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Free Olympic Triathlon Training Plans & Tips

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  • Detailed 8- and 12-week training plans
  • Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced versions


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How To Train For An Olympic Triathlon

  • Scroll down for our 12-week training plan in full!

An Olympic distance triathlon involves a 1500-meter swim, a 40-km bike and a 10-km run. The average time taken to complete an Olympic distance triathlon is between two and three hours, and so the training can’t be taken too lightly. The best way to train for an Olympic triathlon is to include regular swimming, cycling and running into your lifestyle. That may sound obvious, but the point is that other types of cardiovascular training are not as effective. For example, activities like aerobics and rowing are great, but they’re not the best use of time for a triathlon. You’re better off sticking exclusively with swimming, cycling and running. Plus, some strength training, if you have the additional time.

Essentially you need to train your body, so that you’re eventually able to swim 1500m, cycle 40km and run 10km, back to back. Think of the triathlon like one long race, rather than three separate events. The challenge of training for an Olympic triathlon is fitting it all in, on top of everything else in your life. To improve at all three disciplines simultaneously, you need to train twice per week for each one. That’s six workouts per week, before you’ve even considered strength training. For this reason, it’s important to carefully plan your training, before you start. The sessions should start off small, and you can build them up gradually over the weeks and months.

Table of Contents (click to scroll to each section)

Swimming Tips

This is most people’s weakest area, and the aspect they are most concerned about. If you’re not a confident swimmer, it’s a good idea to sign up for a series of adult improver swim lessons before you start a triathlon training program.

Once you can swim 400 meters or yards freestyle in a pool without stopping, you can then train on your own more, or in a group. Break up your swim workouts, into smaller chunks with regular rest periods. Slowly increase the duration of your workouts each week, so that you’re eventually able to swim a 2km session (with frequent short rests). By this stage, you could also test yourself with a 1500 non-stop swim.

We suggest you always have some idea of what you’re doing, before you get in the pool. You’ll get more out of following a pre-planned workout, than you will by plodding up and down aimlessly. If you follow our training plans, we do all the thinking for you. We also include video swim drills, to help improve different aspects of your stroke.

If you’re thinking of doing a triathlon with an open water swim, it’s a good idea to practice swimming in that environment too. It doesn’t have to be every swim you do but aim for at least two open water swims before you race in open water. We include these workouts in our training plans too, in the lead up to race day.

Cycling Tips

Aim to cycle a couple of times per week (or more) and gradually build your longest rides up to 50 km (or 30 miles). This will give you enough fitness for an Olympic triathlon, with a little to spare. Most of your training can be done at chatting pace, but it’s also good to include some harder efforts.

You can either cycle outdoors in good weather, or indoors using a trainer such as a Wahoo KICKR. Many indoor trainers enable you to link to interactive cycling software like Zwift. This means you can ride with real people in a virtual environment – which makes 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 some of your training outside on the bike you intend to use during your triathlon. This ensures you’re used to the feel and handling of your race-day bike.

Running Tips

Aim to run twice per week, but be sensible about your speed and distances, to avoid injury. For example, you could start off by running two miles and increase your distance by 1 mile per month until you build up to around 6-miles. In the last few weeks, you could include some runs straight after cycling, just to get used to the feeling. Do most of your running at chatting pace, even if it means you must include some walking. It’s also good to add some harder efforts but interspersed with plenty of easy stuff. Be patient with your running. Impatience leads to injuries, and consistency is your goal.

Strength Training Tips

There are usually two 40-minute strength and conditioning sessions per week with our Olympic triathlon plans. Not everyone can fit them in around their busy lives, on top of their swimming, cycling and running, but it’s good if you can. These workouts can help balance your strength and flexibility, which leads to more efficient movement patterns and fewer injuries. We suggest you only do strength work in addition to at least two swims, two runs and two cycles per week, rather than instead of them.

