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This 70.3 training plan is designed for first-time half Ironman participants who want to do just enough training for a successful finish. Because it is easy to follow, it’s one of the most popular training plans on Triathlete, helping thousands of triathletes successfully cross the finish line of their first half-iron/70.3 triathlon.
This 70.3 training 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 (for more on these phases, check out How to Use Periodization in Your Triathlon Training Plan). 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 constitute a taper period, which allows you to dial back your training volume to arrive to the start line of your first 70.3 fresh, fit, and ready to race!
RELATED: Triathlete’s Complete Guide to Training for a Half-Iron/70.3 Triathlon
Overall 70.3 Training Plan Difficulty Level (1-10): 1
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.
Throughout your training plan, pay attention to daily nutrition and hydration. Note what works (and doesn’t work) for you in your day-to-day nutrition as well as what you eat before, during, and after workouts. This will help you formulate your 70.3 nutrition plan for race day. Additionally, test out the gear you think you’ll use during your race, whether it’s a set of goggles for the swim or a specialized tri suit to wear across all three disciplines. All of these elements will help enhance the work you’re doing with this 70.3 training plan, so that you can have the best race day possible.

Understanding the terms in your 20-week 70.3 training plan
You will find the workout descriptions of this 70.3 training plan self-explanatory for the most part, but the intensity and pacing guidelines require some explanation. Here’s a key to understanding them:
CD | Cooldown |
Low aerobic intensity | A very comfortable effort, deliberately slower than your natural pace in swimming, cycling, or running |
Moderate aerobic intensity | An effort that feels comfortable but not dawdling. |
MS | Main set |
RI | Rest Interval - a duration of time for recovery between intervals in a workout |
VO2max intensity | A very hard effort, just under maximum for the length of time. |
WU | Warmup |
70.3 Training Plan: Base Phase
The first 8 weeks of this 70.3 training plan are the base phase. This phase is long enough to allow a gradual, steady buildup of training volume. The primary objectives are developing aerobic capacity, endurance, and injury-resistance. The small amount of high-intensity training you do in this phase will prepare you to handle the more challenging high-intensity workouts of the build phase.
Week 1
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Power Intervals: 45 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 4 x 20-second sprints in a high gear with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 45 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim: 1200 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 2 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Fartlek Run: 30 Minutes WU: Run 5 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 6 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with enough active recovery to reach total workout time of 30 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: Run 5 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim: 1200 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 100 (25 easy/25 hard) easy = moderate aerobic intensity, hard = threshold intensity, RI=0:10 CD: 30 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 35 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 15 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Saturday | Foundation Bike: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Sunday
Foundation Run: 40 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 20 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 2
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Power Intervals: 50 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 5 x 20-second sprints in a high gear with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 50 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1300 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Fartlek Run: 30 Minutes WU: Run 5 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 8 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with enough active recovery to reach total workout time of 30 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: Run 5 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Fartlek + Sprint: 1300 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 100 (25 build/25 descend) start @ moderate aerobic intensity, build to threshold intensity, RI=0:10 4 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 35 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 15 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Saturday | Brick Workout: 55 Minutes MS: Bike 45 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 1600 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,000 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 40 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 20 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 3
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Power Intervals: 50 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 5 x 20-second sprints in a high gear with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 50 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1400 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Fartlek Run: 35 Minutes WU: Run 5 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 8 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with enough active recovery to reach total workout time of 35 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: Run 5 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Fartlek + Sprint WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 100 (25 easy/25 hard) easy = moderate aerobic intensity, hard = threshold intensity, RI=0:10 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 40 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 20 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Saturday | Foundation Bike: 1:15 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace MS: 55 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 1700 Yards WU: 250 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,200 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 250 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 45 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 4
This week is a recovery week of this 70.3 training plan. Your training is reduced to allow your body to fully absorb your recent training and prepare for the harder training to come in weeks 5-7.
