The Cutting-Edge Runner 10K Training Plan, Level 1, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 10K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 3 times per week, 25 to 30 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 3 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week and an optional cross-training workout. It begins with a weekly total of 1 hour and 20 minutes of running and builds up to 2 hours and 34 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:25 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:05 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 10K Training Plan, Level 2, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 10K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, 30 to 40 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 10 minutes of running and builds up to 3 hours and 27 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:30 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:15 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 10K Training Plan, Level 3, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 10K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, 35 to 45 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 25 minutes of running and builds up to 3 hours and 35 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:30 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:20 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 10K Training Plan, Level 4, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 10K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, 35 to 60 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 54 minutes of running and builds up to 3 hours and 49 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:35 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:30 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 10K Training Plan, Level 5, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 10K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, 35 to 55 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 3 hours and 24 minutes of running and builds up to 4 hours and 29 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:35 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:35 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 10K Training Plan, Level 6, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 10K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, 35 to 60 minutes per run. You should also have recent experience with high-intensity workouts such as speed intervals and tempo runs before starting this plan. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week and an optional cross-training workout. It begins with a weekly total of 3 hours and 37 minutes of running and builds up to 4 hours and 39 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:35 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:40 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Mixed Intervals: Runs featuring a mix of short and long intervals run in a variety of Pace Zones. Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 10K Training Plan, Level 7, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 10K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, 40 to 60 minutes per run. You should also have recent experience with high-intensity workouts such as speed intervals and tempo runs before starting this plan. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 4 hours and 5 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 14 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 40 to 55 minutes done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:45 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Mixed Intervals: Runs featuring a mix of short and long intervals run in a variety of Pace Zones. Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 10K Training Plan, Level 8, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 10K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, 40 to 60 minutes per run. You should also have recent experience with high-intensity workouts such as speed intervals and tempo runs before starting this plan. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 4 hours and 8 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 33 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 40 to 55 minutes done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:50 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Mixed Intervals: Runs featuring a mix of short and long intervals run in a variety of Pace Zones. Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 10K Training Plan, Level 9, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 10K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, 40 to 70 minutes per run. You should also have recent experience with high-intensity workouts such as speed intervals and tempo runs before starting this plan. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week and an optional cross-training workout. It begins with a weekly total of 4 hours and 26 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 51 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:40 to 0:45 minutes done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 2:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Mixed Intervals: Runs featuring a mix of short and long intervals run in a variety of Pace Zones. Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 0, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 3 times per week, 20-25 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 3 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week and an optional cross-training workout. It begins with a weekly total of 1 hour and 5 minutes of running and builds up to 1 hour and 49 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading this training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady, 20-45-minute runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to allow your body to fully absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning your training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 1, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 3 times per week, 22 to 30 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 3 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week and an optional cross-training workout. It begins with a weekly total of 1 hour and 14 minutes of running and builds up to 2 hours and 2 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady, 20-50-minute runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 2, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 3 times per week, 25 to 30 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 3 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week and an optional cross-training workout. It begins with a weekly total of 1 hour and 20 minutes of running and builds up to 2 hours and 16 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady, 25-55-minute runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 3, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, 25 to 30 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 1 hour and 45 minutes of running and builds up to 3 hours and 7 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady, 25-55-minute runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by a set of 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady, 1-hour runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 4, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, 30 to 35 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 1 hour and 45 minutes of running and builds up to 3 hours and 13 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady, 30-55-minute runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:05 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 5, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, 30 to 40 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 10 minutes of running and builds up to 3 hours and 23 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady, 30-45-minute runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 0:55 to 1:15 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 6, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, 30 to 45 minutes per run. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 55 minutes of running and builds up to 4 hours and 3 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady, 30-55-minute runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:15 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run an Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment at Threshold pace Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 7, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, 35 to 50 minutes per run. You should also have recent experience with high-intensity workouts such as speed intervals and tempo runs before starting this plan. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 3 hours and 14 minutes of running and builds up to 4 hours and 12 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady, 30-55-minute runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:20 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 8, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, 35 to 55 minutes per run. You should also have recent experience with high-intensity workouts such as speed intervals and tempo runs before starting this plan. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 to 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week and an optional cross-training workout. It begins with a weekly total of 3 hours and 54 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 25 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady, 35-55-minute runs mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:25 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Mixed Intervals: Runs featuring both short and long intervals run in a variety of pace zones Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 9, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, 40 to 60 minutes per run. You should also have recent experience with high-intensity workouts such as speed intervals and tempo runs before starting this plan. The first 3 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 9 to 12 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 12 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-3 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week and an optional cross-training workout. It begins with a weekly total of 4 hours and 20 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 39 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:40 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:30 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Mixed Intervals: Runs featuring short and long intervals run in a variety of pace zones Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 7, and 10 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

