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Half-Ironman Build-Peak-Race Period (UNDER 50) 16hrs/wk

Author: Joe Friel

11 weeks - $99.95
Total Hours: 147
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This plan was designed for the advanced triathlete by Joe Friel using the principles of The Triathletes Training Bible. Before starting this plan you should have completed a Base training period and be able to train at least 16 hours per week. This 11-week plan includes two Build periods, two weeks of Peak period and ends with the week of your A-priority, half-iron-distance race. The key to the success of this plan is the race-specific intensity inserted at just the right times. This plan is intended for the under-age-50 triathlete who has been racing for two or more years but may also be used by older athletes who recover well within 48 hours and can train with 3 weeks of quality before taking a recovery period of 5 days. To start this plan you should be able to swim 1 hour, bike 3 hours, and run 2 hours. Except for the R&R weeks which are about 9 hours, the Build training weeks are around 16 hours. Optional strength maintenance workouts are included as suggested in The Triathlete's Training Bible. The plan uses common language to describe the workouts and is easy to follow as you may see by clicking the plan preview above. By the end of 11 weeks you will have excellent fitness and be ready for your A-priority, half-Ironman race.
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Sample workouts:
Day #1
SM, 2 sets
Planned Time: 0:30
WU 5-10 minutes. Then 2 sets of SM weight lifting. First set is light (12 reps with 15RM load). Second set is heavy heavy (3-6 reps with 6RM load). CD 5-10 minutes spinning in easy gear/resistance at high rpm. For details go to HELP (above), WORKOUT DESCRIPTIONS. Or turn to Chapter 13 in The Triathlete's Training Bible.
Day #2
Aerobic ints
Planned Time: 1:0
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 300 (10”) moderate. Rest 2 minutes. Kick 300 steady. 6 x 50 relaxed speed (15”). CD: 200-300 easy swim. Total: 2450-2550

Workout #2
Cru ints, mod hill, 3-4x5' @ 4-5aZ
Planned Time: 0:45
BT: Cruise intervals. On a moderate hill ( about 4-6% grade) run 3-4 x 5 minutes. Build to heart rate 4-5a zones. Recovery is your descent time. Good form!

Workout #3
Endurance spinning
Planned Time: 1:0
Use the cadence mode if you have this available. Spin on the high end of your comfortable range in the small chain ring in the 1-2 heart rate zones on a flat to gently rolling course. Allow your feet and legs to relax while spinning. Note and record your average cadence for the ride when done.
Day #3
Recovery spin
Planned Time: 1:0
Very easy recovery spin on a mostly flat course in small chain ring. Heart rate zone 1. Light on the pedals. Comfortably high rpm focusing on pedaling skills.

Workout #2
Recovery
Planned Time: 1:15
Run with heart rate in zone 1 on a flat, soft surface. VERY easy. Embarrassingly slow. Best alone.

Workout #3
Form work, count strokes
Planned Time: 0:30
Swim several long, easy sets. Focus on form. Count strokes per length trying to reduce them with efficient technique. Cadence should be in the range of 45-55 strokes per minute.
Day #4
Down ladder at T-pace
Planned Time: 1:0
WU: 100 drill, 100 kick, 100 drill, 100 kick. MS: 400 at T-pace. (T-pace is your olympic-distance swim pace per 100). 50 kick easy. 350 at T-pace. 50 kick easy. 300 at T-pace. 50 kick east. 250 at T-pace. 50 kick easy. 200 at T-pace. 50 kick easy. 150 at T-pace. 50 kick easy. CD: 100 drill. 50 kick easy. 500 swim good form. Total—3100

Workout #2
CI, hill
Planned Time: 1:0
BT: Hill Cruise Intervals. Climb a 6-8 minute hill (4-6% grade), 4-5 times in heart rate 4-5a zones. Stay seated. Smooth pedaling. Higher gear than usual. 60-70 rpm.