Masters (40+) Sprint (5/20/2.5km) Duathlon Training Plans
"I always recommend MyProCoach as I believe the plans would help so many people."
Daz Red - Sprint Duathlon
Is A Masters Sprint-Distance Duathlon Plan Right For You?
Our Masters Sprint-Distance Duathlon training plans are designed for athletes over 40 years old. They’re also ideal for time-crunched athletes, of any age.
The workouts are just as tough as with our normal training plans, but with more scheduled recovery days. And more strength and conditioning work, so you stay strong and flexible.
Masters duathletes face different challenges to younger athletes. Families, busy careers and lack of sleep are just a few. That said, not all over 40’s duathletes need a Masters-specific training plan. Some find it easy to carry on with a normal training load, while others need to change their approach to training.
When to Consider Choosing a Masters Plan:
- Your training time availability is reduced due to work and family commitments.
- You feel sleep deprived and/or stressed with how busy your life is.
- Your body has different needs in terms of recovery, strength and flexibility training.
- You suffer recurrent injuries.
- You feel constantly fatigued or overwhelmed by your regular training.
- You keep catching colds and other viruses.
Can I Still Race Successfully?
Yes, you can. In fact, by following our Masters plans, you may well race better than ever. The key to success is training consistently, without missing workouts due to injury, fatigue or time limitations. It’s not always about “who can do the most training?”.
All our training plans adhere to the principle of “Progressive Overload”. Meaning that the stress placed upon your body gradually increases over time. By training consistently with regular recovery periods, you’re more likely to absorb the gradually increasing training loads.
How is a Masters Plan Different?
Rest and Recovery
Strenuous Sprint-Distance Duathlon training will cause muscle damage. As we mature it can (arguably) take longer for your muscles to adapt and remodel. This decline in rate of recovery will vary according to genetics and training history. Insufficient recovery time can lessen the effect of the workout and leave you more prone to injury. Masters Sprint Duathlon plans have more rest days each week (1 or 2 days per week) and a 1:2 ratio of active recovery weeks to hard weeks (this is 1:3 in regular plans). That means you’ll do two weeks of challenging training, and then take an active recovery week (with around half the training stress).
Strength and Conditioning
As we get older, our muscle density begins to decline, and it becomes crucial to counter the effects of age-related muscle loss.
When you choose to follow Phil’s Sprint-Distance Duathlon Masters plans, you can download the associated FREE Strength and Conditioning plan. These have two scheduled strength and conditioning workouts per week, designed to promote:
- Performance through improved strength and power.
- Increased muscle mass.
- Injury prevention by strengthening connective tissue, muscles, and tendons.
- Flexibility to maintain power through a full range of movement.
- Improved bone density.
- Fat-free body mass (a leaner physique).
All Strength and Conditioning workouts can be carried out at home. There are also alternative exercises if you prefer a gym based workout.
Training Intensities and Volume
Training intensely is the key to success in any sport, regardless of age. Strong performances come from having a solid base and workouts that maximise your anaerobic fitness, speed, power and skill. Evidence suggests that higher intensity work with less volume is beneficial for the Masters athlete training for Sprint Duathlon. Shorter, more intense workouts will also free up valuable time for recovery and work/family commitments. Masters plans optimise your training time with the right ratio of volume and intensity relevant to each plan.
Approach to Training
As an older athlete with a full life, prioritising is an essential skill. Ideally schedule your week, planning times for family, training, work and sleep. You should also be prepared for the curve balls that cause chaos in your best laid plans. Consistency in training is arguably the most important trait amongst successful Masters athletes. Here are some ideas to help you stick to your regime:
- Use your commute as an opportunity to train.
- Add in strength and conditioning at home, with the kids if necessary!
- If you can’t do a whole session, do part of it, something is always better than nothing.
- Commit to a lunchtime workout.
- Double up sessions if necessary, for example run or bike to the gym for your strength and conditioning (save showering twice).
- Life will occasionally get in the way and if you need to miss an odd workout, let it go and move on. It happens to us all.
Top Training Tips For A Sprint Duathlon
The challenge of training for a sprint duathlon is trying to fit your training around everything else in your life. A good place to start is by getting an expertly designed training plan. People who use training plans have been shown to be twice as likely to succeed in reaching their goals.
To improve at both disciplines simultaneously, you need to train two or three times per week for each one. Sprint duathlon workouts are typically 20 to 90 minutes in duration, depending on your fitness and aims.
Cycling Tips
Aim to cycle two or three times per week, or more if you’re experienced. One of your weekly rides should be focused on endurance, where you gradually build up to riding 60 to 90 minutes in training. This will help you develop enough stamina for a sprint duathlon, with a little to spare.
