🏅INTERMEDIATE FULL DISTANCE TRIATHLON - 36 WEEKS - (PORTUGAL-CASCAIS 2026) - PAUL M. JOHNSON
🏅INTERMEDIATE FULL DISTANCE TRIATHLON - 36 WEEKS - (PORTUGAL-CASCAIS 2026) - PAUL M. JOHNSON
Structured Workouts automatically sync with compatible devices and guide you through workouts in real time.
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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
Racing the Full Distance Triathlon in Cascais means preparing for a spectacular but demanding course: a 3.8km ocean swim in chilly October waters, a fast and scenic 180km ride through Lisbon and Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and a challenging 42.2km coastal run with over 300m of elevation gain. This 36-week Full Distance Triathlon Intermediate Training Plan is built to get you race-day ready — physically, mentally, and strategically.
💥 Built for Athletes with Big Goals – No Base Needed
Kick off with a 12-week base phase designed to build aerobic fitness and strength, no matter your starting point. You’ll enter the main plan with a solid foundation — ready to train hard, stay healthy, and handle the volume.
✅ Perfect for athletes returning to structured training
✅ Strength-focused early weeks to prevent injury
✅ Form and technique work, especially in swim
💪 Peak-Performance Progression over 24 Weeks
Once your base is built, the 24-week main phase ramps up the intensity and specificity. The 3:1 format — 3 weeks of focused training, followed by a recovery week — ensures consistent gains without burnout.
✅ Starts at ~7 hours/week, builds to ~16 hours/week
✅ Structured swim, bike, run workouts with HR/Power guidance
✅ Brick sessions simulate race-day fatigue and transitions
🚴 Race-Specific Preparation for Cascais Terrain
This isn’t a generic triathlon plan. Every phase is designed to prepare you for Portugal’s Full Distance Triathlon conditions — rolling hills, coastal winds, and cold-water swims.
✅ VO2 intervals and tempo rides prep you for climbs and pace shifts
✅ Long rides mirror the two-loop bike course
✅ Open water swim prep for chilly ocean conditions
📽️ What You’ll Get:
✅ Weekly swim drill videos to refine stroke and sighting
✅ Strength sessions tailored for triathletes, with pro video demos
✅ Personalized coach email support to keep you accountable and confident
🏁 You’ve got a dream — we’ve got the plan to get you there. Whether you’re racing your first Full Distance Triathlon or aiming for a breakthrough in Cascais, this plan will prepare you for every stroke, pedal, and step.
🔥 Train smart. Stay strong. Show up ready.
Take the first step toward your best race in Portugal — with a training plan that’s proven, personal, and purpose-built for Full Distance Triathlon success.
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How it Works
Quickly view upcoming workouts in the TrainingPeaks app.
Upload completed workouts from your favorite tracking app or device.
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Training Plan Sample Week
Stats
Average Weekly Breakdown
| Workouts | Weekly Average | Longest Workout |
|---|---|---|
|
Bike
x3
|
02:37:00 | 05:25:00 |
|
Swim
x3
|
01:53:00 | 01:30:00 |
|
Run
x2
|
02:15:00 | 03:00:00 |
|
Strength
x2
|
01:35:00 | 01:00:00 |
| Workouts Per Week | Weekly Average | Longest Workout | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
02:37:00 | 05:25:00 | |
|
|
01:53:00 | 01:30:00 | |
|
|
02:15:00 | 03:00:00 | |
|
|
01:35:00 | 01:00:00 |
Training Load By Week
This plan works best with the following fitness devices:
- Power Meter
- Heart Rate Monitor
- GPS
- 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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Premium unlocks smarter training with advanced analytics, TrainingPeaks Virtual, and Structured Strength to give you deeper insights and data-backed results.
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