12 Week Advanced Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Beginner Swimmers

For advanced-level triathletes aiming to reach their highest possible level.

Time-Efficient, Expert Support, Proven Results

FOR TRIATHLETES WANTING TO SAVE TIME, BREAK PBs AND PUT EXPERTISE IN THEIR CORNER.

I coached British Champion swimmers – now I’ve turned my expertise to coach half-ironmen, like you. You’ve got the bike and run in hand, but you need to turn the attention to your swim. 

Say goodbye to training plans that leave no time for you, hours spent figuring out your next steps, and dwindling motivation. Time is too precious to waste on a training plan that falls flat. 

Instead, look to a triathlon coach who’ll drive record-breaking performances, push your limits, and handle the planning, so you can focus your time where it counts. Let’s join forces.

  • CRUSH PBs, with a faster, stronger, more confident performance.
  • ACCELERATE YOUR SPEED by boosting your aerobic system and lactate threshold.
  • FEEL PREPARED, stepping into race day knowing you’ve done enough.

WHY THIS HALF IRONMAN TRAINING PLAN?

AN ALL-ROUNDER: This plan will focus on all the areas that count – technique, endurance, and speed.

SLOTS INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE: We’ve swapped 14 not-so-effective sessions per week with 6-9 impactful ones. Less time, more progress, better balance.

PERSONALISED TRAINING: Input your data – from paces to goals – and TrainingPeaks will help you go from where you are, to where you want to be.

Think of your most ambitious triathlon goal. It could be a time. It could be a podium place. It could be a World Championship slot. But whatever it is, this is your opportunity to prove that you can do it. There’s no time like now.

Why Choose the Free PDF Training Plan?

Our free PDF version gives you:

  • Complete training guidance at your fingertips, wherever you are—no internet needed.

  • The flexibility to print your plan or view it on any device.

  • A perfect resource for athletes who prefer traditional training methods or want to preview the plan before committing.

Please note: The PDF is a static document and does not include interactive features like syncing workouts to smartwatches or apps. For those wanting full integration and live tracking, our paid plans offer seamless compatibility. We also do not provide coaching support for the PDF plan.

 

The Free PDF Version of This Triathlon Plan Offers:

  • A complete training guidance at your fingertips, wherever you are—no internet needed.

  • The flexibility to print your plan or view it on any device.

  • A perfect resource for athletes who prefer traditional training methods or want to preview the plan before committing.

You can get the free PDF by clicking the button and entering your details. 

Please note: The PDF is a static document and does not include interactive features like syncing workouts to smartwatches or apps. For those wanting full integration and live tracking, our paid plans offer seamless compatibility. We also do not provide coaching support for the PDF plan.

Key Features

All it takes is 12 weeks.

BLOCK 1: The best Half Ironman training plans are built upon even better insights. We’ll start by testing your fitness baseline, keeping progress trackable.

BLOCK 2: We believe in setting you up for success with training that’s as close to race condition as it gets, from brick workouts to race-pace efforts.

BLOCK 3: Our triathlon training plans are focused on science, meaning all pre-race periods end with a taper and peak week, keeping volume down, and intensity up.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

  • FUN, VARIED TRAINING – Training shouldn’t get old, and it certainly shouldn’t feel like a chore. Instead, our plans keep things fresh, from the first session to the last.
  • TRACKABLE – We believe that the key to continued drive is watching your progress in real-time. So much so, that our triathlon training plans are compatible with smartwatches.
  • TAILORED SUPPORT – From personal coaching guidance via email to sessions tailored to your pace (and personal goals!), we shape our plans around you. No exceptions.

WHAT YOU GET IN RETURN: 

A 12-week triathlon training plan, created by an ultra-experienced coach.

7–9 sessions per week, covering:

  • 2 swim sessions, building speed, fuelling endurance, and tweaking technique. 
  • 3 bike sessions, focused on power, intensity, and stamina.
  • 3 run sessions, for a strong, speedy finish. 
  • 1 strength session, minimizing injuries and maximizing athleticism. 
  • 1 rest day, aiding recovery, keeping you fresh for the week ahead. 

Easy scheduling, with the help of an integrated training calendar. No commitment clashes, here.

Email support, from motivation when morale starts to dip to specialist support when it matters most. 

Race day guides, ensuring you’re primed and ready with a warmup routine and instruction video.

An athlete guarantee, with the peace of mind that, if it’s the wrong level for you, you’ll be moved to the right plan – no questions asked.

IS THIS TRAINING PLAN RIGHT FOR ME?

If you have some triathlon experience, with goals of holding Half-Ironman status or improving recent performances, you’re in. We just ask that you’re able to:

  • Cycle for 2 hours
  • Run for an hour
  • Swim between 2:30 and 3:30 per 100 meters

 

Strong Swimmer?

