional sprint distance tune-up race at the end of Week 12. The base phase is six weeks long and the build and peak phases five weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final one is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled for week 12. If you don’t have the opportunity to do one, do a brick workout instead.
It begins with 1,600 yards of swimming, 1 hour of cycling, and 50 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 3,000 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 5 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 41 minutes of running in Week 15.
This training plan is no joke. Tackle it only if you can look at yourself in a mirror and say, “I’m ready for elite-level triathlon training,” without blinking or laughing.
The plan is 16 weeks long. The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
In a typical week there are 12 scheduled workouts: 4 swims, 4 rides, and 4 runs. An extra 10-minute transition run follows Friday’s bike ride in weeks 2, 4, and 6. In weeks 8, 10, and 14, Saturday’s bike and run workouts are combined into a single bike-run brick workout.
The Level 10 plan begins with 9,100 yards (meters) of swimming, 5 hours and 40 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 58 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 13,050 yards (meters) of swimming, 8 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 25 minutes of running in Week 15.
The plan is 16 weeks long. The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
In a typical week there are 12 scheduled workouts: 4 swims, 4 rides, and 4 runs. An extra 10-minute transition run follows Friday’s bike ride in weeks 2, 4, and 6. In weeks 8, 10, and 14, Saturday’s bike and run workouts are combined into a single bike-run brick workout.
The Level 10 plan begins with 9,100 yards (meters) of swimming, 5 hours and 40 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 58 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 13,050 yards (meters) of swimming, 8 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 25 minutes of running in Week 15.
This plan is well suited to beginning triathletes who want to start with an Olympic distance race, and to any triathlete who wants or needs to prepare for such a race with a low-volume training plan. There are only 6 scheduled workouts a typical week: 2 swims, 2 rides, and 2 runs. In weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, a 10-minute transition run is tacked onto the end of Saturday’s bike ride. In weeks 10 and 14 a bike-run brick workout takes the place of Sunday’s run.
The plan is 16 weeks in length and includes an optional sprint distance tune-up race at the end of Week 12. The base phase is six weeks long and the build and peak phases five weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final one is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled for week 12. If you don’t have the opportunity to do one, do a brick workout instead.
If you want the comfort of building a little more than the minimum amount of fitness you’ll need to successfully complete an Olympic distance triathlon, use this plan instead of the Level 1 plan, which is truly bare bones. The Level 2 plan begins with 1,900 yards of swimming, 1 hour and 30 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour of running in Week 1. It peaks with 3,300 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 10 minutes of cycling (with a tougher tempo workout than in the Level 1 plan), and 1 hour and 48 minutes of running in Week 15.
The plan is 16 weeks in length and includes an optional sprint distance tune-up race at the end of Week 12. The base phase is six weeks long and the build and peak phases five weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final one is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled for week 12. If you don’t have the opportunity to do one, do a brick workout instead.
If you want the comfort of building a little more than the minimum amount of fitness you’ll need to successfully complete an Olympic distance triathlon, use this plan instead of the Level 1 plan, which is truly bare bones. The Level 2 plan begins with 1,900 yards of swimming, 1 hour and 30 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour of running in Week 1. It peaks with 3,300 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 10 minutes of cycling (with a tougher tempo workout than in the Level 1 plan), and 1 hour and 48 minutes of running in Week 15.
This plan offers a good balance between time efficiency and results. Like the Level 1 and Level 2 plans, it features only 6 scheduled workouts in a typical week--2 swims, 2 rides, and 2 runs--but the workouts are more challenging to suit those who don't just want to finish but want to finish well.
In weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, a 10-minute transition run is tacked onto the end of Saturday’s bike ride. In weeks 10 and 14 a bike-run brick workout takes the place of Sunday’s run.
The plan is 16 weeks in length and includes an optional sprint distance tune-up race at the end of Week 12. The base phase is six weeks long and the build and peak phases five weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final one is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled for week 12. If you don’t have the opportunity to do one, do a brick workout instead.
The Level 3 plan begins with 2,300 yards of swimming, 1 hour and 30 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 10 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 3,700 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours of running in Week 15.
In weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, a 10-minute transition run is tacked onto the end of Saturday’s bike ride. In weeks 10 and 14 a bike-run brick workout takes the place of Sunday’s run.
The plan is 16 weeks in length and includes an optional sprint distance tune-up race at the end of Week 12. The base phase is six weeks long and the build and peak phases five weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final one is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled for week 12. If you don’t have the opportunity to do one, do a brick workout instead.
The Level 3 plan begins with 2,300 yards of swimming, 1 hour and 30 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 10 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 3,700 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours of running in Week 15.
This training plan is designed to prepare you for a successful Olympic-Distance triathlon performance in 16 weeks. In a typical week there are 9 scheduled workouts: 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. In Weeks 2, 4, and 6, a 10-minute transition run follows Saturday’s bike ride. In Weeks, 8, 10, and 14, a bike-run brick workout replaces Saturday’s ride.
The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
Choose this plan if you are relatively new to doubling (doing two workouts in one day, as this plan requires 3 times a week). It begins with 3,900 yards of swimming, 3 hours of cycling, and 1 hour and 53 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 6,950 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 52 minutes of running in Week 15.
The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
Choose this plan if you are relatively new to doubling (doing two workouts in one day, as this plan requires 3 times a week). It begins with 3,900 yards of swimming, 3 hours of cycling, and 1 hour and 53 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 6,950 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 52 minutes of running in Week 15.
