🔥 2026 HALF DISTANCE TRIATHLON SANTA CRUZ - BEGINNER W/AI RUN GAIT ANALYSIS - PAUL M. JOHNSON
🔥 2026 HALF DISTANCE TRIATHLON SANTA CRUZ - BEGINNER W/AI RUN GAIT ANALYSIS - PAUL M. JOHNSON
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Length
36 Weeks
Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.
Learn More about Structured Workouts.
Plan Description
The Half Distance Triathlon in Santa Cruz presents a unique blend of coastal terrain and ocean conditions. This 36-week beginner training plan is structured to progressively prepare athletes for the specific demands of the course.
🌊 Swim — Santa Cruz Main Beach to Cowell’s Beach
The 1.2-mile ocean swim requires open-water familiarity and pacing control. The plan begins with a 12-week foundational phase that includes technique-focused swim drills and video-guided sessions. Athletes build confidence in ocean conditions similar to Santa Cruz's average 63°F (17°C) water. Breathing, sighting, and form are emphasized to support efficient swimming around the Wharf and toward Cowell’s Beach.
🚴 Bike — Rolling Coastal Terrain on Highway 1
The 56-mile bike course features over 2,500 feet of elevation along the California coast. Training includes heart rate and RPE-based cycling workouts that simulate undulating terrain and long efforts in the saddle. As volume increases from 7 to 12 hours per week, endurance and strength are built gradually to align with the course’s demands, including coastal winds and sustained climbs.
🏃 Run — Coastal Trail with Varied Terrain
The 13.1-mile out-and-back run from Depot Park to Wilder Ranch and back includes paved and packed trail surfaces. Athletes train with progressive brick sessions to adapt to the bike-run transition. Tempo runs, long runs, and zone-based intensity sessions prepare the body for sustained effort on race day, particularly along the exposed and scenic West Cliff path.
✅ 12-week foundational phase focused on skill development and aerobic base
✅ 24-week Half Distance Triathlon-specific build phase with periodized endurance training
✅ Video-supported strength training for injury prevention and durability
✅ Structured swim, bike, run, and brick workouts using RPE and heart rate zones
✅ Open-water swim preparation integrated throughout
✅ Gradual training load increases to support sustainable progression
✅ Email-based coach support for plan guidance and accountability
This training plan provides a comprehensive approach to preparing for the Half Distance Triathlon in Santa Cruz, focusing on physiological readiness, technical skills, and course-specific strategy.
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Training Plan Sample Week
Stats
Average Weekly Breakdown
| Workouts | Weekly Average | Longest Workout |
|---|---|---|
|
Swim
x3
|
01:20:00 | 01:15:00 |
|
Bike
x3
|
02:27:00 | 02:30:00 |
|
Run
x3
|
01:46:00 | 01:40:00 |
|
Strength
x2
|
01:08:00 | 00:55:00 |
| Workouts Per Week | Weekly Average | Longest Workout | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
01:20:00 | 01:15:00 | |
|
|
02:27:00 | 02:30:00 | |
|
|
01:46:00 | 01:40:00 | |
|
|
01:08:00 | 00:55:00 |
Training Load By Week
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