Another weekly ride should be more focused on speed, where you ride for 30 to 60 minutes, including easy and harder efforts. For example, 3 x 10 minutes at approximate 1-hour race pace, with two-minute recoveries (plus a warm up and warm down). You should progress these rides over time, so your body keeps adapting to new stimulus.
You can either cycle outdoors in good weather, or indoors using a static bike or an indoor trainer. Many indoor trainers enable you to wirelessly link to interactive cycling software like Zwift. This means you can ride with real people in a virtual environment – which can make it more fun. The workouts in our training plans can be exported to platforms such as Zwift, TrainerRoad and Garmin. However, it’s sensible to do at least some of your training outside on the bike you intend to use during your duathlon. This ensures you’re used to the feel and handling of your race-day bike.
Running Tips
Aim to run two or three times per week, or more if you’re experienced. Be sensible about your speed and distances, to avoid injury. For example, start off by running 2 miles and increase your distance by 1 mile per month until you’re able to run at least four miles. Do most of your runs at chatting pace, even if it means you include some walking. This will help you steer clear of injuries. It’s also good to do some harder efforts but interspersed with plenty of easy stuff. Be patient with your running. Impatience leads to injuries, and consistency is your goal.
In the last six weeks of your training, include some runs straight after cycling. And a few cycles straight after a run. This will get you used to the “heavy legs” feeling you’ll experience on race day, when you switch from run to bike, and bike to run.
Strength Training Tips
We include two sessions per week in our FREE Strength and Conditioning plans. Not everyone can fit them in around their busy lives, on top of their running and cycling, but it’s advantageous if you can. These workouts improve your strength and flexibility, which leads to more efficient movement patterns and fewer injuries.
Using A Sprint Duathlon (5/20/2.5km) Training Plan
Online training plans are for athletes who don’t feel the need for a personal coach, but who still want the structure and planning of an expertly-written training program. Research has shown that you are twice as likely to reach your goals if you train with a structured plan.
For a beginner who has some recent background in fitness or sport, it will take around 12 weeks to get fit enough to complete a sprint duathlon. The sooner you start, the more time you will have to build up your fitness gradually. Fitness adaptations take weeks and months to occur, rather than days.
Compatible with over 100 apps & devices, including:
Compatible with over 100
apps & devices, including:
Head Coach & Founder: Phil Mosley
Why Use Our Training Plans?
Flexible, structured training for any level
Research-backed plans for any experience-level that fit around your lifestyle. From leading endurance coach Phil Mosley.
The world's best training app
We use TrainingPeaks for personalised training zones, trackable progress and so much more - on any major training device.
Certified coach support (rated 4.9/5)
On top of full help-centre & FAQ support (with videos), our coaches will quickly reply to any questions you have about your plan via email!
1. Choose from 20 plans from 6-21 weeks long
With beginner, intermediate, advanced, masters (40+) and off-season plans – we’ll have the perfect one for you.
2. Activate your free TrainingPeaks™️ account
A flexible calendar, targeted training zones, trackable progress and so much more – on any device.
3. Get your online plan and start ticking off sessions!
Keep motivated with any of your training questions answered quickly by our team of certified coaches!
About Phil Mosley
Phil is a recognised expert with over 20 years of experience, having featured on many endurance sports publications. He founded MyProCoach in 2010 to to offer the world’s most comprehensive range of online training plans, all designed to help you enjoy the same success that himself and his athletes have, while still making sure you have quality time for your family, friends and career.
Masters Sprint Duathlon Plans (6-21 Weeks)
WITH FREE EMAIL COACH SUPPORT
We use TrainingPeaks to deliver your plan – the world’s most popular endurance coaching platform. Free to use, TrainingPeaks is an online calendar that lets you record, track and analyze your training sessions.
It has a host of great features allowing you to get as in-depth as you like, including the ability to export your workouts to your training devices (Garmin, Zwift, Apple Watch etc) and follow them in real time.
TrainingPeaks enables us to set you in-depth training plans in a way that other formats cannot. Phil Mosley is a Certified Coach and one of the best-selling coaches on the platform.
Whenever you need help with your training plan, we aim to respond to your emails within 24-hours. Our Certified coaching team are on hand to answer any questions during the first use of your plan, plus a bonus three months after its completion.
During checkout, please also share your email so I can send you a series of 5 helpful emails to get you started.
As you can understand, some limits apply (for example, we can’t analyse your data or edit your training plan) but for anything else relevant to your training, we would love to help. You also have full access to our online help centre, with videos and articles to help you train effectively.
We have a huge range of plans that enables you to select one that best meets your goals, schedule and ability. If you’re not sure where to start, read on below for a quick overview.
What type?
