Run With Power E-Book Now Available

Many of you have been asking, and it is now out and available. Should help many of the international athletes on here who have been waiting. You can find it here: http://amzn.to/28UGzoo

And I am always appreciative of a review on Amazon or other online retailers for the book. I want honest feedback, as the planning for a 2nd version, or a more in-depth sequel will begin soon.

Thanks, and good luck!

Coach Vance

What a triathlete can learn from US Soccer in Copa America?

Tonight, (Tuesday, June 21st, 2016), I watched the US lose to the #1 team in the world, Argentina, in the COPA America Centario Semi-Final, which is one of the most prestigious soccer tournaments in the world. (I know many may say the UEFA Cup is better, but the US can't play in that, since they are not in Europe.) Tonight the US lost 0-4, to a team which was flat out better than they were. There is no shame in losing to a team that's better than you. But it is an opportunity to review.

As the game went on and I was frustrated to watch as a fan, I realized so many of the feelings and things I was saying out loud at the TV were things I see in triathletes, and frustrations I have with many of them, from elites to age groupers to elite juniors. I can make it very clear in 2 simple concepts, which if you are a triathlete, you need to seriously consider if you value your performances in the sport.

Lesson #1 - Fundamentals are Key
Passing a soccer ball isn't cool on the playground. Scoring is cool. Being the best passer on the field isn't cool. Saving shots from the goalie position are cool. Headers into goals are cool. Passing isn't cool, that is, until you see a team that has such a basic fundamental skill down so well, they make it beautiful. Argentina passed the ball like it was effortless, while the US passed like they didn't know where it was going. It was such a clear depiction of what the difference of what the best do and what the US does, that I had to write about it, in relation to triathlon. It's a fundamental skill.

What are fundamentals in triathlon? They are bike fit, proper run shoes, basic swim skills, pacing skills, basic aerobic conditioning, injury prevention and therapy, race nutrition, equipment maintenance and its preparation for race day, proper rest and recovery, and of course, consistency of training.

So many triathletes are chasing the highest goals against the stiffest of competition, and don't bother making these fundamentals a focus. They are more concerned with hours of training or their FTP. And it's no surprise when many don't reach their potential or even close to their goals when they haven't addressed the fundamentals! I've literally had athletes supremely prepared and ready to perform exceptionally, only to get in an Ironman and realize they didn't charge the battery of the Di2, and they can't shift! There's no training plan or world renowned coach who can overcome that basic fundamental of making sure your equipment is ready for race day!

There are no nutritional plans which can overcome poor pacing. If it could, then whoever ate the most would win! You can't run your first few miles off the bike at 10K pace in a long course triathlon! There's no way I can help you with training to perform at a high level if you don't have a proper bike fit, giving up effective watts. I can't help you if you treat the swim and transitions as times for photo opps with the family or warm-ups for bike and run, instead of opportunities to close the gap on the best in your Age Group.

There is no training plan a coach can write, or workouts you can do, which can make up for a lack of consistency in your training. You must be committed, and you must put in the work, EVERYDAY.

These are the fundamentals of triathlon, which too often get overlooked. They aren't sexy, like a power file, or bike split, or even passing in a major soccer game, but as Argentina proved, the best in the world are masters of fundamentals.


Lesson #2 - It doesn't matter how good or bad your competition is, if you are your own worst enemy

This concept is related to Lesson #1, but it needs to be stated by itself. If you're ignoring the fundamentals, you are your own worst enemy. If you think you can brush over the fundamentals, as though they are just fodder for a blog, then you will be exposed, especially as your goals get higher, and you face stiffer competition.

There's no way around it, you need to address the fundamentals. If you don't know what they are, or feel like you're never racing to a level which is indicative of your performance potential, then you need a coach, and they should address the fundamentals with you. You can even watch the best, and notice they have the fundamentals down. They don't screw up the basics, they are well beyond them.

I'm pissed off to see a US Men's National Team perform so poorly on the biggest stage, against the best in the world, in a way which shows they lack the fundamentals. I would be embarrassed as a coach of a triathlete if they did the same.

In the postgame, Alexi Lalas stated, "The number of times the US lost the ball, clear unforced errors which have nothing to with the fact you're playing Argentina..." What he was saying is it doesn't matter if they are more talented than you if you give them the victory anyway. Think about that. How much are you giving your competition just because you are not addressing or doing the things which are basic?