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Power Intervals: 45 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 4 x 20-second sprints in a high gear with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 45 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1000 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 2 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Fartlek Run: 30 Minutes WU: Run 5 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 6 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with enough active recovery to reach total workout time of 30 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: Run 5 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 30 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Fartlek + Sprint: 1200 yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 100 (25 build/25 descend) start @ moderate aerobic intensity, build to threshold intensity, RI=0:10 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 35 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 15 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Saturday | Foundation Bike: 45 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 1400 Yards WU: 200 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,000 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 200 @ low aerobic intensity |
Brick Work: 55 Minutes MS: Bike 45 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 5
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Short Hill Climbs: 55 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 6 x 1-minute hill climbs @ speed intensity with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 55 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1450 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 6 x 25 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Speed Intervals: 39 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 8 x 30 seconds with 2-minute active recoveries CD: 9 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1 hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Fartlek + Sprint: 1600 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 150 (50 easy/25 hard) easy = moderate aerobic intensity, hard = threshold intensity, RI=0:15 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 40 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 20 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Finish with running strides: MS: Run 2 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Foundation Bike: 90 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Foundation Bike: 90 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 50 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 30 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 6
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Short Hill Climbs: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 7 x 1-minute hill climbs @ speed intensity with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 1 hour (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1575 yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 7 x 25 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Speed Intervals: 42 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 9 x 30 seconds with 2-minute active recoveries CD: 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Thursday
Foundation Bike: 1:15 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace MS: 55 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace |
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Friday | Swim Fartlek + Sprint: 1700 yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 6 x 50 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 150 (50 build/25 descend) start @ moderate aerobic intensity, build to threshold intensity, RI=0:15 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 40 minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 20 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 4 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Brick Workout: 1 Hour MS: Bike 45 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Run 15 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 1400 yards This is a swim time trial workout. Swim the maximum-intensity segment as though it were a race. WU: 200 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,000 @ maximum intensity CD: 200 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 25 minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 5 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 7
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Short Climbs: 1:05 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 8 x 1-minute hill climbs @ speed intensity with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 1 hour and 5 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1700 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 5 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 8 x 25 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Speed Intervals: 42 minutes WU: 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 10 x 30 seconds with 2-minute active recoveries CD: 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:15 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace MS: 55 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace |
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Friday | Swim Fartlek + Sprint: 1750 yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 5 x 150 (50 easy/25 hard) easy = moderate aerobic intensity, hard = threshold intensity, RI=0:15 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 40 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 20 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 6 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Foundation Bike: 1:45 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2000 Yards WU: 250 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,500 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 250 @ low aerobic intensity |
Week 8
This week is a recovery week for this 70.3 training plan.
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Short Hill Climbs: 55 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 6 x 1-minute hill climbs @ speed intensity with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 55 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1250 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 6 x 25 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Speed Intervals: 39 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 8 x 30 seconds with 2-minute active recoveries CD: 9 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 45 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Fartlek + Sprint: 1600 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 150 (50 build/25 descend) start @ moderate aerobic intensity, build to threshold intensity, RI=0:15 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 35 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 15 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 4 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Foundation Bike: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 1600 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,000 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Brick Workout: 1 Hour MS: Bike 45 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Run 15 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
70.3 Training Plan: Build Phase
Week 9
The build phase of this 70.3 training plan begins this week. In this 6-week phase you will face some challenging high-intensity workouts – including lactate intervals in all three disciplines – to maximize your aerobic capacity and enhance your ability to sustain faster speeds. At the same time you will continue building endurance with long swims, rides, runs, and brick workouts.
