Browse More Plans

4 week Build Base

Browse More Plans

4 week Build Base

Includes Structured Workouts

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


Learn More about Structured Workouts.

Author

Justin Kline

All plans by this Coach

Length

4 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

This is a 4 week build phase. It has a strong focus on Swimming Drills in order to improve you technique and abilities in the water. There is also work on your Sweet Spot and FTP improvement on the bike in order to begin generating more power. For the run, we work on all three metabolic pathways in order to improve not only your aerobic base you built previously, but also the lactic threshold and VO2 Max in order to improve your overall speed.

The bike workouts are built with the ability to be exported and imported into a 3rd Party Indoor Training App or Program such as Zwift, Rouvy, or Trainer Road.

Many of the drills in the swim workouts are listed below, but if you have questions, please reach out and we will help with anything that you might need assistance with.

We would love your feedback as well. If you have suggestions, criticisms, or find mistakes, please let us know and we can fix it or find a solution very quickly.

To keep things neat and tidy we use a few abbreviations on the training plans and sessions throughout the Swim Smooth Coaching System. Don't worry this will soon become second nature to you!
50, 100, 200, 400 = the distance in meters/yards to swim if not specified otherwise this is freestyle without any aids (fins/paddles/pull buoy)
freestyle = freestyle full stroke without any toys
(+30s) = Rest Interval, take 30 seconds recovery before moving the next set or repetition.
So 4 x 100 + 30s means swim 100m four times with 30 seconds recovery between each 100m. Where no rest is prescribed, take a maximum of 15 seconds before setting off on the next swim.
↑ = perform the described item on the way 'up' the pool
↓ = perform the described item on the way back 'down' the pool
So 200 ↑6/3/6 ↓freestyle means swim for 200m, performing the 6/3/6 drill on the way up the pool and freestyle on the way back down during the 200m. This applies the same way to 25, 33 or 50m or yard pools.
PFQ = Pretty Flippin’ Quick. This is nearly sprinting.
Sprint = 100% i.e. maximum speed
Moderate = 70% of maximum speed
Easy = 40-50% of maximum, usually for active recovery
80% effort = swim at a pace that makes you feel like you’re working at 80% of your maximum, or the equivalent 8/10 perceived exertion.
Pull = Use a pull buoy between your legs (as high as it will go). Keep your legs straight, point your toes and don't kick. Always use a pull buoy for sculling and doggy paddle unless otherwise stated.
Fins = Use a pair of fins (flippers). Always use fins for kick on side, 6/1/6, 6/3/6, 6/5/6, broken arrow, unco, popv and single arm, unless stated otherwise.
TT = Time Trial - a timed swim over a set distance. This is a race against the clock.
B3s = breathe every 3 strokes (counting both arms). Other versions are B5s and B7s
B3/5/7/3… = performing a continuous cycle of 3 strokes – breathe, 5 strokes – breathe, 7 strokes – breathe, and back to 3 strokes – breathe etc repeating until you have completed the prescribed distance.

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
Run x3
02:54:00 01:20:00
Swim x2
01:38:00 01:24:00
Bike x2
03:19:00 01:30:00
Brick x1
00:39:00 01:00:00
Day Off x1
—— ——
Workouts Per Week Weekly Average Longest Workout
Run
02:54:00 01:20:00
Swim
01:38:00 01:24:00
Bike
03:19:00 01:30:00
Brick
00:39:00 01:00:00
Day Off
—— ——

Training Load By Week


This plan works best with the following fitness devices:

  • Power Meter
  • GPS

All supported devices

Justin Kline

Apocalypse Gym

I am a competitor just like you. Through years of trial and error, studying and discussing training techniques and programs I am ready to help out your everyday athlete. I know that looking through the pages of coaches on the website, it can be expensive. I want to give educated advice at a working mans price. I can offer advice on Race Prep techniques, Race Nutrition Techniques, and even Gear Selection. I can build a custom training plan with a few questions and feedback from the athlete.


  • 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?
| Premium

20% Off

Bundle your plan with TrainingPeaks Premium, and you'll unlock our progress-tracking tools, plus the freedom to move workouts to fit your schedule.

$99.99 USD for the first year, billed yearly.

$14.99 - Buy Now