Using An Olympic Triathlon Training Plan

Our 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, we suggest you give yourself at least 16 weeks to get fit and ready for an Olympic triathlon. The sooner you start, the more time you have to build up your fitness gradually. Fitness adaptations take weeks and months to occur, rather than days.

The free 8 and 12-week training plans on this page give you an idea of what to expect, but you may also benefit from a longer plan that starts off easier and ramps-up more gradually. Click here to browse our 6 to 40-week training plans (with email support).

Do your best to follow the workouts below, ideally in their given order. To help you train at the right levels, we use five training zones, based on feel or heart rate. If you use heart rate, you can use our simple heart rate training zone calculator. Note: our premium plans include fitness tests for smarter, personalised training zones on every workout.

  • Zone 1 – Feels like “Easy/Recovery” – Heart rate 68-73% of max.
  • Zone 2 – Feels like “Steady/Endurance” – Heart rate 73-80% of max.
  • Zone 3 – Feels like “Mod. Hard/Tempo” – Heart rate 80-87% of max.
  • Zone 4 – Feels like “Hard/Threshold” – Heart rate 87-93% of max.
  • Zone 5 – Feels like “V. Hard/VO2 Max” – Heart rate 93-100% of max.

We also use some simple abbreviations to keep things easy to read:

  • Z1 to Z5 – Your training zone.
  • FS – Freestyle (Front Crawl).
  • PULL – Freestyle with a pull-buoy between your thighs.
  • KICK – Kick with a float held out in front.
  • DRILL – Your preference of swim technique drill.
  • BUILD – Do each rep slightly faster than the previous.
Download All Our FREE PRINTABLE Olympic Triathlon Plans Here!
  • Detailed 8- and 12-week training plans
  • Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced versions
  • Strength & Conditioning guide, coach's tips and more!


*Plus, you’ll also receive free regular training tips from head coach Phil Mosley! Unsubscribe at any time.

12-Week Beginner Olympic Triathlon Plan

This plan is suitable for Beginner or time-limited athletes preparing for an Olympic distance triathlon. With just 12 weeks to go until event-day, this plan assumes you are currently able to swim 800 m/yards with rests, ride for 40 mins and jog for 20 mins – but not all on the same day. The plan builds up to race day and helps improve your fitness and confidence for your target event.

Average weekly training hours are 4:37 with the biggest week at 6:12 hours. Training includes two swims, two rides, two to three runs and a 45-minute strength and conditioning session. There is usually one workout per day, with one day off each week. Every fourth week is an active recovery week, with less training, to help your body recover and adapt.

  • To get the 8-week version of this plan and access to the Strength & Conditioning guide, please enter your email above.

Week 1 - Base Phase (3 hrs 25 mins)

Monday: Swim – Mod. Hard/Tempo (20 mins, 800m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z4 + 20 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z3 + 20 secs rest),
    • 4 x (50 FS in Z4 + 30 sec rests),
    • 4 x (50 FS in Z5 + 30 sec rests).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2).

Tuesday: Rest Day

Wednesday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (35 mins 30 secs)

  • Warm Up:
    • 10 mins in mid Z2,
    • 5 mins in upper Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 4 mins in Z3 + 2 mins recovery in Z1,
    • 3 mins in Z4 + 90 secs recovery in Z1,
    • 2 mins in Z4 + 1 min recovery in Z1,
    • 1 mins in Z4 + 1 min recovery in Z1.
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Thursday: Run – Hard/Threshold (19 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 5 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 3 x (90 secs in Z4 + 90 sec recoveries in Z1-2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Friday: Swim – Mod. Hard/Temp (20 mins, 800m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Drill in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 15 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z3 + 25 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z3 + 25 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (50 Choice in Z2 + 50 FS in Z2)

Saturday: Run – Steady/Endurance (20 mins)

  • A steady run, mainly in Z2. You should be able to chat at this intensity. This is your long run for the week and it will progress in duration. They will gradually build your endurance.