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Long Hill Climbs: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 2 x 5-minute hill climbs @ VO2max intensity with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 1 hour (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1750 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 4 x 75 @ VO2max intensity, RI=0:45 6 x 25 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Lactate Intervals: 32 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 12 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with 30-second active recoveries @ low aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:15 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace MS: 55 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 1800 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 200 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:45 4 x 50 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 45 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 6 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Long Bike: 2 Hours WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,500 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 1 Hour WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 10
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Lactate Intervals: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensityv MS: 2 x 3-minute intervals @ VO2max intensity on flat or rolling terrain with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 1 hour (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1825 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 5 x 75 @ VO2max intensity, RI=0:45 6 x 25 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Lactate Intervals: 34 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 14 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with 30-second active recoveries @ low aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:30 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 1900 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 200 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:45 6 x 50 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 45 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 6 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Brick Workout: 1:20 WU: Bike 1 hour @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 20 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2300 Yards WU: 250 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,800 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 250 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 30 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 11
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Long Hill Climbs: 1:05 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 3 x 5-minute hill climbs @ VO2max intensity with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 1 hour and 5 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1900 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 6 x 75 @ VO2max intensity, RI=0:45 6 x 25 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Lactate Intervals: 36 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 16 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with 30-second active recoveries @ low aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:30 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 2000 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 200 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:45 4 x 50 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 45 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 6 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Long Bike: 2:15 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 55 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2150 Yards This is a swim time trial workout. Swim the maximum-intensity segment as though it were a race. WU: 250 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,650 @ maximum intensity CD: 250 @ low aerobic intensity |
Long Run: 1:05 WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 45 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 12
This week is a recovery week of this 70.3 training plan.
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Lactate Intervals: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 2 x 3-minute intervals @ VO2max intensity on flat or rolling terrain with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 1 hour (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1400 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 4 x 75 @ VO2max intensity, RI=0:45 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Lactate Intervals: 32 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 12 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with 30-second active recoveries @ low aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:15 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace MS: 55 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic pace |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 1600 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 200 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:45 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 35 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 15 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 6 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Recovery Bike: 20 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ recovery intensity CD: 10 minutes @ recovery intensity | |
Sunday | Sprint Triathlon! If you can't find a sprint triathlon to participate in today, do a sprint triathlon time trial of this format on your own instead. WU: Swim 800 MS: Bike 12 miles CD: Run 3 miles |
Week 13
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Long Hill Climbs: 1:10 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 4 x 5-minute hill climbs @ VO2max intensity with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 1 hour and 10 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1900 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 5 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 4 x 100 @ VO2max intensity, RI=1:00 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Lactate Intervals WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 18 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with 30-second active recoveries @ low aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:30 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 300 @ threshold intensity, RI=1:00 4 x 50 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 45 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 6 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Long Bike: 2:30 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 2 hours and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2300 Yards WU: 250 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,800 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 250 @ low aerobic intensity |
Long Run: 1:10 WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 50 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 14
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Bike Lactate Intervals: 1:15 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 4 x 3-minute intervals @ VO2max intensity on flat or rolling terrain with enough recovery to reach total workout time of 1 hour and 15 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down) CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 2000 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 6 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 4 x 100 @ VO2max intensity, RI=1:00 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Run Lactate Intervals: 40 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: 20 x 30 seconds @ VO2max intensity with 30-second active recoveries @ low aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:30 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 2,100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 300 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:45 4 x 50 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 50 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 30 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 6 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Foundation Bike: 1:45 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2400 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,800 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Brick Workout: 1:45 WU: Bike 1 hour and 15 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 30 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
70.3 Training Plan: Peak Phase
Week 15
The peak phase of this 70.3 training plan begins this week. Your long endurance workouts on the weekends become really long in this 6-week phase to ensure you’re able to go the distance on race day. The second training priority is threshold-intensity training in all three disciplines. Long brick workouts, a swim time trial, and an optional Olympic distance tune-up triathlon also help build race-specific fitness.
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Tempo Bike: 1 Hour WU: 13 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 2 x 12 minutes @ threshold intensity with 10 minutes active recovery CD: 13 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 6 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 5 x 100 @ VO2max intensity, RI=1:00 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Tempo Run: 36 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: Run 16 minutes @ threshold intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:30 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 300 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:30 4 x 50 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 50 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 30 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 6 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Long Bike: 2:45 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 2 hours and 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2500 Yards WU: 250 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 2,000 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 250 @ low aerobic intensity |
Long Run: 1:20 WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 1 hour @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 16
This week is a recovery week.