This training plan is designed for first-time half Ironman participants who want to do just enough training for a successful finish. The plan is 20 weeks long. It begins with an 8-week base phase, followed by a 6-week build phase and a 6-week peak phase. Odd-numbered training weeks include 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. Weeks 2, 6 and so forth include 3 swims, 2 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout. Weeks 4, 8 and so forth include 3 swims, 3 rides, 2 runs, and a bike-run brick. Every fourth week is a recovery week. Optional tune-up triathlons are scheduled in Week 12 (sprint) and Week 16 (Olympic distance). The final 10 days of each plan constitute a tapering period. The plan begins with 3,900 yards of swimming, 2 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 45 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 6,700 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 20 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 7 minutes of running in Week 17.

The Level 8-10 training plans are designed for those who are looking to achieve a lifetime peak performance at the half-Ironman distance. If time is no object and you have trained as much as 18 to 20 hours a week in the past, then choose this Level 10 training plan. The plan is 20 weeks long and comprise an 8-week base phase, a 6-week build phase, and a 6-week peak phase. It includes two optional tune-up races: a sprint at the end of Week 12 and an Olympic distance race at the end of Week 16. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the last 10 days constitute a tapering period. You will train 4 times per week in each discipline. This includes a weekly bike-run brick workout. The brick falls on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The Level 10 plan begins with 8,500 yards of swimming, 6 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 56 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 12,850 yards of swimming, 10 hours and 10 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 55 minutes of running in Week 17.

If you can handle the Level 1 plan, which prescribes the minimum training needed for a successful half-Ironman finish, you can probably handle this plan, which offers a little more than the minimum . The plan is 20 weeks long. It begins with an 8-week base phase, followed by a 6-week build phase and a 6-week peak phase. Odd-numbered training weeks include 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. Weeks 2, 6 and so forth include 3 swims, 2 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout. Weeks 4, 8 and so forth include 3 swims, 3 rides, 2 runs, and a bike-run brick. Every fourth week is a recovery week. Optional tune-up triathlons are scheduled in Week 12 (sprint) and Week 16 (Olympic distance). The final 10 days of each plan constitute a tapering period. The Level 2 plan begins with 4,300 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 5 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 55 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 6,700 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 55 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 19 minutes of running in Week 17.

This training plan will prepare you for a successful half- Ironman finish in 20 weeks. Choose this plan if you are starting with a decent level of triathlon fitness but you want to follow a training plan with a manageable schedule of 9 workouts per week. The Level 3 plan is 20 weeks long. It begins with an 8-week base phase, followed by a 6-week build phase and a 6-week peak phase. Odd-numbered training weeks include 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. Weeks 2, 6 and so forth include 3 swims, 2 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout. Weeks 4, 8 and so forth include 3 swims, 3 rides, 2 runs, and a bike-run brick. Every fourth week is a recovery week. Optional tune-up triathlons are scheduled in Week 12 (sprint) and Week 16 (Olympic distance). The final 10 days of each plan constitute a tapering period. The Level 3 plan begins with 4,500 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours of running in Week 1. It peaks with 7,550 yards of swimming, 6 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 36 minutes of running in Week 17.

This training plan will prepare you for a successful half- Ironman finish in 20 weeks. It will be a good fit for you if your half-Ironman goal is more ambitious than just finishing, yet time efficiency is very important to you in your training. The Level 3 plan is 20 weeks long. It begins with an 8-week base phase, followed by a 6-week build phase and a 6-week peak phase. Odd-numbered training weeks include 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. Weeks 2, 6 and so forth include 3 swims, 2 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout. Weeks 4, 8 and so forth include 3 swims, 3 rides, 2 runs, and a bike-run brick. Every fourth week is a recovery week. Optional tune-up triathlons are scheduled in Week 12 (sprint) and Week 16 (Olympic distance). The final 10 days of each plan constitute a tapering period. The Level 4 plan begins with 4,900 yards of swimming, 3 hours 55 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 15 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 8,000 yards of swimming, 7 hours and 5 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 53 minutes of running in Week 17.

This training plan is best suited to triathletes aiming to better their performance in previous half Ironmans using a highly time-efficient training plan. The Level 5 plan is 20 weeks long and comprises an 8-week base phase and 6-week build and peak phases. A typical training week includes 3 swims, 3 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout. The brick workouts fall on Wednesday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. Every fourth week is a recovery week. The final 10 days of the plan constitute a taper period. Two tune-up races are scheduled. A sprint race is schedule in Week 12 and an Olympic distance race in Week 16. If you are unable to find opportunities for tune-up races you will do additional brick workouts instead. The plan begins with 4,500 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 10 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 7,400 yards of swimming, 7 hours and 50 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 38 minutes of running in Week 17.