Sunday: Bike – Steady/Endurance (40 mins)

  • Ride at an easy/steady intensity, mainly in Z2 today. You should be able to chat at this intensity. This ride will improve your efficiency in using fat for fuel and increase your ability to transport oxygen to your working muscles.
  • Click the headings below to view the remaining weeks!

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (33 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 5 mins in Z2,
  • Main Set:
    • 5 mins in Z3 + 2 min 30 secs recovery in Z1,
    • 4 mins in Z4 + 2 mins recovery in Z1,
    • 3 mins in Z4 + 90 secs recovery in Z1,
    • 2 mins in Z4 + 1 min recovery in Z1,
    • 1 mins in Z4 + 1 min recovery in Z1.
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Wednesday: Swim – Stead/Endurance (25 mins, 1000m/y) + Strength (45 mins, Adaptation Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 2 x (50 FS Breathe every 3 in Z2 + 15 sec rests),
    • 2 x (50 Drill in Z2 + 15 sec rests),
    • 2 x (50 FS Breathe every 5 in Z2 + 20 sec rests).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 x (100 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z3 + 15 sec rests),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 50 FS in Z3 + 15 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (150 Choice in Z2).

Thursday: Run – Hard/Threshold (27 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 10 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (90 secs in Z4 + 90 sec recoveries in Z1-2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Friday: Swim – Mod. Hard/Temp (25 mins 1000m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 2 x (100 FS in Z2 + 50 Kick in Z2 + 20 sec rests),
    • 1 x (100 Drill in Z2 + 20 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z3 + 30 sec rests),
    • 1 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z4 + 30 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z5 + 30 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 2 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 Choice in Z2).

Saturday: Run – Steady/Endurance (25 mins)

  • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Sunday: Bike – Steady/Endurance (45 mins)

  • Ride mainly in Z2.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (39 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 5 mins in Z2,
    • 5 x (10 secs in Z4 + 50 sec recoveries in Z2).
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (4 mins in Z4 + 2 min recoveries in Z2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Wednesday: Swim – Mod. Hard/Tempo (30 mins, 1200m/y) + Strength (45 mins, Endurance Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Drill in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 15 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 20 sec rests),
    • 2 x (100 FS in Z3 + 25 sec rests),
    • 2 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 20 sec rests),
    • 2 x (100 FS in Z3 + 25 sec rests.
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (50 Choice in Z2 + 50 FS in Z2).

Thursday: Run – Hard/Threshold (29 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 10 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (2 mins in Z4 + 90 sec recoveries in Z1-2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins jog in Z2.

Friday: Swim – Hard/Threshold (30 mins 1200m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z4 + 20 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 1 x (200 FS in Z3 + 20 secs rest),
    • 3 x (100 FS in Z4 + 30 sec rests),
    • 6 x (50 FS in Z5 + 20 sec rests).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 Back in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2).

Saturday: Run – Steady/Endurance (30 mins)

  • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Sunday: Bike – Steady/Endurance (50 mins)

  • Ride mainly in Z2.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Bike – Mod. Hard/Tempo (33 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 5 mins easy Z2,
    • 5 x (5 secs in Z5 + 55 secs in Z2).
  • Main Set:
    • 8 x (45 secs in Z2 + 15 secs in Z5),
    • 2 mins recovery Z1-2,
    • 8 x (45 secs in Z2 + 15 secs in Z5),
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Wednesday: Swim – Steady/Endurance (30 mins, 1200m/y) + Strength (45 mins, Endurance Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 100 Drill in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 Breast in Z2 + 50 Back in Z2 + 15 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 200 Pull in Z2 + 30 secs rest),
    • 1 x (200 FS in Z2 + 100 Pull in Z2 + 30 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 20 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2).

Thursday: Run – Hard/Threshold (24 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 5 mins easy in Z2,
    • 5 x (20 secs in Z5 + 40 sec recoveries in Z1).
  • Main Set:
    • 3 x (1 min in upper Z4 to low Z5 + 2 min recoveries in Z1-2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins easy in Z2.

