Overview
This is an intermediate training plan for an athlete interested in completing an Xterra short-course triathlon (standard distance of ~500m swim, ~15k bike, ~5-6k run) or a similar distance off-road triathlon. This training plan is geared towards the individual that has completed at least one or two Xterra short-course triathlons and is interested in setting a personal best or being more competitive within their age group in an Xterra short-course race. This training plan is prescribed and individualized based on pace, heart rate, and Rating of Perceived Exertion (1-10 scale) and assumes that an athlete has the equipment necessary to swim, mountain bike, and run. This training plan includes a mixture of pool swimming and open water swimming, as well as road cycling, mountain biking, road running, trail running, and resistance training performed in a gym. An athlete should have a basic level of fitness and at least 6-12 months of triathlon experience in which they trained specifically for either on-road or off-road triathlon. If the athlete is looking to improve their specific swim mechanics or their specific mountain biking and/or run skills, it is recommended that they also seek out personal and individual coaching from a sport-specific coach.
Note: When viewing the average weekly hours within the Training Plan Preview, total swim hours estimated and are not the exact duration you will likely end up swimming in each session. The swim hours are estimated based on the yards/meters of each individual swim session.
This training plan comes with a few documents/resources that will prove useful to athletes while following along to the prescribed plan:
1. Instructional Booklet - Contains basic educational and background material that will help the athlete successfully complete the training plan and learn about the training process
2. Training Zones Chart - This will be useful in documenting swim, bike, and run pace/heart rate zones to be used during training and racing; these zones will bet set by performing tests regularly throughout the training plan
Basic equipment needed to successfully complete the swim sessions within this training plan include:
-swimsuit
-goggles
-wetsuit (if swimming in colder open water venues during training or racing)
-kickboard
-fins
-snorkel
Basic equipment needed to successfully complete the bike sessions within this training plan include:
-road bike (not required as road rides can be done on a mountain bike as well)
-mountain bike
-bike helmet
-tire pump
-proper cycling clothes and attire (cycling shoes if desired and cycling shorts and jerseys)
-flat kit (can be kept in saddle bag or in jersey pockets while riding)
Basic equipment needed to successfully complete the run sessions within this training plan include:
-running shoes (ideal to have a pair to wear on the road and a pair to wear while on the trails)
-proper run clothing and attire
-heart rate monitor
Peak Endurance Solutions is a company dedicated to providing endurance athletes with premium semi-customizable training plans. I strongly believe that endurance sport and the craving to reach our athletic potential can be used as a platform to experience our true human potential. My approach to crafting training plans for a wide variety of endurance sport events and distances reflects this core belief, and is the driving force behind my pursuit of providing the best training plans possible.