Or need something more advanced?

We have other Half Ironman training plans available » Here «

SO ARE YOU A: 

  • PB CHASER: Those with a time in mind, who will stop at nothing to achieve – and beat – it.
  • AMBITIOUS ATHLETE: Those who want more out of their sessions – more structure, more progression, and more podium moments.
  • BACK OF THE PACK SWIMMER: Those who tend to sit in the rear third of the swim, and really want to push forward – fast.

Get This Plan And Start Your Journey Now.

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Your Coach

Chris Searle the head coach of efficient endurance

Hi, I’m Chris.

I’m a qualified triathlon coach with 12 years of experience, having coached everyone from complete beginners to Ironman age-group podium athletes.

My coaching philosophy is centered on efficiency, ensuring no training time is wasted. I’m dedicated to helping athletes maximise their potential by focusing on smart, effective training.

 

FAQ's

These plans are tailored for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced, looking to maximize their performance. If you’re unsure of which level you are, get in touch!

The only thing you need is a trainingpeaks account and the usual triathlon kit (swim kit, bike, running shoes) but to get the most out of your training plan, having the following would be ideal:

  • Compatible* smartwatch and/or bike computer
  • Pull Buoy and Kickboard

The following items are optimal but not necessary:

  • Chest Based Heart Rate Monitor
  • Bike Power Meter

*All common devices sync with trainingpeaks, check here to see if your device is compatible with the structured workout feature so you can follow your sessions on the go.

Training sessions are written in an optimal order for improvement, progression and recovery, but plans change and when they do you can move sessions across days and weeks with a premium training peaks account.

If you need to move things around but are not sure what is best, get in touch and I will help you out.

With years of experience coaching swimming, I understand that drills are very specific to the swimmer and can in many cases make technique worse. For this reason, plans focus on technique points rather than drills. The only ‘drill’ that you might come across in our training plans is sculling.

Most likely. Plans that have strength sessions included use weights such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and cable machines. You don’t have to do these sessions but they add another dimension to your training that running, swimming or cycling alone can not do.

Sometimes, we have to miss a session, life gets in the way. Fortunately these plans are robust and consistency and efficiency will keep you progressing. Don’t fret over a missed session and don’t try and catch up either, you will still keep moving forwards.

You can adjust the schedule or swap sessions with a premium training peaks account; email support is available for advice if you’re unsure of what to do.

Every session includes detailed instructions and the rationale behind it. Feel free to email if further clarification is needed.

Improved endurance, better race-specific fitness, and confidence on race day. Results depend on how disciplined you are to the plan- it is designed to keep you motivated.

Our guarantee ensures that you are on the right training plan for you. If you find your plan is too much, too little, too hard or too easy, get in touch and we will swap you onto a more suitable plan.

We would love to issue refunds but do not have the option for this as payment is taken by trainingpeaks.

Absolutely! Email support is available for guidance and motivation.

We only provide support for the duration of your plan and 2 weeks afterwards. If you would like coaching after your plan, get in touch!

Why choose Efficient Endurance

Efficient Endurance Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Ability-based plans & email support
  • Expert Input - Designed by a qualified, experienced coach
  • Structured Progression - Detailed progression
  • Focus on Technique - Detailed swim technique sessions
  • Detailed Sessions - Clear explanation of how sessions support your goal
  • Training Volume - Balanced for your level
  • Race-Specific Prep - Includes taper weeks & race guides
  • Strength Training - Targeted strength sessions
  • Tech Integration - Compatible with smartwatches and bike computers
  • Support & Advice - Email support from a coach
  • Plan Guarantee - Free plan swap if needed
  • Cost - Less than $4 per week

Other Premium Training Plans

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Limited ability variations
  • Expert Input - Created by a qualified coach
  • Structured Progression - Include generic progression
  • Focus on Technique - Often absent
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Suitable volume for athletes
  • Race-Specific Prep - Minimal race-day strategy
  • Strength Training - May have generic strength work
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - Occasional support, sometimes outsourced
  • Plan Guarantee - Limited or no guarantee
  • Cost - $4-6 per week

AI Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Algorithm-based, lacks nuance
  • Expert Input - Automated, no human touch
  • Structured Progression - Only if the algorithm says so
  • Focus on Technique - Often absent
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Metrics can miscalculate workload
  • Race-Specific Prep - Lacks detailed guidance
  • Strength Training - Rarely included
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No human support available
  • Plan Guarantee - No guarantees
  • Cost - $10+ per week

* Strength training included on some training plans at additional cost

** Cross training is available on some specific plans

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