Friday: Swim – Steady/Endurance (30 mins 1000m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 2 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 100 Drill in Z2 + 15 sec rests),
    • 1 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z3 + 15 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 x (50 Kick in Z2 + 50 Kick in Z4 + 15 secs rest),
    • 2 x (100 Drill in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (50 Breast in Z2 + 50 FS in Z2)

Saturday: Run – Steady/Endurance (20 mins)

  • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Sunday: Bike – Steady/Endurance (40 mins)

  • Ride mainly in Z2.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (35 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 5 mins easy Z2,
    • 5 x (20 secs in Z3 + 40 sec recoveries in Z2).
  • Main Set:
    • 5 x (2 mins in Z4 + 2 min recoveries in Z2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z1-2.

Wednesday: Swim – Mod. Hard/Tempo (35 mins, 1400m/y) + Strength (45 mins, Endurance Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS Breathe every 3 in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Drill in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS Breathe every 5 in Z2 + 15 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (100 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z4 + 20 sec rests),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 100 FS in Z3 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z4 + 15 secs rest),
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (200 Choice in Z2).

Thursday: Run – Hard/Threshold (29 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 10 mins easy in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 4 mins in Z3 + 2 mins recovery in Z2,
    • 4 mins in Z4 + 2 mins recovery in Z2,
    • 2 mins in Z5.
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Friday: Swim – Hard/Threshold (30 mins 1200m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 100 Kick in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Drill in Z2 + 20 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z3 + 20 sec rests),
    • 3 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z4 + 30 sec rests),
    • 2 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z5 + 30 sec rests).
  • Warm Down:
    • 2 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 Choice in Z2)

Saturday: Run – Steady/Endurance (35 mins)

  • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Sunday: Bike – Steady/Endurance (1 hr) + Run Off The Bike – Steady/Endurance (10 mins)

  • Bike
    • Ride mainly in Z2.
  • Run
    • Get off your bike and run steady in Z2.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (38 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 5 mins easy in Z2,
    • 5 x (10 secs in Z4 + 50 sec recoveries in Z2).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 mins in Z4 + 2 mins recovery in Z2,
    • 3 mins in Z4 + 2 mins recovery in Z2,
    • 4 mins in Z4 + 2 mins recovery in Z2,
    • 3 mins in Z5 + 3 mins recovery in Z2,
    • 2 mins in Z5.
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Wednesday: Swim – Mod. Hard/Tempo (40 mins, 1600m/y) + Strength (45 mins, Endurance Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Drill in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 15 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 1 x (200 Pull in Z2 + 25 secs rest),
    • 4 x (100 FS in Z3 + 25 sec rests),
    • 3 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 20 sec rests),
    • 2 x (100 FS in Z3 + 25 sec rests).
  • Warm Down:
    • 2 x (50 Choice in Z2 + 50 FS in Z2).

Thursday: Run – Hard/Threshold (33 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 12 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (2 mins in upper Z4 + 2 min recoveries in Z1).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z1-2.

Friday: Swim – Hard/Threshold (35 mins 1400m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z4 + 20 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 x (200 FS in Z3 + 20 sec rests),
    • 3 x (100 FS in Z4 + 30 sec rests),
    • 6 x (50 FS in Z5 + 20 sec rests).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 Back in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2)

Saturday: Run – Steady/Endurance (40 mins)

  • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Sunday: Bike – Steady/Endurance (1 hr 10 mins) + Run Off The Bike – Steady/Endurance (15 mins)

  • Bike
    • Ride mainly in Z2.
  • Run
    • Get off your bike and run steady in Z2.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Bike – Mod. Hard/Tempo (42 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 10 mins easy Z2,
    • 5 x (5 secs in Z5 + 55 secs in Z2).
  • Main Set:
    • 10 x (40 secs in Z2 + 20 secs in Z5),
    • 2 mins recovery in low Z2,
    • 10 x (40 secs in Z2 + 20 secs in Z5).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Wednesday: Swim – Mod. Hard/Tempo (40 mins, 1600m/y) + Strength (45 mins, Endurance Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS Breathe every 3 in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 100 Drill in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS Breathe every 5 in Z2 + 20 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 x (200 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z4 + 20 sec rests),
    • 2 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 100 FS in Z3 + 20 sec rests),
    • 2 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z4 + 20 sec rests),
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2)

