Update June 2008: This book served me well for two years. However, I have recently found a much better book! Click: training plan
I just bought this book titled “Training Plans for Multisport Athletes” by Gale Bernhardt. The book has very detailed workouts for each sport. I bought it specifically to help me train smart rather than just train hard. It’s a great book for anyone wanting to take their tri skills to the next level: I want to do more than just finishing my races….now I want to perform well.
Book Description
Based on reader demand for the sample daily workouts she publishes in Triathlete magazine, an experienced instructor and coach provides training plans for varying training periods as well as tips for measuring exertion and proper nutrition. Training Plans for Multisport Athletes features detailed strategies for combining swimming, cycling, running, and strength training.
Tom – thanks for your comment on my blog. That’s one thing I don’t like about the plans in this book is that they are based on time rather than mileage. If I ran for 2:30 in Zone 1-2, I would only go about 13 miles, and I would question whether that was even enough running for ironman training. But faster runners would go alot farther, and may not need that much run training. So, I say go with your gut on modifying the plan to suit your own body.
I’m using this at the moment training for IM France. The IM training plan has quite a lot of long runs in the second half of the 2 week plan. These are runs of 2hrs 2:30 and 3hrs. I dont think that I will benefit much from these compared to the risk of getting injured and the extra recovery time needed after hammering the lower legs !!! I am thinking of doing extra bike work instead. Not sure if I am losing out by not doing these very long runs ??? Anybody else ahve this dilemma ???