12 Week - 5KM Open Water | Intermediate | Highly Efficient | Free Coach Support
12 Week - 5KM Open Water | Intermediate | Highly Efficient | Free Coach Support
Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.
Learn More about Structured Workouts.
Length
12 Weeks
Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.
Learn More about Structured Workouts.
Plan Description
Take Your Open Water Swimming to the Next Level
If you’re an intermediate swimmer training consistently between 1:50 and 2:30 per 100 and targeting a 5k swim, this 12-week training plan is designed just for you.
Whether you’ve already completed a 5k open water swim or are looking to refine your skills and get yourself ready, this plan focuses on helping you swim smarter and stronger—all while fitting into your busy schedule.
Build Confidence & Endurance
- Overcome Plateaus: Break through barriers and take your performance up a notch.
- Refine Your Technique: Sharpen your stroke for better efficiency and faster swimming.
- Swim Smarter: Learn how to translate pool-based skills into open water success.
Is This Plan for You?
- Intermediate Swimmers: Perfect for swimmers with a solid base looking to improve their 5k performance. Ideally swimming between 1:50 and 2:30 per 100m on average. For faster swimmers, check out our advanced plan.
- Efficiency Seekers: Ideal for those aiming to make the most out of their training time.
- Goal-Oriented Athletes: Tailored for swimmers preparing for an open water event or seeking to elevate their skills.
Purposeful Training for Real Progress
- Range: Sessions vary between 1300 and 3900 meters, balancing volume and intensity.
- Focus Areas:
- Endurance: Sustain longer swims while maintaining technique.
- Technique: Improve your pull, kick, and sculling to swim more efficiently.
- Breathing & Pacing: Enhance your rhythm and control for open water conditions.
Flexibility That Fits Your Lifestyle
- Adaptable Training: Works for both pool and open water environments.
- Time-Efficient Workouts: Designed to help you progress without feeling overwhelmed.
- Customizable Progression: Adjust sessions to suit your schedule.
Support to Reach Your Goals
- Email Coaching: Stay motivated with expert guidance throughout your journey.
- Smartwatch Integration: Sync sessions directly for real-time, guided training.
What’s Included
- 12 weeks of structured training: 3 purposeful swims per week.
- Technique Tips: Detailed guidance to refine your efficiency and control.
- Race Day Preparation: Focused pacing and open water skills to build confidence.
- Training Plan Guarantee: Swap to a different plan if it’s too easy or challenging.
Check out our other Swim Training Plans Here

Make Progress Without the Guesswork
This plan is crafted to help you build endurance, refine your skills, and swim stronger over 5k. With expert support, varied workouts, and a focus on continual improvement, you’ll feel confident and prepared for your next open water challenge.
How it Works
Quickly view upcoming workouts in the TrainingPeaks app.
Upload completed workouts from your favorite tracking app or device.
Get feedback, stay on top of your training and perform at your best.
Training Plan Sample Week
Stats
Average Weekly Breakdown
Workouts | Weekly Average | Longest Workout |
---|---|---|
Swim
x3
|
02:52:00 | 01:30:00 |
Workouts Per Week | Weekly Average | Longest Workout | |
---|---|---|---|
|
02:52:00 | 01:30:00 |
Training Load By Week
This plan works best with the following fitness devices:
- This plan includes a Free Basic TrainingPeaks Account.
- Access your training plan anywhere on the TrainingPeaks mobile and desktop apps.
- Track your performance with robust data tracking and detailed graphs.
- Plan for your event in the TrainingPeaks calendar.
- Track your weight, sleep, hours, fatigue and stress while you train.
- Completed workouts sync with popular apps like Garmin and Wahoo. Learn More
- If plan includes Structured Workouts, then planned workouts sync to compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time. Learn More
Refund Policy
This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.
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$114.74 USD for the first year, billed yearly.