Thursday: Run – V. Hard/VO2 Max (33 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 5 mins easy in Z2,
    • 5 x (20 secs in Z4 + 40 sec recoveries in Z2).
  • Main Set:
    • 6 x (60 secs in Z5 + 2 min recoveries in Z1-2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Friday: Swim – Hard/Threshold (35 mins 1400m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 100 Kick in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Drill in Z2 + 100 Pull in Z2 + 20 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z3 + 20 sec rests),
    • 3 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z4 + 30 sec rests),
    • 3 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z5 + 30 sec rests).
  • Warm Down:
    • 2 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 Choice in Z2)

Saturday: Run – Steady/Endurance (45 mins)

  • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Sunday: Bike – Steady/Endurance (1 hr 20 mins) + Run Off The Bike – Steady/Endurance (20 mins)

  • Bike
    • Ride mainly in Z2.
  • Run
    • Get off your bike and run steady in Z2.

Monday: Swim – Mod. Hard/Tempo (40 mins, 1400m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 100 Drill in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Drill in Z2 + 100 Pull in Z2 + 20 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 1 x (50 Kick in Z2 + 50 Kick in Z4 + 20 secs rest),
    • 2 x (200 Drill in Z2 + 100 Pull in Z2 + 15 sec rests),
    • 1 x (50 Kick in Z2 + 50 Kick in Z4 + 20 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (50 Breast in Z2 + 50 FS in Z2),
    • 1 x (50 Back in Z2 + 50 FS in Z2).

Tuesday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (40 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 15 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (3 mins in upper Z4 to low Z5 + 2 min recoveries in Z1-2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins easy spin in Z2.

Wednesday: Rest Day

Thursday: Run – Hard/Threshold (29 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 10 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 3 mins in Z4 + 60 sec recoveries in Z2,
    • 2 mins in Z4 + 60 sec recoveries in Z2,
    • 1 mins in Z4 + 60 sec recoveries in Z2.
  • Warm Down:
    • 10 mins in Z2.

Friday: Swim – Steady/Endurance (35 mins 1400m/y)+ Strength (45 mins, Strength Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 100 Drill in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 Breast in Z2 + 50 Back in Z2 + 15 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 100 Pull in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 200 Pull in Z2 + 30 secs rest),
    • 1 x (200 FS in Z2 + 100 Pull in Z2 + 30 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 100 Pull in Z2 + 20 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2).

Saturday: Run – Steady/Endurance (25 mins)

    • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Sunday: Bike – Steady/Endurance (45 mins)

  • Ride mainly in Z2.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Run – V. Hard/VO2 Max (35 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 12 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 6 x (2 mins in Z5 + 60 sec recoveries in Z1).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z1-2.

Wednesday: Swim – Hard/Threshold (40 mins, 1600m/y) + Strength (45 mins, Strength Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z4 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 FS in Z2 + 100 FS in Z4 + 30 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z4 + 30 secs rest).
  • Main Set: Repeat 2 sets of 500:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z3 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z4 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z5 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 15 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (50 Back in Z2 + 50 Breast in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2).

Thursday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (45 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 12 mins easy Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 7 x (2 mins in upper Z4 + 2 min recoveries in Z1).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins easy spin in Z1-2.

Friday: Run – Steady/Endurance (50 mins)

  • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Saturday: Bike – Mod. Hard/Tempo(1 hr 20 mins) + Run Off The Bike – Mod. Hard/Steady (25 mins)

  • Bike
    • Ride mainly in Z2. At some point (once you’re warmed up) do:
    • 3 x (12 min efforts in upper Z3 to low Z4 + 3 min recoveries in Z2).
  • Run
    • Get off your bike and run for 5 mins at Z3.
    • Then settle down into Z2 for the remainder.

