beginner Half Ironman plan
Here is the structure Endu generates for a runner at beginner level preparing a Half Ironman with 5 sessions a week. Volume, long run and intensity change with the declared level.
- weeks
- 21
- sessions
- 103
- sessions / week
- 4.9
- peak week
- 8.2 h
Plan structure
Periodised in phases: build the base, move to race-specific work, then taper before the race.
- General preparationWeeks 1–2 · 2 wk
- BaseWeeks 3–8 · 6 wk
- BuildWeeks 9–13 · 5 wk
- SpecificWeeks 14–18 · 5 wk
- TaperWeeks 19–20 · 2 wk
- Race weekWeeks 21–21 · 1 wk
Volume progression
Week by week: lighter recovery weeks are built in to absorb the load.
| Wk | Phase | Hours | km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General preparation | 4.5 h | 18 |
| 2 | General preparation | 4.6 h | 18 |
| 3 | Base | 6.1 h | 21 |
| 4 | Baserecovery | 5.1 h | 18 |
| 5 | Base | 6.3 h | 22 |
| 6 | Base | 6.4 h | 22 |
| 7 | Base | 6.5 h | 22 |
| 8 | Baserecovery | 5.6 h | 19 |
| 9 | Build | 6.5 h | 25 |
| 10 | Build | 6.6 h | 25 |
| 11 | Build | 6.8 h | 25 |
| 12 | Buildrecovery | 5.9 h | 23 |
| 13 | Build | 6.9 h | 26 |
| 14 | Specific | 7.8 h | 20 |
| 15 | Specific | 8 h | 21 |
| 16 | Specificrecovery | 6.3 h | 16 |
| 17 | Specific | 8.1 h | 21 |
| 18 | Specific | 8.2 h | 22 |
| 19 | Taper | 5.1 h | 23 |
| 20 | Taper | 4.1 h | 20 |
| 21 | Race week | 2 h | 7 |
Sample week — week 13 (Build)
Real sessions from the plan with their targets. Each session is detailed step by step and exportable as .fit.
- MondayEasy🚴 Bike endurance 139min2 h 19
- TuesdayVery hardIntervals 5×1.2km1 h 08 · 11.1 km
- ThursdayHard🏊 Swim threshold 16×200 m1 h 12 · 4 km
- FridayHard🚴 Bike threshold 2×10min55 min
- SundayEasyLong run 78min1 h 18 · 10.5 km
Example generated for a beginner-level profile (VMA 12.5 km/h, 5 sessions/week). Your plan will depend on your level, availability and feedback.
Your plan, not a template athlete's
This plan is generated for an athlete at beginner level training 5 times a week. Yours will be calibrated on your VMA, your available days and your feedback after every session. 3 minutes. 14-day trial, cancel anytime.
Create my plan for Half IronmanFrequently asked questions
- How many weeks to prepare for Half Ironman?
- For an athlete at beginner level, Endu builds a 21-week preparation. If your race is closer, the plan compresses phases while keeping the taper; if it's further away, it extends the base phase.
- How many sessions per week?
- This example has 4.9 sessions per week. You choose 5 to 7 training days and the exact days (e.g. Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun): the plan sticks to them.
- Can I follow sessions on my watch?
- Yes: every session exports as .fit, the format read by Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Polar and Wahoo. Import it in your watch app and the guided workout appears on your wrist.
- How much does it cost?
- 14-day free trial, then €7.99/month with no commitment or €59.88/year (€4.99/month). Unlimited objectives and sports.