This is an 18 week plan which assumes athletes have been active, although not necessarily training. Athletes who are ranked similarly in their age-group throughout the swim, bike and run will find this plan especially helpful. It is also for the intermediate-level triathlete.
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, 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 half-ironman! If athletes modify the plan, and do not follow the guidelines of the daily workouts, the results may vary.
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/70.3 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 triathlon 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.
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.
The 15 hour per week Half Ironman distance triathlon training program is perfect for the triathlete who is able to dedicate a serious amount of time to training. The athlete is in good condition when starting the training plan.
If you plan on taking up the challenge of a Half Ironman distance triathlon, you want to be as efficient as possible with your time and training. The Half Ironman distance training program does just that. By following this program, you will develop better form, technique, improved speed skills and the necessary intensity for race day. Every workout has a purpose.
You will be using this program beginning four months before race day. If you are just getting started, you might want to reduce the weekly hours to train to two thirds of the planned schedule. The way I have formulated the program, you can mix and match workouts to fit your fitness level and schedule. The weekly training hours are from 9 hours per week with the highest being 19:30. The average hours per week for the program are 15. Typically, you swim four times, bike three times and run four times a week.
