Showing up to the starting line feeling prepared, confident, and in peak condition? Nothing beats the feeling!
A quality training plan can make that happen–one that takes the guesswork out of your workouts so you can focus on execution and recovery. Whether you’re looking to conquer a full-distance triathlon or want to challenge your speed in a sprint, these plans will get you in peak form for 2026.
Also, you get 25% off on one year of TrainingPeaks Premium when you purchase a training plan! See what you get with Premium here: 5 TrainingPeaks Premium Features Athletes Love.
1. Best Strength Training Plan for Triathletes of All Levels
If you
a. want to add strength training into your plan but don’t know where to start,
b. struggle with injury,
c. are looking for a way to organize your strength training in one, cohesive place, or
d. all of the above,
then this plan is for you. Coach Steven Moody takes you through eight weeks of structured strength training specifically designed for triathletes. Build muscle across all three disciplines and become a stronger, faster, and more resilient athlete than you were in 2025.
Plus, this training plan is designed with TrainingPeaks Strength, so you can keep all of your training in one place.
- Each exercise is video demo-ed in the app, so you know if you’re doing it right
- Breaks sessions into upper- and lower-body focus and outlines which tri-specific muscle groups you are targeting and why
- Uses the latest TrainingPeaks Strength feature so you can track your progress and keep your training organized
- Includes four 40-minute sessions per week
2. Best Sprint Triathlon Training Plan for Beginners
Ready to take on your first triathlon? This program is designed for athletes with no or little experience who aren’t afraid of a challenge.
Coach Tammy Slauenwhite takes you through 8 weeks of gradual progression with clearly defined training zones, video demos, and optional email guidance
- Beginner-friendly sprint triathlon plan that builds a balanced base across swim, bike, run, and strength.
- Uses FTP or heart-rate zones to tailor workouts to your current fitness.
- Includes strength and core sessions with video demos to improve durability and prevent injury.
- Offers flexible structure and email support, making it ideal for first-time or busy triathletes.
3. Best Half-Distance Training Plan for Masters
It’s never too late to try something new—or return to something you put on pause for a while.
Specifically designed for athletes over 40, this plan provides more recovery time than others to help avoid injury and burnout.
- Designed for less-experienced or returning triathletes over 40 years old.
- Weekly structure includes 2 swims, 2 rides, 2–3 runs, plus rest and optional strength work.
- Strength and mobility sessions improve durability and help prevent injury.
- Includes free email support for added guidance and confidence along the way.
4. Best Full-Distance Triathlon Plan for Experienced Athletes
Ready for you fastest, most competitive race yet?
This plan is designed for experienced athletes looking to achieve their highest level of performance. “Advanced” in this plan doesn’t necessarily refer to your speed, but rather your ability to handle higher intensity and volume. This plan features three intense workout days per week, which means you’re going to be working HARD… but you’re also going to improve. A lot.
- Requires the ability to handle three intense run, bike, and/or swim workouts per week
- Weekly training ranges from 14–17 hours, with peak weeks reaching about 22 hours.
- Includes home-based strength sessions and video guides to support technique and durability.
- Ideal for experienced triathletes looking to hit a personal best.
5. Best Olympic-Distance Training Plan for Busy Athletes
Balancing work, school, kids, social life, training, and/or everything else under the sun? This plan is designed for you. With built-in recovery days and the occasional double, this plan only takes about an hour of your time per day.
Note: You should be able to run continuously for one hour, cycle for two hours, and swim for 1200 meters (with breaks) before starting this plan
- An 8-week Olympic-distance plan designed for intermediate athletes who want efficient training.
- Weekly load is 7.5–8 hours, typically with 2 swims, 3 rides, 3 runs, and a rest day.
- Structured swim, bike, run, and strength sessions build fitness and reduce injury risk.
- Includes a training guide plus 24/7 coach email support for added clarity and confidence.
BONUS: Best Triathlon Training Plan Designed for Women
Designed for women balancing training with work, family, and real-life demands, this 32-week program gives you a clear path to your next full-distance triathlon.
Coach Karen Parnell brings deep expertise in coaching women at the intermediate to advanced level, providing thoughtfully built swim, bike, run, and strength sessions so you can arrive on race day fully prepared.
- A 32-week full-distance plan designed specifically for women at the intermediate to advanced level.
- Includes structured swim, bike, run, and strength sessions using power, pace, and heart-rate targets.
- Built for busy athletes, with a clear progression and one full rest day each week.
- Comes with email coach support for guidance throughout your build to race day.
Whatever your 2026 goals might be, it’s best to have a plan. Whether it’s a PR, just staying in shape, or trying something new, there’s an experienced TrainingPeaks coach who can help you get there.
You can search for other plans designed by our world-class coaches here.