Address your fundamentals, stop being your own worst enemy.

Coach Vance

Run Power Based Training Plans Now Available on TrainingPeaks

If you've picked up my new book, Run With Power, or are using a power meter for your run training, and are looking to use it with TrainingPeaks, I have run power-based training plans now available in TrainingPeaks. 

These plans are from the book, and are in Appendix B, so they are available there, but if you'd like them pre-loaded into your TrainingPeaks account, this offers you the chance to do that.

The current plans are all 14 weeks long, and are for the specific phase, where the workouts are designed to simulate the demands of the race, not a base training phase. The plans are:

Sub 16 min 5K
Sub 18 min 5K
Sub 32 min 10K
Sub 40 min 10K
Sub 1:20 Half-Marathon
Sub 1:40 Half-Marathon
Sub 2:30 Marathon
Sub 3:30 Marathon

All these plans can be found here: https://www.TrainingPeaks.com/RunWithPower

Hopefully you'll have a great experience in using one or many of these plans, and your running power meter!

Coach Vance

Ironman Arizona Entry and Coaching Package - Coach Vance

If you're looking for an entry to the sold-out 2014 Ironman Arizona, TrainingBible Coaching is a sponsor of the event, and we have limited entries. I am offering a coaching package for those who would like an entry and coaching in one package.

Ironman Arizona Coaching Packing by Jim Vance includes:
- Entry to 2014 Ironman Arizona
- Coaching begins on January 1, 2014 to race day
- 2 time monthly coaching meeting with Jim, (online meeting to discuss progress)
- Video analysis of swim and run technique, (at least 2 of each)
- Training Camp on the course in Phoenix, with Jim in October
- Hands-on coaching at the venue during race week, (Wednesday thru Sunday)
- Professional bike mechanic race-week preparation
- Requires a power meter for bike training, and a GPS for running

Cost: $12,500
- Non-refundable deposit of $1500 required
- Balance due by March 31, 2014
- $500 discount if paid upfront

These spots are VERY LIMITED! Contact Jim at coach jim vance at g mail dot com to secure your spot soon.

Coach Vance

Transformation via Training Plan

Here's a photo an athlete shared with me on Facebook, of his transformation after using one of my Training Plans. His name is Peter Prestley, and he used an XTERRA plan of mine to prep for the XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii this weekend.

Always great to see this type of feedback! If you're using one of my plans as well, would love to see something from you as well.

If you're looking for a training plan to prepare you, please check out mine at TrainingPeaks.com.

Coach Vance

New 70.3 Podium Training Plans on TrainingPeaks

If you're using a power meter and GPS with HR monitor, and looking to take advantage of what TrainingPeaks has to offer for training feedback, check out my new 70.3 Podium Training Plans with Power and GPS.

If you're looking to try and qualify for Vegas 70.3 Worlds, or do really well in your local race, this plan will help you get there. I have listed it as a single 25 week plan, which can be changed to 24 or even 23, with different plans for Saturday races, and even Sunday races. If that is too long, which for many athletes might be, the plan is divided up and available as a Base Plan, and another as Build and Peak.

What makes these plans "podium"? Well, I know the training load and effort it takes to be prepared to do well in one of these events. I also know what specificity is, about how long the specific phase should last, and these plans give the athlete specific guidelines for specificity, in terms of TSS, Intensity Factor, and race preparation details. The plan also gives guidelines on the metrics to follow, and if you haven't reached a certain a threshold or mark, how to adjust the plan accordingly. The hours are right in line with what it takes to be successful and contend for a podium spot as well.

If you don't use a power meter, then I would suggest some of the other plans I offer, but if you do, this is right up your alley. Best of luck!

Coach Vance

30 Indoor Trainer Workouts Posted at @TrainingPeaks Store

If you're looking for something to break the monotony of indoor trainer rides thru the winter weather, then you will want to check out my indoor trainer workouts for sale in the Exercise Library section of TrainingPeaks.

The workouts range from 36 to 90 mins, and I give intensity prescription for zones, (power or HR), perceived extertion, (RPE 1-20 scale), and even some Critical Power value ranges. If you use a power meter, that will be perfect for this, but even those using HR or RPE will enjoy this.

