Recommended Training plan for Xterra (Off-Road) Tri

Guy -

Hi there. I think that you could use one of the Olympic plans quite easily - depending on your fitness of course. Since the workouts are time based you should be able to use the same time that you would road ride and use it for mt bike riding instead. Also - since you are only swimming 1k in your race, you could cut out 1 swim and add in a mt bike ride IF you are a strong enough swimmer.

Let me know where you are with your fitness - I know it's almost peak season for you in Auckland (I was there this time last year to enjoy the NZ summer) so you must be ready to race pretty soon, right?

Hi Mike,

My base fitness is reasonable but the swimming is my weakest area with MTB being the strongest. I have 12 weeks until the Xterra event in Rotorua so will build from that base.

The race season is well underway done here, having completed 2 events before Christmas and a Sprint Tri Yesterday.

Will have a look at the Olympic programs and switch some of the road riding for MTB., however the programs are 16 weeks long and I only have 12 weeks left before the race and I think the volume of the 12 week Olympic plans is too much for me at the moment with other commitements.

Regards Guy

Ok - then I suggest you hit the pool with a coach if you can find one - and you should be able to - I know there are some great coaches in NZ.

How about using the Sprint bridge program - those hours might be better for you. I would only bike as much as neccessary and then use the extra time to swim - at least 4x per week if it's as big a weakness as you say.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for the great advice Mike.

Cheers Guy