Triathlon - training programs

do you folks use them?
Which ones?
I've used them in the past and I haven't raced in 2 years so I'm looking for something for a half.

current Triathlete magazine has what looks like a good program for a half, FWIW

Just search google, I'm sure you'll find something on there, and then just taylor it to suit you.

Don't make the mistake of doing to much long stuff though (as some half programs try to push), the half is more of a long standard distance race rather than a short ironman if you get my drift.

Mark.

Joel Friel has a really great book called The Triathlete's Training Bible. It gives some very good advice on mapping out your own training program.

Just search google, I'm sure you'll find something on there, and then just taylor it to suit you.

Don't make the mistake of doing to much long stuff though (as some half programs try to push), the half is more of a long standard distance race rather than a short ironman if you get my drift.

Mark.

oh yea, I've done several of both, I've just taken a few years off and looking for suggestions

Try this site. Great detailed program. I'm using it now.
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=52

oh yea, I've done several of both, I've just taken a few years off and looking for suggestions


Ok...

Well I don't know what time your aiming for because your training will need to be done different depending on your ability.

http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_HIM.asp

That is a good program to get you going for a comfortable sub 5 I would think. If you want to try do a quicker time (providing you think its realistic, meaning your already sub 5 etc) then you'll probably have to look at another run, speed or tempo based. I would also add in a 3-4 hour bike (so 4 bikes total), maybe decrease the distance on the long bike stated in the program if you dont have the time. The swimming on the program will need to vary depending your current abilty. If your looking to be competitive you need to be up there in the swim. So long as your not aiming for anything under the 4.20 mark anything 35min or under will be quite sufficient. Don't do anymore than 5-6 sessions a week swimming, its a waste of time and energy that could be used while running and biking which is going to make up some big time (specially if you can run strong).

Long run dosen't need to be over 2 hours
Long bike dosen't need to be over 4 hours
Long swim dosen't need to be over 5km

Do at least 5-7 long runs and bikes
Do 8-10 long swims, preferably not "straight" but broken into quality sets of 200's 100's etc.

Bit of weight work (only core and shoulders) will make you feel really good on race day (make sure you have this set up by a professional trainer though so it's done correctly).

That's pretty much all on my mind right now, you should do a pretty good time if you do that. Umm. You should start an easy build up starting 12 weeks from race day. During the build up get your long bike/run/swim up to the total listed above. From there do the 5-7 long sessions, Last long bike and run should be 2 weeks from race day, weekend before should be 1/2 to 3/4 of long session previous week.

Hope this is what your after.

Mark.