no luck following directions to download PLAN?

It should work fine.  '2' only applies if you are uploading your own plan that you created yourself or from other sources.  It sounds like you just want to use the Silver plans here so:

1 - Go to the 'Programs' page at:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/trainingplans-list.asp?h=1

2 - Click on the 'Import' button next to the silver plan you want to use.  Follow prompts to configure the days.
More details at:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=416

3 - View/Print your plan:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=569

Let me know if this works or not.

Ron