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Tempo Bike: 55 Minutes WU: 17 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 22 minutes @ threshold intensity CD: 16 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1600 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 4 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 4 x 100 @ VO2max intensity, RI=1:00 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Tempo Run: 34 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: Run 14 minutes @ threshold intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1 Hour WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 1400 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 200 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:45 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 50 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 20 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 4 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Recovery Bike: 20 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ recovery intensity CD: 10 minutes @ recovery intensity |
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Sunday | Olympic-Distance Triathlon If you can't find an Olympic-distance triathlon to participate in today, do an Olympic-distance triathlon time trial on your own instead. WU: Swim 1.5 km MS: Bike 40 km CD: Run 10 km |
Week 17
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Tempo Bike: 1:05 WU: 21 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 24 minutes @ threshold intensity CD: 20 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 5 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 6 x 100 @ VO2max intensity, RI=1:00 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Tempo Run: 36 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: Run 16 minutes @ threshold intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:30 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 2 x 400 @ threshold intensity, RI=1:15 6 x 50 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 55 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 35 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 4 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Long Bike: 3 Hours WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 2 hours and 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2500 Yards WU: 250 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 2,000 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 250 @ low aerobic intensity |
Long Run: 1:30 WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
Week 18
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Tempo Bike: 1:10 WU: 22 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 26 minutes @ threshold intensity CD: 22 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 5 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 6 x 100 @ VO2max intensity, RI=0:45 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Tempo Run: 38 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: Run 18 minutes @ threshold intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:45 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 2 x 400 @ threshold intensity, RI=1:00 6 x 50 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 1 Hour WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 40 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 4 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Brick Workout: 2:30 WU: Bike 1 hour and 45 minutes@ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 45 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2512 Yards This is a swim time trial workout. Swim the maximum-intensity segment as though it were a race. WU: 200 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 2,112 (1.2 miles) @ maximum intensity CD: 200 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 30 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
70.3 Training Plan: Taper Phase
Week 19
Your pre-race taper begins on Thursday. From this day forward your training will steadily decrease (relative to preceding weeks) to ensure you’re rested and ready to perform on race day.
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Tempo Bike: 1:15 WU: 19 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 2 x 14 minutes @ threshold intensity with 10 minutes active recovery @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 18 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 5 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 6 x 100 @ VO2max intensity, RI=0:30 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Tempo Run: 40 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: Run 20 minutes @ threshold intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 1:30 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 2100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 2 x 400 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:45 6 x 50 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 8 x 25 kick, RI=0:15 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Foundation Run: 55 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 35 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity Running Strides: MS: Run 4 x 20 seconds @ speed intensity with 40-second active recoveries immediately after completing today's main run workout. |
Saturday | Long Bike: 2:15 WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 1 hour and 55 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Swim Base: 2000 Yards WU: 250 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 1,500 @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 250 @ low aerobic intensity |
Long run: 1:05 WU: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: Run 45 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
70.3 Training Plan: Race Week
Week 20
Monday | Rest day | |
Tuesday | Tempo Bike: 1 Hour WU: 13 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 2 x 12 minutes @ threshold intensity with 10 minutes active recovery CD: 13 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Wednesday | Swim Base: 1700 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity 8 x 25 drills, RI=0:10 MS: 3 x 100 @ moderate aerobic intensity, RI=0:05 6 x 100 @ VO2max intensity, RI=1:00 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
Tempo Run: 32 Minutes WU: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity MS: Run 12 minutes @ threshold intensity CD: Run 10 minutes @ low aerobic intensity |
Thursday | Foundation Bike: 45 Minutes WU: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity MS: 25 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity CD: 10 minutes @ moderate aerobic intensity |
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Friday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 1100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 2 x 200 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:45 4 x 25 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
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Saturday | Swim Threshold + Sprint: 1100 Yards WU: 300 @ low aerobic intensity MS: 2 x 200 @ threshold intensity, RI=0:45 4 x 25 @ speed intensity, RI=0:20 CD: 300 @ low aerobic intensity |
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Sunday | Race Day! WU: Swim 1.2 miles MS: Bike 56 miles CD: Run 13.1 miles |