I also list the workouts by goals, if you wanting to do some sprint work, endurance work, or other needs.

For those of you looking for something for the really LONG indoor rides, I have one in this which is a great set I use with my athletes to break-up those 4 hour rides on the trainer, while still working on the endurance needs of the athlete.

Enjoy, and if there is more demand I will create even more of them. Thanks!

Coach Vance

What if there's a better way?

Sure, you can do the regular routine of Saturday long ride, Sunday long run, but what if there's a better way? Most athletes follow this schedule, but does that mean it is the most effective? Plenty of people do things which aren't necessarily the most effective, but is popular enough to bring comfort to the decision.

What if a 10 day cycle worked better? Or 14 days? Or what if you simply did 2 days in a row of biking, and moved your long run to the middle of the week?

Think about your training and performance. If you've hit a plateau, and aren't seeing the steady gains, maybe it's time to try a new routine. Change it up! Plenty of options, as your mind and creativeness, (or your coach's), are the only things holding you back.

If everyone else is doing the same thing, how do you expect to get ahead?

Coach Vance

New workouts in the TrainingPeaks.com Exercise Libraries

If you use TrainingPeaks as your online training log, you probably know there is a store in the software for purchasing training plans for events. However, there is also a store for Exercise Libraries, which is simply a collection of workouts, designed by the author.

If you're a self-coached athlete, looking for some new workouts to use and utilize in your training, then you might like some of the Exercise Libraries I have added:

Marathon Goal Pace Workouts - This is a series of 9 workouts, built in a ladder, designed to help athletes who are preparing for a marathon. These are simple and progressive, yet effective workouts for nearly ALL levels of runners, from beginner to advance.

Goal Mile Run Workouts - This series of 15 workouts, built ladder style of 1/wk, has an athlete attempt to run 1 mile on a track at a selected goal time come the 15th week, are designed to improve economy and speed. This is an ADVANCED level workout structure and system.

Advanced 70.3 Bike Workouts - These 6 workouts are wattage-based, for the athlete who is COMPETITIVE in Half-Ironman, looking to make a jump in bike performance. These workouts are tough, and have been used by age-group winners, Kona qualifiers and elites.

Advanced Ironman Bike Workouts - These 5 workouts are wattage-based, for the athlete who is COMPETITIVE in Ironman, looking to make a jump in bike performance. These workouts are tough, and have been used by age-group winners, Kona qualifiers and elites.

If you're looking to spice-up your training or to step-up your training, these workouts will allow you to do so, based on your goals. They are specific for the races they list, and will help with any athlete to periodize their training and have a successful race. Look for more exercise libraries from me in the coming weeks.

Coach Vance

New Ironman Training Plans - Only 5 days/wk of Training

There are a growing number of people wanting to be an "Ironman", and yet we all have busy lives, and many demands. It's difficult to find a balance between our commitments in life, work and family, with the training demands of an Ironman.

So one of the things I've been working diligently on has been a "bare-bones" training plan for Ironman. After all, I know probably better than most what it takes to be an Ironman. I've trained myself as an elite to be ready, trained Kona qualifiers, beginners, and even trained a celebrity battling weight issues to missing the cut-off in Kona by less than 4 minutes, and that's one of the toughest Ironman races in the world.

I am pretty excited to announce these new training plans, which require ONLY 5 days of training per week! In the plans, I give every Monday and Friday off for the athlete. (My next set of Ironman plans to be released will have one week day and Sunday's off!)

The plans are:

Ironman Finisher in 16 wks - ONLY 5 days/wk Training - Saturday Race

Ironman Finisher in 16 wks - ONLY 5 days/wk Training - Sunday Race

Ironman Finisher in 20 wks - ONLY 5 days/wk Training - Saturday Race

Ironman Finisher in 20 wks - ONLY 5 days/wk Training - Sunday Race

An obvious question is, "What is the real difference between 16 and 20 weeks?" The answer is the risk which must be taken in training. An extra month of preparation requires less risk in terms of ramping up the volume, in order to adequately prepare the athlete. The reason for offering two different plans is we all have different time frames we work with. The other item to determine is whether the race falls on a Saturday or Sunday, as the race week preparation will be different.