Our Standard and Masters plans are designed to get you ready for your target event, while our Off-Season plans are designed to allow you to recover from a tough season whilst maintaining your well-earned fitness. Generally, Masters plans are designed for athletes over 40 years old, although plenty of younger athletes love them too. The workouts are just as tough as with our standard training plans, but with more scheduled recovery days. Some find it easy to carry on with a normal training load, while others need to change their approach to training.
What length?
For the best outcome, count back from your “A” target race date and simply choose a plan to fill that gap (you can still work in other, smaller races during your plan). Note that longer plans start easier and progress more gradually than shorter plans. The body responds best to constant, gradual progression with regular recovery periods, and that’s exactly what our plans are designed to give you!
What level?
Choosing the correct level will help you get the most out of your plan. Generally, if you’ve never done this event before or currently train up to a few times per week, you might consider a Beginner plan. Alternatively, if you’ve done this event many times before or currently train 5+ times a week, you might consider an Advanced plan.
But don’t worry too much – we also let you swap the level for free within 14 days of purchase, if you find it too easy/hard!
Visit the MyProCoach Help Center for further guidance and to contact our Certified coaching team.
Certainly! Our training plans allow you to easily swap a few days around each week to suit your availability. Or you can swap out a session, to attend a similar group workout instead. That’s fine. If you opt for TrainingPeaks Premium (from $9.92 per month) you can even drag & drop your workouts onto different days. We give a few recommendations on how to best do this in our help centre.
And you can also train for multiple events! Our training plans guide you up to your target “A” race, but it’s also good to include some “B or C” races along the way. Our help centre goes through the exact steps you should take to enable you to get full benefit, without detracting from your key focus
BEGINNER
Perfect for your first sprint distance duathlon- Premium, flexible plan
- Intuitive tracking software
- Help centre & FAQ support
- Email access to coach
- From just $3.43/week!
INTERMEDIATE
For seasoned duathletes- Premium, flexible plan
- Intuitive tracking software
- Help centre & FAQ support
- Email access to coach
- From just $3.43/week!
ADVANCED
Slash your race-times- Premium, flexible plan
- Intuitive tracking software
- Help centre & FAQ support
- Email access to coach
- From just $3.43/week!
Under 40? Check our Sprint-Distance Duathlon non-masters plans.
Join Over 40,000 Successful Athletes
- Su Yin OngFirst Ironman70.3! First ever half-Iron distance at the Ironman70.3 Goa, and managed to finish within my target time despite a steep segment on the bike and run. Finished strong without injury, thanks to Phil Mosley’s training plan. I especially liked the flexibility provided by the coaches, and the personal touch in correspondences.... >> read moreFirst ever half-Iron distance at the Ironman70.3 Goa, and managed to finish within my target time despite a steep segment on the bike and run. Finished strong without injury, thanks to Phil Mosley’s training plan. I especially liked the flexibility provided by the coaches, and the personal touch in correspondences. Looking forward to more training and improving on my 70.3 times! << read less23 Oct 2019MikeIRONMAN 140.6, December 2019100% Worth the Money Used the Advanced 40-week IRONMAN plan and absolutely loved it! I was between the Intermediate and Advanced plans, but with the support/advice from the coaches, I was confidently able to purchase the plan that best suited my goals. The one thing about this plan that stood out to me was... >> read moreUsed the Advanced 40-week IRONMAN plan and absolutely loved it! I was between the Intermediate and Advanced plans, but with the support/advice from the coaches, I was confidently able to purchase the plan that best suited my goals. The one thing about this plan that stood out to me was the organization: this plan works excellently for those busy during the weekdays. I was able to complete 85-90% of the workouts in medical school and during residency interview season, which I was extremely happy with. Second, there is a good balance with this plan because I never felt totally burnt out. There were some occasions I skipped a workout because I was feeling tired/fatigued. But overall, I never felt run into the ground--the plan is forgiving in that way. On the other hand, I felt FAR MORE physically prepared for this race than my first Ironman where I followed a different plan. And side note, the email support system was quick and helpful too! << read less03 Dec 2019Ignacio Vilas EguiletaIRONMAN, December 2019very well structured plans I have used already Ironman 140.6 and 70.3 plans from Myprocoach and I really like the thinking behind the training schedule and sessions. It is very well structured and designed to aid you to get a good balance in between training and recovery. And one of the greatest things I... >> read moreI have used already Ironman 140.6 and 70.3 plans from Myprocoach and I really like the thinking behind the training schedule and sessions. It is very well structured and designed to aid you to get a good balance in between training and recovery. And one of the greatest things I have realized this year when using the same plan for the second time is that it was updated automatically, so some workouts were new and different. That helps with getting motivation forward. On top of it, you have great and quick support by email from the Myprocoach team when needed. << read less07 Dec 2019
- Jonas OlsvikVery satisfied I've got to say, I have been really sceptical to buying a general training plan and thought that the best option is hiring a coach but the price of coaching service have turned me off that. MyProCoach I have found to be the perfect middle ground with excellent training plans... >> read moreI've got to say, I have been really sceptical to buying a general training plan and thought that the best option is hiring a coach but the price of coaching service have turned me off that. MyProCoach I have found to be the perfect middle ground with excellent training plans and super helpful email service. This is honestly the best training plan I have ever used. Thank you Phil and your entire crew! << read less05 Apr 2020David SchwanIRONMAN 70.3 for Masters, November 2019Very Good Plan/Holistic approach Only 5 weeks into the training plan, but love so far. The only addition I would include is a plan that includes power for running and it would be perfect. Pic-Last season, 1st in the age group.15 Nov 2019
"We are grateful for this feedback and are currently researching the best way to... >> read moreOnly 5 weeks into the training plan, but love so far. The only addition I would include is a plan that includes power for running and it would be perfect. Pic-Last season, 1st in the age group.