Sunday: Swim – Steady/Endurance (35 mins, 1400m/y).

  • Open water swim all in Z2. Take as many rests as you want. This first swim is just to get used to the environment. We’ll do some faster sections from next week onwards, but just take it easy today.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Run – V. Hard/VO2 Max (37 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 12 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (3 mins in low Z5 + 2 min recoveries in Z1).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z1-2

Wednesday: Swim – Hard/Threshold (40 mins, 1600m/y) + Strength (45 mins, Strength Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z3 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 Pull in Z2 + 50 Pull in Z4 + 20 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 1 x (400 FS in Z4 + 40 secs rest),
    • 1 x (300 Pull in Z4 + 40 secs rest),
    • 1 x (200 FS in Z4 + 40 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z4 + 40 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 100 FS in Z2),
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2).

Thursday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (45 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 12 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 6 x (3 mins in upper Z4 + 2 min recoveries in Z2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 3 mins in Z1-2.

Friday: Run – Steady/Endurance (50 mins)

  • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Saturday: Bike – Mod. Hard/Tempo (1 hr 25 mins) + Run Off The Bike – Steady/Endurance (30 mins)

  • Bike
    • Ride mainly in Z2 today. At some point (once you’re fully warmed up) do:
    • 2 x (20 min efforts in upper Z3 to low Z4 with a 3 min recovery in Z1- 2).
  • Run
    • Get off your bike and run for 10 mins in Z3.
    • Then settle down into Z2 for the remainder.

Sunday: Open Water Swim – Mod. Hard/Tempo (40 mins, 1600m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (200 FS in Z2 + 30 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 2 x (50 FS in Z5, Beach or Deep Water Starts + 30 sec rests),
    • 2 x (600 FS in Z3 + 45 sec rests).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2).

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Run – Hard/Threshold (37 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 10 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (4 mins in upper Z4 + 90 sec recoveries in Z1).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z1-2.

Wednesday: Swim – Hard/Threshold (35 mins, 1600m/y) + Strength (45 mins, Strength Phase)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (50 FS in Z2 + 50 FS in Z4 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z4 + 30 secs rest).
  • Main Set: Repeat 2 sets of 500 as below:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z3 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z4 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z5 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Pull in Z2 + 15 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (50 Back in Z2 + 50 Breast in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2).

Thursday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (43 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 15 mins easy Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 12 x (40 secs in upper Z4 + 20 sec recoveries in Z1),
    • 3 mins recovery in Z1,
    • 8 x (40 secs in upper Z4 + 20 sec recoveries in Z1).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins easy spin in Z1-2.

Friday: Run – Steady/Endurance (45 mins)

  • A nice steady run, mainly in Z2.

Saturday: Bike – Mod. Hard/Tempo(1 hr 30 mins) + Run Off The Bike – Mod. Hard/Steady (20 mins)

  • Bike
    • Ride mainly in Z2 today. At some point (once you’re warmed up) do:
    • 40 min effort at upper Z3 to low Z4.
  • Run
    • Get off your bike and run for 10 minutes at Z3.
    • Then settle down into Z2 for the remainder.

Sunday: Open Water Swim – Mod. Hard/Tempo (45 mins, 1800m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (400 FS in Z2 + 30 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (50 FS in Z5, Beach or Deep Water Starts + 30 sec rests),
    • 1 x (1000 FS in Z3 + 60 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (200 FS in Z2).

Monday: Rest Day

  • This week you will maintain your fitness and eliminate any traces of fatigue. It’s a good time to double-check your race day logistics and strategies. If your race is on Saturday take a rest day on Friday.

Tuesday: Run – Hard/Threshold (30 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 15 mins easy in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 10 mins in low Z4.
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins easy in Z2.

