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12 Week - 5KM Open Water | Intermediate | Highly Efficient | Free Coach Support

Browse More Plans

12 Week - 5KM Open Water | Intermediate | Highly Efficient | Free Coach Support

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Author

Chris Searle - Efficient Endurance - Free Email Support

All plans by this Coach

Length

12 Weeks

Includes Structured Workouts

Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Plan Description

SwimTrainingPlanEfficientEndurance
5kplanreview

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
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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

Load Your Plan

Quickly view upcoming workouts in the TrainingPeaks app.

Workout and Analyze

Upload completed workouts from your favorite tracking app or device.

Track Your Progress

Get feedback, stay on top of your training and perform at your best.

Learn More

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
Swim
02:52:00 01:30:00

Training Load By Week


This plan works best with the following fitness devices:

Chris Searle

Efficient Endurance

At Efficient Endurance, we are committed to assisting individuals in elevating their running, cycling, and swimming capabilities. We offer professional, detailed technique and endurance coaching services to help you in your journey.


  • 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.

Still have questions about this plan?
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