Choose this training plan if you are willing and ready to work very hard to achieve a great half-Ironman performance, but you don’t want even an ounce of waste in your training schedule. The Level 6 plan is 20 weeks long and comprises an 8-week base phase and 6-week build and peak phases. A typical training week includes 3 swims, 3 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout. The brick workouts fall on Wednesday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. Every fourth week is a recovery week. The final 10 days of the plan constitute a taper period. Two tune-up races are scheduled. A sprint race is schedule in Week 12 and an Olympic distance race in Week 16. If you are unable to find opportunities for tune-up races you will do additional brick workouts instead. The Level 6 plan begins with 5,200 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 40 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 23 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 8,000 yards of swimming, 8 hours and 25 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 3 minutes of running in Week 17.

Choose this plan if you wish you could quit your job and train full time for a half-Ironman, but you can’t. The best you can do is pack as much high-quality training in your limited free time as possible, which is what this plan offers. The Level 7 plan is 20 weeks long and comprises an 8-week base phase and 6-week build and peak phases. A typical training week includes 3 swims, 3 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout. The brick workouts fall on Wednesday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. Every fourth week is a recovery week. The final 10 days of the plan constitute a taper period. Two tune-up races are scheduled. A sprint race is schedule in Week 12 and an Olympic distance race in Week 16. If you are unable to find opportunities for tune-up races you will do additional brick workouts instead. The Level 7 plan begins with 5,900 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 55 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 31 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 8,650 yards of swimming, 9 hours of cycling, and 4 hours and 18 minutes of running in Week 17.

The Level 8-10 training plans are designed for those who are looking to achieve a lifetime peak performance at the half-Ironman distance. Choose the Level 8 plan if you are ready for a very heavy training schedule, but not the heaviest. There’s a little restraint in the workouts that comprise this plan to suit those who don’t want to risk overdoing it, yet are very competitive. The plan is 20 weeks long and comprise an 8-week base phase, a 6-week build phase, and a 6-week peak phase. It includes two optional tune-up races: a sprint at the end of Week 12 and an Olympic distance race at the end of Week 16. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the last 10 days constitute a tapering period. You will train 4 times per week in each discipline. This includes a weekly bike-run brick workout. The brick falls on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The Level 8 plan begins with 7,550 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 31 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 11,850 yards of swimming, 9 hours and 5 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 21 minutes of running in Week 17.

The Level 8-10 training plans are designed for those who are looking to achieve a lifetime peak performance at the half-Ironman distance. If you are almost willing and able to train as hard as any triathlete, but not quite, choose this Level 9 training plan. The plan is 20 weeks long and comprise an 8-week base phase, a 6-week build phase, and a 6-week peak phase. It includes two optional tune-up races: a sprint at the end of Week 12 and an Olympic distance race at the end of Week 16. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the last 10 days constitute a tapering period. You will train 4 times per week in each discipline. This includes a weekly bike-run brick workout. The brick falls on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The Level 9 plan begins with 8,050 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 46 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 12,250 yards of swimming, 9 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 48 minutes of running in Week 17.

