Isn't there an iron distance base / build etc?just pick that.

After looking at the plans I am more confused on what I should do.

I want to become a faster cyclist and improve my cycling fitness which leads me to think about starting the Sweet Spot training, but I also want to make sure I am in good Ironman shape when training starts for that. I still have well over 5 months till the official start of the training plan.

I am thinking of doing the sweet spot 1 and 2, and then after I get my fitness up start building my miles up with the ironman base plan. What do you guys think?

So you want to be in shape for an Ironman before starting training for an Ironman?

First, here's an extensive thread with lots of information that includes some questions similar to yours. A great thing about the thread is that experts from trainerroad monitor it and frequently respond. So if you it might be a better place to ask since they probably have that thread marked for watching and won't necessarily notice this one.

So your question -- as I interpret it -- is what base and builds should you do before you get to the IM specific phase? The first thing you need to do is be brutally honest with yourself about two related questions: 1) how many hours can you devote to TR sessions?; and 2) how long of indoor sessions can you stand? For the various TR programs look carefully at hours per week and the length of the individual sessions and make an honest assessment. Don't hesitate to go with Low Volume, for example, if that's realistic for you. In my view, you're better off fully completing the Low Volume programs than only partially completing the higher ones.

Okay so what programs to do? You say you want to start specific training for IMNC in April. IMNC 2017 will be October 21, so that's,what, about 28 weeks or so of specific IM training. It's not clear if your plan is to use TR after April, but your question is really focused on what to do before April. There's about 26 weeks between now and April. The answer ii my view is to hyper-focus on base building. Most of us (I certainly do) undervalue the important of building a base.

So, again being brutally honest about volume, start with Sweet Spot I. Then do Sweet Spot II. That's 12 weeks. Then do the Full Distance Base. That's another 12 weeks. That's gets you real close to April, but if you're not quite there then you can repeat a couple of the Full Distance Base weeks.

If you do that religiously, you'll be in great shape come April -- even if you do the Low Volume programs. From that base you can start doing the kind of build work you need -- like the long rides outside in aero -- to get you to IMNC.

Just 2 cents from a middle of the packers.

I just want to know what would get me in the best shape for the beginning of training. I did a 7:57 bike at Chattanooga, so I am trying to improve on that... by a lot.