You can view these plans and more descriptions, including a graphical preview of the weekly volume, here at my featured coach page on TrainingPeaks.com. You can look for more of the same at Active.com and Active Trainer in the coming days, if that is your online training log.

Enjoy and best of luck!

Coach Vance

New 70.3 Training Plans Posted at TrainingPeaks.com

If you're looking for some training guidance for a 70.3 event, I have the following new training plans posted at TrainingPeaks.com:

- 70.3 20-week Saturday Race - Competitive Age Grouper Training Plan

- 70.3 20-week Sunday Race - Competitive Age-Grouper Training Plan

- 70.3 8-week Build and Peak Plan - Saturday Race

- 70.3 8-week Build and Peak Plan - Sunday Race

- 70.3 6-week Build and Peak Plan - Saturday Race

- 70.3 6-week Build and Peak Plan - Sunday Race

- 70.3 12-week Base Training Plan

- 70.3 8-week Base Training Plan

You'll notice they sound very similar, but the key differences are found in meeting the specific needs of the athlete, based on time until the race, and day of the week the race falls on. All these plans range in similar training hours of 12-16, but allow the athlete to choose which works best for them.

If you're wondering which one you should choose, the longer the time you have to prepare, the better prepared you will be, with less risk in the training plan, and more moderation of the training stress.

Best of luck!

Coach Vance

Training Plans available at TrainingPeaks.com

Happy New Year! Welcome to the 2010 season! Yes, the season can now OFFICIALLY start! And for those of us in Southern California, the season will be starting in only about 8 weeks!!!

If you're looking for a little guidance this season, check out some of my training plans available at TrainingPeaks.com. If you're not sure a training plan is for you, I suggest you to try one of my supplemental swim plans, which allow you to train bike and run as you want, but give guidance to your swim training and help you try to improve.

Or an even better idea for those of you doing a 70.3 this year, would be one of my new "Base Training Plans", which last either 8 or 12 weeks, and will ensure you have the proper aerobic base of fitness to perform well at the half distance, from up to 16 weeks after the completion of the base plan.

I also created a 16-week XTERRA plan, if you're concentrating on one of their major races.

More plans to come this year, including Build Phase plans, more XTERRA plans, Ironman and varying ability level plans!

And don't forget about our 2010 training camps!

Cheers!

Coach Vance

ActiveTrainer.com Swim Training Plans

For those of you out there training and using ActiveTrainer, I have created some swim training plans with iPod/iPhone videos, which you can take to the pool with you, to help demo drills and skills.

The plans are written as two days of workouts and new drill introduction, (Mondays and Wednesdays), and then another fitness-based workout which combines the skills of the week into a single workout. Every other week has a fourth workout, which is optional or can be switched around during the week.

If you're a triathlete looking for swim help only, and want to do your own bike and run training, then these plans are for you. You can simply add these swim workouts to your training, and adjust as you see fit.

Check it out here under Triathlon or Swimming:
http://www.activetrainer.com/

There are three plans, Level 1, Level 2, and a combined one for cheaper of Levels 1 and 2.

If you use these, I'm sure you'll learn a lot, and improve your swimming!

Best of luck!

Coach Vance

Roll-Over to Swim Faster

I wrote an article on a great drill which is included in my Supplemental Swim Training Plan, and teaches the concept of "pressure". This is something so many athletes lack in their stroke, and why I wrote the article, as well as created the training plans. There is a YouTube video of the drill in the article as well, for better demonstration. Enjoy!

As complex as it may seem at times, swimming fast is just a matter of displacing yourself past the most amount of water you can, and reducing drag to maximize the distance you go with the displacement. This is simple in idea, but complex in execution.

One of the biggest flaws in swim coaching is most coaches don't understand how to relate to a beginning swimmer. Concepts and actions which seem simple to coaches are like astrophysics to novices. Sometimes the wording used by coaches is more complex than it needs to be. For example, most coaches use the term "catch" to describe how to gather water to displace in the stroke. If you're a novice swimmer, catching something which is fluid can seem rather puzzling. It's hard to conceptualize catching water. A better term is "pressure".

"Pressure" is something we can all conceptualize and sense when we are swimming, more so than "catch". Athletes want to feel pressure in the palm of the hand, as well as on the accompanying forearm...