The Cutting-Edge Runner Half-MarathonTraining Plan, Level 0, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful half-marathon race in 12 to 16 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, up to 40 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 10 minutes of running and builds up to 3 hours and 49 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:20 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 1:40 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12. If you can't find a suitable 10K race to do that day, you may run a 10K time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner Half-MarathonTraining Plan, Level 1, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful half-marathon race in 12 to 16 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, up to 45 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 20 minutes of running and builds up to 4 hours and 6 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:30 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:05 to 1:45 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12. If you can't find a suitable 10K race to do that day, you may run a 10K time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner Half-MarathonTraining Plan, Level 2, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful half-marathon race in 12 to 16 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, up to 45 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 31 minutes of running and builds up to 4 hours and 6 minutes. (Although the total amount of weekly running is not much greater than in the Level 1 plan, this plan features more high-intensity running.) All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:30 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:05 to 1:50 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12. If you can't find a suitable 10K race to do that day, you may run a 10K time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner Half-MarathonTraining Plan, Level 3, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful half-marathon race in 12 to 16 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, up to 45 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week (except every 4th week, which has only 4 runs), plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 51 minutes of running and builds up to 4 hours and 41 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:30 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:05 to 1:50 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12. If you can't find a suitable 10K race to do that day, you may run a 10K time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner Half-MarathonTraining Plan, Level 4, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful half-marathon race in 12 to 16 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, up to 50 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 56 minutes of running and builds up to 4 hours and 31 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:30 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:05 to 1:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12. If you can't find a suitable 10K race to do that day, you may run a 10K time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner Half-MarathonTraining Plan, Level 5, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful half-marathon race in 12 to 16 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, up to 50 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 3 hours and 11 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 1 minute. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:35 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 2:10 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12. If you can't find a suitable 10K race to do that day, you may run a 10K time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner Half-MarathonTraining Plan, Level 6, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful half-marathon race in 12 to 16 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, up to 55 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week and an optional cross-training workout. It begins with a weekly total of 3 hours and 16 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 4 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:35 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 2:10 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12. If you can't find a suitable 10K race to do that day, you may run a 10K time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner Half-MarathonTraining Plan, Level 7, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful half-marathon race in 12 to 16 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, up to 1 hour per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 3 hours and 41 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 47 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:35 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 2:20 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12. If you can't find a suitable 10K race to do that day, you may run a 10K time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 8, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful 5K race in 9 to 12 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, up to 1 hour and 10 minutes per run. You should also have recent experience with high-intensity workouts such as speed intervals and tempo runs before starting this plan. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 4 hours and 20 minutes of running and builds up to 6 hours and 39 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:40 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:05 to 2:30 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner 5K Training Plan, Level 9, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful half-marathon race in 12 to 16 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, up to 1 hour and 20 minutes per run. You should also have recent experience with high-intensity workouts such as speed intervals and tempo runs before starting this plan. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 12 to 16 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 16 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts and one optional cross-training workout per week. It begins with a weekly total of 4 hours and 30 minutes of running and builds up to 6 hours and 44 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:40 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:05 to 2:30 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Fartlek Runs: Foundation-type runs including 30-second bursts at VO2max pace (Pace Zone 8) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60- to 90-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Week 16 – race week – is a taper week, meaning training tapers down during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

This plan offers the minimal training you need for a successful Ironman finish. And by successful I mean finishing strong, not limping across the line and falling on your face! The Level 1 training plan features 9 workouts per week, with relatively short workouts during the week and all of the long ones crammed into the weekends. In the odd-numbered weeks you’ll do 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. In weeks 2, 6, and so forth, you will do a brick workout instead of a ride on Saturday, which effectively adds a fourth run to your schedule. In weeks 4, 8, and so forth, you will do a brick workout on Sunday instead of a run, which effectively adds a fourth ride to the schedule. The plan is 24 weeks long, which is the optimal amount of specific preparation time for an Ironman. Each phase – base, build, and peak – is 8 weeks long. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are three optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 1 plan begins with 4,300 yard of swimming, 2 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 51 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 8,600 yards of swimming, 8 hours and 50 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 45 minutes of running in Week 22. (Note that, including the brick workout, this is a week with 4 rides and 3 runs, so the total cycling time is higher and the running time lower than in weeks 21 and 23.)

If your goal is to win an Ironman, or you wish to train as well as those who do win Ironmans, use this training plan. In the Level 10 plan you will swim, cycle, and run each 4 times a week. This weekly workout schedule includes a bike-run brick workout, which takes place on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The plan is 24 weeks long. The base, build, and peak phases last 8 weeks apiece. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are 3 optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 10 plan begins with 9,300 yards of swimming, 6 hours and 40 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 13 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 15,375 yards of swimming, 11 hours and 20 minutes of cycling, and 5 hours and 30 minutes of running in Week 22.

Like the Level 2 training plans for shorter distances, this plan offers a small training “cushion” so you can start your Ironman with a little more certainty that you’re prepared to finish strong. The Level 2 training plan features 9 workouts per week, with relatively short workouts during the week and all of the long ones crammed into the weekends. In the odd-numbered weeks you’ll do 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. In weeks 2, 6, and so forth, you will do a brick workout instead of a ride on Saturday, which effectively adds a fourth run to your schedule. In weeks 4, 8, and so forth, you will do a brick workout on Sunday instead of a run, which effectively adds a fourth ride to the schedule. The plan is 24 weeks long, which is the optimal amount of specific preparation time for an Ironman. Each phase – base, build, and peak – is 8 weeks long. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are three optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 2 plan begins with 4,700 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 5 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 1 minute of running in Week 1. It peaks with 9,100 yards of swimming, 9 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 47 minutes of running in Week 22. (Note that, including the brick workout, this is a week with 4 rides and 3 runs, so the total cycling time is higher and the running time lower than in weeks 21 and 23.)