This training plan is designed to prepare you for a successful Olympic-Distance triathlon performance in 16 weeks. In a typical week there are 9 scheduled workouts: 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. In Weeks 2, 4, and 6, a 10-minute transition run follows Saturday’s bike ride. In Weeks, 8, 10, and 14, a bike-run brick workout replaces Saturday’s ride.
The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
In this plan the emphasis is on time efficiency within the 9-workouts-per-week framework, but the average workout is a little more challenging than in the Level 4 plan for those who are looking to improve on past performances. The plan begins with 4,400 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 53 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 7,650 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 9 minutes of running in Week 15.
The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
In this plan the emphasis is on time efficiency within the 9-workouts-per-week framework, but the average workout is a little more challenging than in the Level 4 plan for those who are looking to improve on past performances. The plan begins with 4,400 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 53 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 7,650 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 9 minutes of running in Week 15.
This training plan is designed to prepare you for a successful Olympic-Distance triathlon performance in 16 weeks. In a typical week there are 9 scheduled workouts: 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. In Weeks 2, 4, and 6, a 10-minute transition run follows Saturday’s bike ride. In Weeks, 8, 10, and 14, a bike-run brick workout replaces Saturday’s ride.
The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
If you’re chasing age-group prizes but still want to keep a sensible ceiling on your training volume, this plan should be a good fit. It begins with 5,000 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 8 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 8,100 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 16 minutes of running in Week 15.
The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
If you’re chasing age-group prizes but still want to keep a sensible ceiling on your training volume, this plan should be a good fit. It begins with 5,000 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 8 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 8,100 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 16 minutes of running in Week 15.
This training plan is designed to prepare you for a successful Olympic-Distance triathlon performance in 16 weeks. In a typical week there are 9 scheduled workouts: 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. In Weeks 2, 4, and 6, a 10-minute transition run follows Saturday’s bike ride. In Weeks, 8, 10, and 14, a bike-run brick workout replaces Saturday’s ride.
The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
This plan packs a whole lot of specific Olympic-distance training into 9 total workouts per week. The plan begins with 5,500 yards of swimming, 4 hours of cycling, and 2 hours and 11 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 8,700 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 23 minutes of running in Week 15.
The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
This plan packs a whole lot of specific Olympic-distance training into 9 total workouts per week. The plan begins with 5,500 yards of swimming, 4 hours of cycling, and 2 hours and 11 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 8,700 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 23 minutes of running in Week 15.
This training plan is very challenging and will suffice to prepare you for a very competitive Olympic-distance triathlon race performance. The workouts in this plan are slightly less demanding than those in the Level 9 and Level 10 plans, so it will probably be a good fit if you are not accustomed to doing two workouts per day, six days a week, but you feel prepared to do so now.
The plan is 16 weeks long. The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
In a typical week there are 12 scheduled workouts: 4 swims, 4 rides, and 4 runs. An extra 10-minute transition run follows Friday’s bike ride in weeks 2, 4, and 6. In weeks 8, 10, and 14, Saturday’s bike and run workouts are combined into a single bike-run brick workout.
The plan begins with 7,750 yards (meters) of swimming, 4 hours and 25 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 38 minutes of running in week 1. It peaks with 11,900 yards (meters) of swimming, 6 hours and 50 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 53 minutes of running in Week 15.
The plan is 16 weeks long. The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
In a typical week there are 12 scheduled workouts: 4 swims, 4 rides, and 4 runs. An extra 10-minute transition run follows Friday’s bike ride in weeks 2, 4, and 6. In weeks 8, 10, and 14, Saturday’s bike and run workouts are combined into a single bike-run brick workout.
The plan begins with 7,750 yards (meters) of swimming, 4 hours and 25 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 38 minutes of running in week 1. It peaks with 11,900 yards (meters) of swimming, 6 hours and 50 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 53 minutes of running in Week 15.
Choose this plan if you have serious competitive ambitions at the Olympic distance but you still need a little more development time before you reach your personal limit. (In other words, Level 10 can wait a year or two.)
The plan is 16 weeks long. The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
In a typical week there are 12 scheduled workouts: 4 swims, 4 rides, and 4 runs. An extra 10-minute transition run follows Friday’s bike ride in weeks 2, 4, and 6. In weeks 8, 10, and 14, Saturday’s bike and run workouts are combined into a single bike-run brick workout.
The plan begins with 8,550 yards (meters) of swimming, 5 hours and 5 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 48 minutes of running in week 1. It peaks with 12,400 yards (meters) of swimming, 7 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 10 minutes of running in Week 15.
The plan is 16 weeks long. The base phase lasts 6 weeks and the build and peak phases last 5 weeks apiece. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 are recovery weeks and the final week is a taper week. An optional tune-up sprint triathlon is scheduled at the end of Week 12. If you can’t find a sprint triathlon to do at that time, or if you prefer not to do one then, just do the alternative brick workout instead.
In a typical week there are 12 scheduled workouts: 4 swims, 4 rides, and 4 runs. An extra 10-minute transition run follows Friday’s bike ride in weeks 2, 4, and 6. In weeks 8, 10, and 14, Saturday’s bike and run workouts are combined into a single bike-run brick workout.
The plan begins with 8,550 yards (meters) of swimming, 5 hours and 5 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 48 minutes of running in week 1. It peaks with 12,400 yards (meters) of swimming, 7 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 10 minutes of running in Week 15.
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