Triathlon Training Plan Update…

I’ll start by saying this has definitely taken more work than I had ever originally intended, but on the flip, its been a total blast creating it.  Most of the time I’ve spent putting this together is because of my own learning curve with Excel.  None the less, I’ve finally started to log some workouts as well as begin devising my 2010 training plan!  Woo Hoo! 

The first feature I’ve created is the actual Training Plan itself.  I’ve included the sport of Yoga as well because it is something I plan on incorporating throughout the season.  This could be eliminated, changed or added to depending on other activities one planned on doing.  (I.E. Strength)
 

Each row between the thin blue lines represents a week as marked on the left hand side.  Additionally, the color “period” column to the left also help keep on focused on what period/stage they are in within their training plan.  (Base, Build, Peak, etc.).  I have all training, except for swimming, set to be entered as time because I believe that the best way to train.  All totals calculate and appear in the gray column to the right.  One can then color code a workout(s) with the different workout types seen in the upper right-hand corner.  For example, if I have to get a brick workout in, I would highlight both the bike and run with purple which tells me I cannot do one in the morning and one after work. 

The second tab is the Workout Log which becomes a lot more in-depth with detail.  Now one has the ability to not only log the workout time, but enter distance as well with then will automatically calculate pace.  (Figuring out the formulas for this was the absolute most time consuming piece of this)  The schedule mirrors the training plan, but now provides much more data.
 
As you enter your workouts, not only is pace calculated, but totals for the week are calculated on this page.  Additionally, this page pulls your training goals from the previously discussed Training Plan and plops them in to the second to last column on the right.  Your actually weekly totals are compared to your Training Plan goals giving one the rightmost column, which provides a percentage of achievement.  For example, if you had a weekly goal of 100minutes of running and you only logged 80, you will show 80% of goal reached.  If you logged 120 minutes, your 120% of goal.  It’s nothing to elaborate, but it sure keeps you honest to your plan.

Lastly, and still under development is the Reports tab.  Here is where one can come to digest all of their juicy numbers and statistic.  We triathletes bathe in our personal statistics of how much ass week kicked this week or last month. 

I have totals calculating for the entire year for both mileage and time.  Additionally, there is a breakdown of the same, time & distance for each month.  Again, nothing fancy, but always fun to look at and watch over time!

Finally, here is the only chart I’ve created so far, buy I’m sure you can get the drift.  One can visually monitor their progress over the course of their training. Bars going up (gradually)… Good!  Bars going down… Bad! (unless it’s a recovery week!)  I plan on having a chart specifically for swimming and also a chart for Total Time.  One other component to this that I will be adding is a Journal or Notes tab where one can document workouts and/or anything else relevant to the workout/day that they would like to.

Now I’m sure a lot of peeps would immediately ask me, why spend so much time doing this when you can sign up for online log, such as Beginner Triathlete?  Well… I do log with Beginner Triathlete (Iowa Action) and will continue to do so, but this Training Plan will be mine forever.  I will be able to back each year up on my computer and review it in 50 years if I want to.  Not that easy with BT.  Additionally, I have the opportunity to custom build this to my exact needs and requirements.  I’ve got this prepared so one can print out every tab so that it fits perfectly on 11”x14” paper.  Print it to take a hard copy with you, hang your charts/reports on the fridge or file away to review later. 

I’m really excited about it simply because it’s taken so freakin’ long and now I have something to show for it.  Whew.  If you have an interest in checking it out, let me know.  I’m only considering it a prototype right now as I’m sure there will be a few bugs that pop up.  One will also have to re-map the calendar if your schedule runs longer as I’ve only run this through Ironman Louisville which will be my A priority race.  

Wish it luck and be sure to break a sweat today!