This plan is a good fit if you want to prepare for an Ironman on a time-efficient schedule of 9 workouts per week, but you’re prepared to handle 9 fairly challenging workouts. The Level 3 training plan features relatively short workouts during the week and all of the long ones crammed into the weekends. In the odd-numbered weeks you’ll do 3 swims, 3 rides, and 3 runs. In weeks 2, 6, and so forth, you will do a brick workout instead of a ride on Saturday, which effectively adds a fourth run to your schedule. In weeks 4, 8, and so forth, you will do a brick workout on Sunday instead of a run, which effectively adds a fourth ride to the schedule. The plan is 24 weeks long, which is the optimal amount of specific preparation time for an Ironman. Each phase – base, build, and peak – is 8 weeks long. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are three optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 3 plan begins with 4,900 yard of swimming, 3 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 11 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 9,600 yards of swimming, 10 hours and 20 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 54 minutes of running in Week 22. (Note that, including the brick workout, this is a week with 4 rides and 3 runs, so the total cycling time is higher and the running time lower than in weeks 21 and 23.)

The Level 4-6 Ironman training plans are custom made for those who want to do more than just finish an Ironman. Perhaps you are returning to an Ironman event you have done in the past and you want to better your time. Or maybe you even have an ambition to earn a qualifying slot for the Hawaii Ironman World Championship. These training plans will help you achieve such goals in a time efficient way that still allows you to please your boss and enjoy your family. Choose the Level 4 training plan if you are not accustomed to a training load of 10 workouts per week (including a bike-run brick) but feel you are ready for such a schedule now.The plan features 3 swims, 3 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout per week. The bricks are scheduled on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The plan is 24 weeks long. The base, build, and peak phases last 8 weeks apiece. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are 3 optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 4 plan begins with 4,750 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 23 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 10,375 yards of swimming, 8 hours and 40 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 45 minutes of running in Week 22.

The Level 4-6 Ironman training plans are custom made for those who want to do more than just finish an Ironman. Perhaps you are returning to an Ironman event you have done in the past and you want to better your time. Or maybe you even have an ambition to earn a qualifying slot for the Hawaii Ironman World Championship. These training plans will help you achieve such goals in a time efficient way that still allows you to please your boss and enjoy your family. The Level 5 training plan provides the perfect balance of challenging training and time efficiency. It features 3 swims, 3 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout per week. The bricks are scheduled on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The plan is 24 weeks long. The base, build, and peak phases last 8 weeks apiece. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are 3 optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 5 plan begins with 5,400 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 10 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 33 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 10,825 yards of swimming, 9 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 52 minutes of running in Week 22.

The Level 4-6 Ironman training plans are custom made for those who want to do more than just finish an Ironman. Perhaps you are returning to an Ironman event you have done in the past and you want to better your time. Or maybe you even have an ambition to earn a qualifying slot for the Hawaii Ironman World Championship. These training plans will help you achieve such goals in a time efficient way that still allows you to please your boss and enjoy your family. If are not quite willing and able to take on the 11-workouts-per-week schedules in the Level 7-10 training plans, try this Level 6 training plan. It packs a lot of focused training into 10 weekly workouts. The Level 6 plan features 3 swims, 3 rides, 3 runs, and a bike-run brick workout per week. The bricks are scheduled on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The plan is 24 weeks long. The base, build, and peak phases last 8 weeks apiece. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are 3 optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 6 plan begins with 5,850 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 50 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 53 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 11,325 yards of swimming, 10 hours and 20 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 59 minutes of running in Week 22.

This training plan is designed to prepare you for maximum performance in an Ironman Triathlon, but assumes you do not quite have the time or ability to train as hard as the top pros. In the Level 7 plan you will swim, cycle, and run each 4 times a week. This weekly workout schedule includes a bike-run brick workout, which takes place on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The plan is 24 weeks long. The base, build, and peak phases last 8 weeks apiece. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are 3 optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 7 training plan begins with 7,300 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 38 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 13,625 yards of swimming, 10 hours and 20 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 44 minutes of running in Week 22.

Choose this plan if you are experienced at the Ironman distance, you want to take your performance to the next level, and you're preapred to devote 18 average weekly hours to training. In the Level 8 plan you will swim, cycle, and run each 4 times a week. This weekly workout schedule includes a bike-run brick workout, which takes place on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The plan is 24 weeks long. The base, build, and peak phases last 8 weeks apiece. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are 3 optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 8 plan begins with 8,100 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 40 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 48 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 14,425 yards of swimming, 10 hours and 35 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 58 minutes of running in Week 22.