Wednesday: Swim – Steady/Endurance (40 mins, 1600m/y)

  • Warm Up:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 100 Drill in Z2 + 15 secs rest),
    • 1 x (50 Breast in Z2 + 50 Back in Z2 + 15 secs rest).
  • Main Set:
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 100 Pull in Z2 + 20 secs rest),
    • 1 x (200 FS in Z2 + 200 Pull in Z2 + 30 secs rest),
    • 1 x (200 FS in Z2 + 200 Pull in Z2 + 30 secs rest),
    • 1 x (100 FS in Z2 + 100 Pull in Z2 + 20 secs rest).
  • Warm Down:
    • 1 x (100 Choice in Z2).

Thursday: Bike – Hard/Threshold (36 mins) + Run Off The Bike – Steady/Endurance (10 mins)

  • Warm Up:
    • 15 mins in Z2.
  • Main Set:
    • 4 x (3 mins in Z4 + 60 sec recoveries in Z1-2).
  • Warm Down:
    • 5 mins in Z2.

Friday: Bike – Steady/Endurance (30 mins)

  • Ride on your race day bike, all in Z2. Preferably on the race route. Just to check your bike is working ok and to get a feel for the route. If your race is on Saturday, drop this workout and take today as a rest day.

Saturday: Rest Day

Sunday: Race Day

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12-Week Intermediate Olympic Triathlon Plan

This short training plan is suitable for Intermediate triathletes, who want to maximize potential at Olympic distance triathlon whilst balancing life and training. With just 12 weeks to go until event-day, this plan assumes you are currently able to swim 1600 m/yards with rests, ride for 90 mins and run for 45 mins – but not all on the same day. The plan builds up to race day and helps improve your fitness and confidence for your target event.

Average weekly training hours are 7:26 with the biggest week at 9:12 hours. This includes two swims, two to three rides, three runs and a 45-minute strength and conditioning session. There are one or two workouts per day, with one day off each week. Every fourth week is an active recovery week, with less training, to help your body recover and adapt.

12-Week Advanced Olympic Triathlon Plan

This short training plan is suitable for Advanced amateur triathletes, aiming to achieve peak fitness for Olympic distance triathlon. With just 12 weeks to go until event-day, this plan assumes you are currently able to swim 1800 m/yards with rests, ride for 2 hrs 30 mins and run for 1 hr – but not all on the same day. The plan builds up to race day and helps improve your fitness and confidence for your target event.

Average weekly training hours are 9:38 with the biggest week at 12:32 hours. This includes three swims, three rides, three to four runs and a 45-minute strength and conditioning session. There are one or two workouts per day, with one day off each week. Every fourth week is an active recovery week, with less training, to help your body recover and adapt.

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About Phil Mosley (Coach & Founder)
About Phil Mosley (Coach & Founder)

Phil is a recognised expert with over 20 years of experience, having featured on many endurance sports publications (below). 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 my athletes and I have, while still making sure you have quality time for your family, friends and career (read 750+ detailed reviews here).

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You can start our Off-Season (Fitness Maintenance) plans anytime you like.

They’re designed to help you maintain a good level of fitness when you’re not specifically targeting an event, such as, during the off-season, or anytime you’re taking a break from racing.

Planning For Your Event

For the best outcome, input the date for your “A” target race and the tool will default to a plan that will fill that gap nicely. If you want, you can then adjust the plan length to start it on a different day.

Note that you can still work in other, smaller races during your plan too!

The longer plans start easier and progress more gradually. This has a bearing on the difficulty level you choose. For example, a 12-week plan starts off at a higher level than a 36-week plan because with 12 weeks left there’s not as much opportunity to build up slowly.
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Training phases
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Fitness tests
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Our Standard and Masters plans are designed to get you ready for your target event, while our Off-Season plans allow you to recover from a tough season but still maintain your well-earned fitness.
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1-2 per week
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Train for event
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Maintain fitness
This table provides a brief overview of which level might be right for you, to help you get the most out of your plan. You should also note your current fitness levels and how many times you have done this event before.
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