Self-guided race preparation

Full Distance

A full-distance race combines 3.8km of swimming, 180km of cycling and a marathon, so the build needs room to progress before race-specific work takes over. These plans use a 22-week standard progression rather than treating full distance as a longer version of the 70.3 page.

Build22 weeksDeliveryTrainingPeaksFormatThree levels

Who this plan is for

For a full-distance build with room to progress

Choose Full Distance when the race on the calendar is the complete 3.8km, 180km and 42.2km format. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced collections give the same target distance different starting points, which is more useful than choosing a plan only because the event name says full distance.

The standard build is 22 weeks at all three levels. Separate 15-week time-crunched collections also exist for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, so the shorter build remains a full-distance plan rather than borrowing the compressed 70.3 catalogue.

Training load

Entry → Consolidation → Attack

EntryConsolidationAttack

01Test under normal training fatigue, not after a rest
02Progressive load through entry, consolidation and attack
03A short taper that keeps race-specific work present

Select your plan

Choose your level

Select the starting point that reflects your experience at this distance. TrainingPeaks contains the complete schedule and session guidance.

Beginner

For your first race at this distance or your first structured build.

View on TrainingPeaks 02

Intermediate

For athletes with consistent training and race experience behind them.

View on TrainingPeaks 03

Advanced

For experienced athletes preparing around a specific performance goal.

View on TrainingPeaks

15 weeks · fewer hours each week

Same approach. Fewer hours each week.

These follow the same training principles as the standard build, concentrated into fewer weekly hours, not just fewer weeks. Key race-specific and durability sessions stay; low-value volume goes.

The coaching logic

What the structure protects

01Swim, bike, run and strength developed as one programme

02Race execution rehearsed before race week

03Clear progression instead of disconnected hard sessions

Personal coaching

Need the plan to change with you?

A fixed plan works best when your week is broadly predictable. Coaching is the better fit when work, recovery or ambition requires regular judgement.

See how coaching works