When training toward the upper limits of what the human body can handle it’s all too easy to become overtrained. Choose this plan if you feel you could train as hard as anyone for an Ironman but want to be careful you don’t overtrain. In the Level 9 plan you will swim, cycle, and run each 4 times a week. This weekly workout schedule includes a bike-run brick workout, which takes place on Thursday in odd-numbered weeks and on Saturday in even-numbered weeks. The plan is 24 weeks long. The base, build, and peak phases last 8 weeks apiece. Every fourth week is a recovery week and the final 2 weeks constitute a tapering period. There are 3 optional tune-up races scheduled: a sprint in Week 12, and Olympic distance event in Week 16, and a half Ironman in Week 20. The Level 9 plan begins with 8,500 yards of swimming, 6 hours and 10 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 3 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 14,725 yards of swimming, 11 hours and 5 minutes of cycling, and 5 hours and 14 minutes of running in Week 22.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 0, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, up to 40 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 1 hour and 31 minutes of running and builds up to 4 hours and 55 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:20 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 ( race week) are taper weeks, meaning training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 1, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, up to 40 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 1 hour and 45 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 2 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:20 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 (race week) are taper weeks, meaning your training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 2, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 4 times per week, up to 45 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 4 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 1 hour and 55 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 24 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:20 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs (2): These more challenging runs include some work at High Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 4) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 (race week) are taper weeks, meaning your training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 3, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, up to 45 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 15 minutes of running and builds up to 5 hours and 51 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:20 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs (2): These more challenging runs include some work at High Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 4) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 (race week) are taper weeks, meaning your training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 4, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, up to 45 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 25 of running and builds up to 6 hours and 8 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:20 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs (2): These more challenging runs include some work at High Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 4) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 (race week) are taper weeks, meaning your training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 5, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, up to 45 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts and 1 optional non-impact cross-training workout per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 42 of running and builds up to 6 hours and 24 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:20 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs (2): These more challenging runs include some work at High Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 4) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 (race week) are taper weeks, meaning your training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 6, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 5 times per week, up to 50 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 5 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts and 1 optional non-impact cross-training workout per week. It begins with a weekly total of 2 hours and 52 of running and builds up to 6 hours and 30 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:20 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs (2): These more challenging runs include some work at High Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 4) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 (race week) are taper weeks, meaning your training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 7, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, up to 50 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 3 hours and 38 of running and builds up to 7 hours and 19 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:30 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs (2): These more challenging runs include some work at High Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 4) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs 1: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Long Runs 2: Shorter long runs run at your goal marathon pace (High Aerobic) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 (race week) are taper weeks, meaning your training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 8, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run about 6 times per week, up to 1 hour per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 4 hours of running and builds up to 7 hours and 31 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:30 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs (2): These more challenging runs include some work at High Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 4) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs 1: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Long Runs 2: Shorter long runs run at your goal marathon pace (High Aerobic) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Mixed Intervals: Runs featuring a mix of short and long intervals run in a variety of Pace Zones. A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 (race week) are taper weeks, meaning your training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

The Cutting-Edge Runner MarathonTraining Plan, Level 9, is recommended for runners who want to complete a successful marathon race in 16 to 20 weeks and whose current fitness level allows them to run 6 or 7 times per week, up to 1 hour and 10 minutes per run. The first 4 weeks of the plan are optional, making it adjustable from 16 to 20 weeks. If you choose to do fewer than 20 weeks of the plan, it is hoped that your recent training has been similar to the first 1-4 weeks of this plan. The workout schedule includes 6 runs per week, plus an optional 7th run or non-impact cross-training workout, plus 2 optional strength workouts per week. It begins with a weekly total of 5 hours and 5 minutes of running and builds up to 8 hours and 16 minutes. All of the running workouts are based on the Cutting-Edge Runner Pace Zone Index (PZI), which allows you to do every step of every workout at precisely the right effort level for you. The best way to take advantage of this great tool is by downloading the training plan onto a Garmin Forerunner 301, but you can also use the PZI in a more approximate way without this device. Key workouts in this plan include the following: Foundation Runs: Steady runs of 0:30 to 0:55 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 3) Foundation Runs (2): These more challenging runs include some work at High Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 4) Foundation Runs + Strides: Foundation Runs followed by 4-6 30-second bursts at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) Long Runs 1: Steady runs of 1:00 to 3:00 done mainly at Moderate Aerobic pace Long Runs 2: Shorter long runs run at your goal marathon pace (High Aerobic) Short Intervals (1): Runs featuring 30- to 60-second intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Short Intervals (2): Runs featuring 60-second intervals at Speed pace (Pace Zone 10) separated by longer, 3-minute jogging recoveries Long Intervals: Runs featuring 3-minute intervals at VO2max pace separated by jogging recoveries at Low Aerobic pace (Pace Zone 2) Tempo Runs: Runs featuring a sustained segment of Threshold pace running sandwiched between a warm-up and cool-down Cruise Intervals: Runs featuring a couple of longer intervals run at Threshold pace (Pace Zone 6) Mixed Intervals: Runs featuring a mix of short and long intervals run in a variety of Pace Zones. A 10K tune-up race is scheduled at the end of week 12 and a half-marathon at the end of week 16. If you can't find suitable races to do these days, you may run a 10K time trial and a half-marathon time trial instead. Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the plan are recovery weeks. Training is slightly reduced in these weeks to afford an opportunity to absorb recent training and prepare for more challenging training to follow. Weeks 19 and 20 (race week) are taper weeks, meaning your training tapers down during this period to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This training plan is designed to prepare inexperienced triathletes to successfully complete a sprint triathlon in 12 weeks. It entails just one workout per day, six days per week: two swims, two rides, and two runs. (There’s a third weekly run in weeks 8 and 10, where Saturday’s ride is replaced with a bike-run brick workout.) The plan is divided into three phases. Weeks 1-3 constitute the base phase; the next four weeks make up the build phase; and the last five are the peak phase. Weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks, with slightly reduced training to give your body a chance to absorb recent training and prepare for the harder workouts to come. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning your training tapers off during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day. Choose the Level 1 plan if you are fit and healthy enough to train for a triathlon, but you have done little or no recent swimming, cycling, or running. The plan begins with a total of 1,000 yards of swimming, 40 minutes of cycling, and 40 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 2,275 yards of swimming, 2 hours of cycling, and 1 hour and 14 minutes of running in Week 11.

