*** Ironman Finisher in 16 wks - ONLY 5 days/wk Training, Sunday Race

Author: Jim Vance

16 weeks - $149.99
Total Hours: 209
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This is a 16 week plan which assumes athletes can currently complete a 1 hour run, 2.5 hour bike ride, and are confident they can make the swim cut-off with minimal swim training, (3 swims per week). The plan consists of only 5 days of workouts per week, set-up as every Monday and Friday completely off from training. Long runs are on Wednesdays, with Saturday and Sunday normally used for bigger bike days. There is also one bike workout per week to be completed on a bike trainer.

Training weeks start at 8 hours, and get as high as one week of 17 hours. The average is 12-14 hours of training per week, with an Ironman race to be completed on a Sunday.

This plan takes a balanced approached to training and preparation, understanding the bike and run will be the two biggest factors in your race performance. Some may find that certain sports do not get trained enough, but key factors to performing well have been considered when designing this plan. The plan is great for athletes with a HR monitor, designed with this in mind, but also those without.

The plan follows a Linear Periodization model which will stress athletes, with recovery periods to allow for proper recovery and adaptation. If athletes follow the workouts as listed and suggested, they will see the benefit of performing at your peak for the Ironman! If athletes modify the plan, and do not follow the guidelines of the daily workouts, the results may vary.

  What do you get with a training plan?

Sample workouts:

Workout #1 : Custom

Planned Time: 0:00:00
Thanks for purchasing this 16-week Training Plan for becoming an Ironman Finisher! Please use the document for the plan, which was included, to find the terminology definitions. If you already have zones established for your HR and power training, then just follow the listed prescribed intensities per zones. If you do not have zones established for your HR monitor, then use the test on Tuesday to help establish them. Or do not use a HR monitor or power meter, then just use the 1-5 zones as guidelines for perceived exertion, where zone 1 is easy, zone 2 is endurance efforts, zones 3 and 4 are half-ironman race intensity, and zone 5 is above threshold, highly intense. If you have questions, please contact Jim Vance at jvance@trainingbible.com
Workout #2 : Day Off

Planned Time: 0:00:00
Actively focus on recovery today: 1) stay off of legs all you can, 2) watch nutrition closely (healthy carbs, lean protein, and good fats), 3) stretch, and 4) drink when thirsty. Other common recovery aids include massage, napping, elevating legs, floating in water, and listening to music.
Workout #3 : Run

Planned Time: 1:00:00
BT: Warm up well. Then run a 30 minute time trial on flat course/track. Punch HR monitor 'lap' button 10 minutes into Time Trial. Average heart rate for last 20 minutes predicts Lactate threshold heart rate (LTHR). Enter this value in your settings in TrainingPeaks, to calculate your HR zones.
Workout #4 : Run

Planned Time: 1:00:00
Heart rate in zones 1-2 on a gently rolling course. Check cadence: count left foot strikes 15 seconds. Goal is 22 or higher.
Workout #5 : Swim

Planned Time: 0:30:00
WU: 5 minutes alternating slow-fast pacing. Play with different strokes while warming up. MS: 20-minute steady swim. Swim without stopping. Count your strokes on the first 25 of each 100. Are they staying constant? CD: 5 minutes very easy. Choice of strokes or floating on your back and sculling. Total: 30 minutes
Workout #6 : Swim

Planned Time: 0:35:00
WU: 100 swim easy, 50 kick easy, 100 swim moderate, 50 kick moderate, 100 swim build speed, 50 kick build speed. MS: For the first set decrease times with each work interval. All aerobic—easy breathing. 4 x 100 (10”) moderate. CD: 100-200 easy swim. Total: 950-1050
Workout #7 : Bike

Planned Time: 0:42:00
WU: 5 min ez 5 min alternating :30 standing, :30 siting 6 min seated, alternating 80% workload between 1 min left leg and 1 min right leg MS: 7x3 min Z1-2/RPE 10-12/CP 180 Alternating 1 min left leg, 1 min both, 1 min right leg. CD: 5 min ez Tip: maintain 85 rpm throughout.
Workout #8 : Day Off

Planned Time: 0:00:00
Actively focus on recovery today: 1) stay off of legs all you can, 2) watch nutrition closely (healthy carbs, lean protein, and good fats), 3) stretch, and 4) drink when thirsty. Other common recovery aids include massage, napping, elevating legs, floating in water, and listening to music.
Workout #9 : Bike

Planned Time: 2:30:00
Ride primarily at 1-2 zones on a rolling course. Mostly in saddle on hills to build & maintain hip strength. Small and big chain rings.