Want this training plan?

30 Week Advanced Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Intermediate Swimmers

Time-Efficient, Expert Support, Proven Results

Transform Your Full-Distance Triathlon Performance in 30 Weeks with a Strategic Plan and Expert Guidance

Achieve Peak Endurance, Precision Pacing, and Elite Race-Day Performance

This 30-week plan is your proven roadmap to smashing your full-distance triathlon goals, designed for advanced athletes aiming for a personal best and competitive edge. Build elite endurance, master pacing, and execute your best race day performance with confidence.

This plan is also available for Intermediate and Beginner Ironman athletes.

 

Break Milestones

  • Build Endurance Across All Disciplines – Targeted training for swim, bike, and run to optimize your full-distance triathlon performance.
  • Be Your Best – Push your limits and cross the finish line with pride.
  • Train Smarter, Be Efficient – A time-efficient plan balancing progress and recovery.

 

Targets of the Plan

  • Elite Race Performance: Develop the endurance, speed, and resilience to perform at a high level.
  • Precision Race Execution: Master advanced pacing, fueling, and strategy for peak efficiency.
  • Maximize Training Gains: Optimize every session to push performance limits without overtraining.
  • Strong Finish: Execute a well-paced race to maintain strength through the final stretch.

 

Tap Into Your Inner Drive

This plan is designed for triathletes who thrive on challenge. You understand the dedication it takes to train across all three disciplines, push through discomfort, and strive for something greater.

This is your opportunity to break through barriers, proving to yourself—and others—just how much you’re capable of achieving.

Key Features

Structured Progression

  • Block 1: Establish baseline fitness and build endurance with initial testing to set training zones.
  • Block 2: Increase volume and building in longer sessions as your body adapts.
  • Block 3: Maximise your aerobic efficiency.
  • Block 4: Introduce race pace training and lactate threshold training.
  • Block 5: Build in race simulation training including longer bike and run efforts.
  • Block 6: Taper and peak, reducing volume for recovery while maintaining intensity for race day.

Engaged and Connected

  • Keep training enjoyable with exciting, varied training focused on technique and efficiency.
  • Compatible with smartwatches for easy tracking and real-time feedback.

Personalised Approach

  • Sessions tailored to your paces and goals using the TrainingPeaks zones calculator.
  • Coaching assistance with your training plan—just leave your email, and I’ll guide you personally.

Who Is This Plan For?

  • Targeted at Driven Athletes:
    Perfect for those who thrive on challenge and desire peak performance.
  • Ideal for Competitive Athletes:
    For athletes focused on performance, looking to maximise their race-day potential and improve in every aspect of their triathlon.
  • Swim Sessions for Mid-Pack Swimmers:
    This plan is ideal for athletes expecting to be in the middle of the swim pack.

This plan is also available for Beginner and Advanced swimmers.

 

This Plan is Ideal for Athletes Who Can:

  • Swim consistently between 1:50 and 2:30 per 100 meters.
  • Cycle comfortably for 2 hours.
  • Run for an hour and a half.

What You Get

8–10 Sessions Per Week
Including endurance, speed, and race-specific workouts broken into:

  • 2 Swim sessions per week: Focused on enhancing technique and building endurance to improve efficiency.
  • 3 Bike sessions per week: Targeting power and race-specific intensity for a strong bike leg.
  • 3 Run sessions per week: Designed to build speed and stamina to ensure you finish the race strong.
  • 2 Strength sessions per week: Enhancing your overall athleticism and injury resilience.
  • 1 Rest day per week: For crucial recovery, helping you stay fresh and ready.

 

Added Extras

  • Pace-Based Run and Swim Sessions
    Workouts aligned to your personalised pace zones for optimized progress.
  • Power-Based Bike Workouts
    Bike sessions designed specifically around your power for focused improvement.
  • Smartwatch Integration
    Sync with your smartwatch for live session tracking and real-time feedback.
  • Expert Support
    Receive personal email support throughout your training plan.
  • Every Session Fully Detailed
    Each session is outlined with a clear purpose, showing how it contributes to your progress.

Why This Plan Is for You

  • Expertly Designed
    Created by Chris, Head Coach at Efficient Endurance, with years of experience guiding athletes to success in full-distance triathlons.
  • Motivation Built In
    With progressive workouts and variety, you’ll stay engaged and motivated from start to finish.
  • Race-Ready Confidence
    Feel fully prepared with the skills and fitness needed to excel on race day.
  • Comprehensive Support
    Access expert guidance and email support whenever you need help.

 

Additional Extras

  • Welcome Document: Explains your training plan, terminology, and how to maximize progress.
  • Race Day Guides: Tips and strategies to ensure you’re fully prepared for the big day.
  • Warm-Up Routine Videos: Learn how to warm up effectively for peak performance.

 

Start Your Journey

Imagine crossing the finish line of your Ironman triathlon, knowing you’ve trained with purpose and pushed your limits. This plan is thoughtfully structured to ensure every session counts.

Let’s take that first step toward your most successful triathlon yet—start today!

Training Plan Sample(s)

Training Plan Cost

Full Compatibility

This training plan is compatible with...

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

Free Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Generic & non-specific
  • Expert Input - No professional input
  • Structured Progression - Some progression
  • Focus on Technique - Often absent
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Inconsistent and limited
  • No race-specific advice
  • Race-Specific Prep - Not included
  • Strength Training - Not Included
  • Tech Integration - No compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No support offered
  • Plan Guarantee - No other plans
  • Cost - Free

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

Related Training Plans

10 Week Beginner Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Intermediate Swimmers

12 Week Intermediate Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Intermediate Swimmers

12 Week Intermediate Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Beginner Swimmers

12 Week Intermediate Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan for Advanced Swimmers

12 Week Beginner Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Intermediate Swimmers

12 Week Beginner Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Beginner Swimmers

12 Week Beginner Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Advanced Swimmers

12 Week Advanced Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Intermediate Swimmers

12 Week Advanced Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan For Beginner Swimmers

12 Week Advanced Half Ironman Triathlon Training Plan for Advanced Swimmers

Want this training plan?

Efficient Endurance focuses on getting the best out of everyone with the precious time we have

Training Plans

Contact

Newsletter

Access a free training plan example by subscribing to our newsletter