The Level 8-10 Sprint Triathlon Training Plans are best thought of as crash training plans for triathletes with a sound base of swim, bike, and run fitness who, for whatever reason, decide they want to peak for a sprint triathlon soon – in 12 weeks. The Level 10 plan packs as much sprint-focused training into 12 weeks as you will ever need to do. It’s not so much the raw volume as the volume of high-intensity training that will whip you into fantastic shape – or wear you down, if you’re not prepared to handle it. The plan begins with a short, 3-week base phase. The following build phase is 4 weeks long and the final 5 weeks comprise the peak phase. There are 12 workouts in a typical week – 4 swims, 4 rides, and 4 runs. Weeks 2, 4, and 6 include an extra, 10-minute transition run after Friday’s ride; in weeks 8 and 10, the separate ride and run scheduled for Saturday are collapsed into a single bike-run brick workout. Monday is a rest day every week and weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks. The final week is a taper week. The Level 10 plan begins with 9,700 yards of swimming, 5 hours and 20 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 3 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 12,600 yards of swimming, 7 hours and 50 minutes of cycling, and 4 hours and 12 minutes of running in Week 11.

This is also a very low-volume plan for triathletes beginning at square one, but the workouts are a little longer than those in Level 1. The plan is designed to prepare you to successfully complete a sprint triathlon in 12 weeks. It entails just one workout per day, six days per week: two swims, two rides, and two runs. (There’s a third weekly run in weeks 8 and 10, where Saturday’s ride is replaced with a bike-run brick workout.) The Level 2 plan is divided into three phases. Weeks 1-3 constitute the base phase; the next four weeks make up the build phase; and the last five are the peak phase. Weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks, with slightly reduced training to give your body a chance to absorb recent training and prepare for the harder workouts to come. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning your training tapers off during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day. It begins with a total of 1,400 yards of swimming, 1 hour of cycling, and 45 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 2,650 yards of swimming, 2 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 21 minutes of running in Week 11.

Choose this plan if you have already started swimming and running, at least, but you still wish to train conservatively for your a sprint triathlon. The plan is designed to prepare you to successfully complete a sprint triathlon in 12 weeks. It entails just one workout per day, six days per week: two swims, two rides, and two runs. (There’s a third weekly run in weeks 8 and 10, where Saturday’s ride is replaced with a bike-run brick workout.) The Level 3 plan is divided into three phases. Weeks 1-3 constitute the base phase; the next four weeks make up the build phase; and the last five are the peak phase. Weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks, with slightly reduced training to give your body a chance to absorb recent training and prepare for the harder workouts to come. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning your training tapers off during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day. The Level 3 plan begins with a total of 1,650 yards of swimming, 1 hour of cycling, and 50 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 3,125 yards of swimming, 2 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 28 minutes of running in Week 11.

This plan takes a more aggressive approach than the Level 1-3 plans do to developing your fitness within the parameters of 12 weeks of training, 6 workouts per week, and a modest initial fitness level. The plan is designed to prepare you to successfully complete a sprint triathlon in 12 weeks. It entails just one workout per day, six days per week: two swims, two rides, and two runs. (There’s a third weekly run in weeks 8 and 10, where Saturday’s ride is replaced with a bike-run brick workout.) The Level 4 plan is divided into three phases. Weeks 1-3 constitute the base phase; the next four weeks make up the build phase; and the last five are the peak phase. Weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks, with slightly reduced training to give your body a chance to absorb recent training and prepare for the harder workouts to come. Week 12 – race week – is a taper week, meaning your training tapers off during the week to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day. The plan begins with a total of 2,100 yards of swimming, 1 hour and 30 minutes of cycling, and 50 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 3,450 yards of swimming, 3 hours of cycling, and 1 hour and 37 minutes of running in Week 11.