"We are grateful for this feedback and are currently researching the best way to add power-based run workouts to our plans - My Pro Coach" << read lessBen HarrisIRONMAN 70.3, July 2019Go for it, you will not be disappointed. I was initially apprehensive about purchasing a generic training program, but had been recommended Phil and team. - after I purchased the plan, all fears were immediately removed as the plan included not only advice on tailoring it to include for B, C races etc, but guidance for missing sessions,... >> read moreI was initially apprehensive about purchasing a generic training program, but had been recommended Phil and team. - after I purchased the plan, all fears were immediately removed as the plan included not only advice on tailoring it to include for B, C races etc, but guidance for missing sessions, along with just other handy hints and tips. I've now smashed my race season goals, already getting the Sub 5hr 70.3 and even got the percentage I needed to attempt qualification for the ITU European Championships. - I'm in top form and looking forward to my A race of IM Vichy later this year! << read less01 Jul 2019 - AlexIRONMAN, July 2019Thanks so much for your plan! Hi Phil, I would never have expected to improve so much in only 12 weeks. Your training plan (IM Intermediate, 12 wks) allowed me to improve my own record on IM70.3 by 25min to reach 4H51 at Les Sables d'Olonne and my IM record by almost 2 hours to reach... >> read moreHi Phil, I would never have expected to improve so much in only 12 weeks. Your training plan (IM Intermediate, 12 wks) allowed me to improve my own record on IM70.3 by 25min to reach 4H51 at Les Sables d'Olonne and my IM record by almost 2 hours to reach 10H48 at Roth. I am so happy with those achievements that I now decided to try a marathon plan for the end of my season. Next year, I will target to qualify for IM70.3 world championship and will definitely use your plan again! Thanks, Alex << read less12 Jul 2019MartinsChallenge ROTHSUB 10 dream come true For 2nd year in a row I was following IM full distance Intermediate plan Did almost all the sessions prescribed (some skipped due to work and business trips). For the first Year (2018) did IM Austria 10:03 My goal was to go sub 10, I think I failed because of... >> read moreFor 2nd year in a row I was following IM full distance Intermediate plan Did almost all the sessions prescribed (some skipped due to work and business trips). For the first Year (2018) did IM Austria 10:03 My goal was to go sub 10, I think I failed because of weather (was hot day for running) and bit too much elevation gain on bike and nutrition. This Year (2019) I did the same plan 2nd year in a row And was able to fulfill my dream - going sub 10 Did Challenge Roth in 9:36 So thanks for the great training plan 🙂 Also in the process I went sub 3 in marathon (2:53) and two Years in a row was on podium in Latvian nationals in Olympic distance, and I did not do any special training for that, just this full distance plan (I did marathon in the middle of plan) Choose the right plan (that suits Your work, family and other commitments - I have 9am-6pm work and family), follow it and You will be FAST << read less23 Jul 2019Christian TrevinoIRONMAN 70.3, October 2019Excellent Investment Just completed my 3rd Ironman 70.3 and www.myprocoach.net is what helped my training be exactly where it needs to be. Ironman Waco 70.3 was great and the training plan put me in a position to finish and have fun at the same time. Getting another plan very soon.28 Oct 2019
A Growing Community Of Athletes
*on average athletes use their plan twice (our plans can be activated multiple times for free)
Kickstart Your Training Today!
Choose your premium training plan, download the TrainingPeaks app and start ticking off sessions!
Sign up for Phil's email newsletter!
Get expert training advice, the latest news and occasional discounts. You can unsubscribe at any time.