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.