Choose this plan if you’re up to doing three workouts per week in each discipline, but wish to stay close to the minimum amount of training that such a schedule entails. The Level 5 sprint triathlon training plan is appropriate for triathletes who already have a decent base of swim, bike, and run fitness and want to not just finish a sprint triathlon, but finish well. It includes 3 swim workouts, 3 rides, and 3 runs in a typical week. There’s a fourth run in the even-numbered weeks, which include either a 10-minute transition run following Saturday’s foundation ride or a brick workout instead of Saturday’s ride (weeks 8 and 19). The base phase lasts from Week 1 through Week 4; the build phase from Week 5 through Week 8; and the peak phase from Week 9 through Week 12. Weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks. Week 12 is a taper week. The plan begins with a total of 4,300 yards of swimming, 2 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 1 hour and 43 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with a total of 5,500 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 20 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 32 minutes of running in Week 11.

The Level 6 sprint triathlon training plan is appropriate for triathletes who already have a decent base of swim, bike, and run fitness and want to not just finish a sprint triathlon, but finish well. Most of the workouts in this plan are a notch or two more challenging than those in the Level 5 plan. The plan includes 3 swim workouts, 3 rides, and 3 runs in a typical week. There’s a fourth run in the even-numbered weeks, which include either a 10-minute transition run following Saturday’s foundation ride or a brick workout instead of Saturday’s ride (weeks 8 and 19). The base phase lasts from Week 1 through Week 4; the build phase from Week 5 through Week 8; and the peak phase from Week 9 through Week 12. Weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks. Week 12 is a taper week. The Level 6 plan begins with a total of 4,700 yards of swimming, 3 hours of cycling, and 1 hour and 53 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with a total of 6,350 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 30 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 44 minutes of running in Week 11.

Choose this plan if you want to achieve the highest fitness level possible within the parameters of a 12-week plan, 9 workouts per week, and a moderate level of initial fitness. The Level 7 plan includes 3 swim workouts, 3 rides, and 3 runs in a typical week. There’s a fourth run in the even-numbered weeks, which include either a 10-minute transition run following Saturday’s foundation ride or a brick workout instead of Saturday’s ride (weeks 8 and 19). The base phase lasts from Week 1 through Week 4; the build phase from Week 5 through Week 8; and the peak phase from Week 9 through Week 12. Weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks. Week 12 is a taper week. The plan begins with a total of 5,250 yards of swimming, 3 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 8 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with a total of 6,750 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 40 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 51 minutes of running in Week 11.

The Level 8-10 Sprint Triathlon Training Plans are best thought of as crash training plans for triathletes with a sound base of swim, bike, and run fitness who, for whatever reason, decide they want to peak for a sprint triathlon soon – in 12 weeks. The Level 8 plan is a good fit for those who are prepared to handle 12 workouts per week but are not accustomed to such frequency of training. The plan begins with a short, 3-week base phase. The following build phase is 4 weeks long and the final 5 weeks comprise the peak phase. There are 12 workouts in a typical week – 4 swims, 4 rides, and 4 runs. Weeks 2, 4, and 6 include an extra, 10-minute transition run after Friday’s ride; in weeks 8 and 10, the separate ride and run scheduled for Saturday are collapsed into a single bike-run brick workout. Monday is a rest day every week and weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks. The final week is a taper week. The Level 8 plan begins with 8,200 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 15 minutes of cycling, and 2 hours and 48 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 11,050 yards of swimming, 6 hours and 45 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 40 minutes of running in Week 11.

The Level 8-10 Sprint Triathlon Training Plans are best thought of as crash training plans for triathletes with a sound base of swim, bike, and run fitness who, for whatever reason, decide they want to peak for a sprint triathlon soon – in 12 weeks. The Level 9 plan features slightly more high-intensity work and slightly longer long workouts than the Level 8 plan, which is designed for those who are prepared to handle 12 workouts per week but are not accustomed to such frequency of training. The Level 9 plan begins with a short, 3-week base phase. The following build phase is 4 weeks long and the final 5 weeks comprise the peak phase. There are 12 workouts in a typical week – 4 swims, 4 rides, and 4 runs. Weeks 2, 4, and 6 include an extra, 10-minute transition run after Friday’s ride; in weeks 8 and 10, the separate ride and run scheduled for Saturday are collapsed into a single bike-run brick workout. Monday is a rest day every week and weeks 4 and 8 are recovery weeks. The final week is a taper week. The Level 9 plan begins with 8,900 yards of swimming, 4 hours and 55 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 3 minutes of running in Week 1. It peaks with 11,750 yards of swimming, 7 hours and 35 minutes of cycling, and 3 hours and 55 minutes of running in Week 11.