Minutes per session

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2025-09-23 9:54 PM


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Subject: Minutes per session
Hi. Im new to triathlon training and just trying to get the consistency down with the amount of training per week. Ive been lifting and running for several years, but I am new to biking and swimming. Not sure why its taken me so long because Im really enjoying it!

Anyway, I printed out the balanced Olympic training plan due to my current fitness level and I understand the 10% rule for increasing volume. But since its so exact, I feel I might be too concerned with the minutes and not just finishing the mile or swim meters. For example a 21 min run. What if Im at 1.78 miles or 2.3 miles, do I just stop? Same goes for the bike ride and swim. Do I set a timer on my phone so Im not distracted by constantly checking the time?I have been swimming and even number of meters per week and the time changes a little each week depending on how I feel, but its the same amount of meters like 1500m not 1425.

Just thought I would ask so I can understand the program and have confidence moving forward. At the moment Im not signed up for a race, Im just picking a week that fits my fitness level so I can stay consistent, work on my form with swimming and getting time on the saddle. Eww it hurts. lol

Thank you

2025-09-24 8:32 AM
in reply to: nburavski

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Subject: RE: Minutes per session

Great question - how closely do you need to follow a plan?  My experience is that it's an exercise in "close enough".  If a plan said "run 21 minutes" I'd probably round it down to 20 in the plan, and then wind up running 22 or something.  I think the overall weekly volume and progressing volume over time is the most important.  One other thing I've noted with the BT plans is the long run is super long compared to the rest of the days, resulting in your long run being like 50-55% of your total run volume for the week - I try to keep it not over 40% in a tri plan or 33% in a run plan.

2025-09-25 6:04 AM
in reply to: #5290812


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Subject: RE: Minutes per session
Ok I see what you mean. So just keep the time within reason of what’s listed for that day, to keep on track but don’t freak out about it. I really appreciate it the reply. Thank you!
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Minutes per session Rss Feed