Pre built IM training plans

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m wanting to purchase a pre built IM training plan. Several people seem to have these available. Who has experience w/ them and who has some of the better ones.

I know these cookie cutter programs may not be the best but it’s an affordable option. They are much cheaper than regular coaching. I’ve got 16 weeks til FL and am good shape now, avg 15-18 hours a week and did a HIM in May in 4.40.

2

Here’s my opinion: The most important thing about having a training plan is having a training plan. The biggest benefit is in the structure they provide. Your life is a lot easier if you don’t have to try to invent a workout every day. As far as I’m concerned, there’s not a dime’s worth of difference in most of these training plans. I’ve used a few of them. I like Multisports.com but if another one seems better to you go with that. Look them over, see what fits your lifestyle and goals and you’ll do fine.

Gary Mc

3

I second the Multisports.com vote. I’ve used their plan for both of my IM’s, and it was great for exactly the reasons Gary describes - mainly, it took the worry away of ‘what workout I should be doing and when?’ Also, I think Paul Huddle has a book (can’t remember the title) that a friend of mine used to guide his training that contains the same info. Might be worth comparing the prices of the book versus their online downloadable plan to see if one is more cost effective than the other.

4

For about the same price as a pre-built plan, you can get a yearlong subscription to TrainingPeaks.com, plug in your own hours you have available to work out, and move the workouts the program gives you to fit your schedule. It takes about 30 minutes once a month to sit down and use their program to come up with your monthly workouts, but it is sooo much better because you build it to fit your timelines. I used this to do IM FL last year and I finished happy and healthy.

Just my 0.02.

5

i have no experience with it personally, but the plans from rich strauss over at crucible.com seem pretty good.

http://www.cruciblefitness.com/coaching/TrainingPlans/index.htm

6

I am also interested in the strauss plans - both canned and canned personalized.

thanks,

dave.