Prepare for your half Ironman with our free 8-week 70.3 training plan

For many triathletes, taking on a 70.3 race is the furthest they will ever go, for others it’s a stepping stone to full Ironman-distance racing. Whatever it is for you, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. You require a commitment to a training plan to succeed on race day.

Completing a 70.3 is best done with some experience of triathlon racing. Ideally you’ll know how your body reacts to exercise stress after 2-3hrs.

This 70.3 training plan is designed for those who are able to commit to six days training per week.

To train for your first 70.3 triathlon, you’ll need a decent base level of fitness and an understanding of working at differing levels of intensity.

Double days, open-water sessions and pacing

One key element in this training plan is that some weeks have a number of ‘double days’ where there are two training sessions. You don’t need to do these back to back.

In fact it’s better to recover between training sessions so you’re ready to execute the next one as strongly as possible.

Consider how best to refuel between sessions on double days with the right hydration and nutrition.

Each week includes one open-water swim. It’s absolutely crucial that you spend enough time preparing for the swim.

If you can be as comfortable as possible in the open-water environment and get a strong start to the race, then you stand a great chance of overall race success.

Practise ‘sighting’, swimming in groups and getting used to physical contact as well as building your swim endurance.

For athletes used to racing shorter distances at higher intensities, part of the transition to middle-distance racing is to reduce speed slightly but improve endurance in order to tolerate the stress for longer.

It’s a bit like walking a tightrope. If you spend too long on the wrong side you’re likely to have a major fall from grace!

The longer bike and runs, as well as the brick sessions, are your ideal opportunity to dial in your middle-distance race pace.

Click below to sign up for the 8-week 70.3 training plan.

Dermott’s 5 top tips for middle-distance

1. Do your research

Research the course. Try, where possible, to replicate the amount of climbing and terrain during the key sessions, like the brick workouts and the long bike and run.

2. Start right

During open-water swim sessions, practise how to start strong and then find your race-pace rhythm. Prepare for contact with others and don’t let it disrupt you.

3. Practise walking

During the longest runs and the brick sessions it’s okay to walk during the run element. On race day you’re advised to walk through aid stations so get used to it now.

4. Adapt to race-fuel

Train using the same nutrition you want to use on race day. 70.3 racing requires a lot of nutrition so you need to know what works for you and how much to take.

5. Prepare your kit

An half Ironman is a long way and you’ll be out there for a number of hours, so your kit needs to be as comfortable and efficient as possible. Spend plenty of time training on your triathlon bike, race-day triathlon running shoes and tri-suit to make sure they work for you.

If you have longer to prepare, why not use our free 12-week half-Ironman training plan.