Read the rest of the article at XTRI.com

Coach Vance

Introducing a Supplemental Swim Training Plan with Video

As a coach, one of the things which I've noticed is the apprehensiveness of many athletes to completely commit to a pre-devised training plan. So many athletes feel there is little flexibility in the plans, and in many ways feel the plans don't relate to them and their training environment, routines, etc.

This is something all coaches and athletes battle. Coaches are trying to create plans which will work for most athletes, but still address the individual needs of each athlete as much as possible. Athletes want to find a plan which works with their individual schedule and goals, as well as addresses their individual weaknesses.

Some athletes feel they are great runners or cyclists, and know what they need to do in their training to continue with that success level, but maybe need more help with the swim. It can be hard to find a training plan which matches the philosophy of both coach and athlete.

Attempting to build on the success of my iPod Training Plans, I sought an alternative to the complete, all-or-nothing training plans, while still maximizing the opportunity for success with each athlete. The result of this endeavor is the new "Supplemental" style of training plans I am offering. The first plan I am offering is a Supplemental Swim Training Plan with Video. This a 10-week plan intended for athletes who are training for anywhere from Sprint to Half-Ironman distances.


"Supplemental" means this is not a complete training plan for a triathlon. Athletes can just insert this swim plan into their regular training plan, supplementing their bike and run training. This is strictly a system of drills and accompanied swim workouts for athletes to use to add a new component to their swim training. Athletes who are self-coached and are in need of some more swim instruction, or those who may not have access to a coach on deck, or aren’t in a masters program, will find this swim program helpful. Athletes can also adjust and manipulate the workouts to fit their skill level and race demands.

This allows athletes to have more control over their own training, yet still get the help they seek in the areas specific to them. No longer will athletes have to feel apprehensive, nor that they have to give in fully to a pre-devised training plan.

The main difference between this new supplemental plan and my earlier swim video training plan is that this spreads the drills, videos and skills out over 10 weeks, and I have included specific workouts, to incorporate and expand on the drills, not just the drills by themselves. These are the key workouts in the week for the athlete, to use as they see fit.

Stay tuned for more supplemental-style training plans!

Coach Vance

New Training Plans Added

I've created some new training plans, which can be linked to on the right, under Jim Vance Training Plans. One is a new 12-week sprint triathlon plan, which has been very popular without me even announcing it. Another plan is an 18-week half-ironman training plan. The other is a new 21-week marathon training plan, which is an improved and much more detailed version of the plan I wrote for Competitor Magazine. If you liked that plan, I think you'll love this version even more!

Of course, I still have iPod training plans, which are great for those of you with an iPod video, and are wanting some swim help, or home strengthening routines because you can't get to a gym. These videos have helped me a lot with my clients as a coach, attaching the videos in their daily logs on Training Peaks, to help illustrate the exact drills and exercises I want them to perform. Without the videos, it is difficult to explain effectively with words alone. (Ever tried to explain sculling to a new swimmer?)

Pre-built training plans offer a great, lower-cost alternative to higher-priced coaching packages, but still offer a periodized layout and plan which 90+% of athletes will benefit from, if they follow it properly.

More plans are on the way, but if you have any ideas or special requests, I'm happy to listen to what needs people have for training plans.

Coach Vance

Marathon Training Plan Emails

I recently had some email correspondence with a reader who was following my 20 week marathon training plan, which was published by Competitor in their September issue. For many of you who may have read it online only, the webmasters forgot to include the key to the initials in the plan, so I wanted to re-post it here, along with an email I received and my responses.

Here is the plan, as an image, click on it to enlarge:


Here is the key to the plan:

E - Easy jog
A - Accelerations of 15-20 secs at high speed, with quick turnover, plenty of recovery between each.
S - Steady paced run. Not easy, not hard.
F - Fartlek - Speed bursts as you like, from 1 to 3 minutes in length, unstructured. Allow time for warm-up and cooldown.
MGP - Marathon Goal Pace - Time spent running at goal pace for the marathon is in parentheses. (MGP 90) means 90 mins run at marathon goal pace.
T - Tempo Run - Hard effort at faster than marathon pace, around 10K to half-marathon intensity. (T30) means 30 mins of tempo.
TT - Time Trial test - 30 mins HARD, with average pace and HR measured for the last 20 mins. These should improve over the course of the program.
XT - Cross Training - Your choice of cycling, elliptical, stairmaster or swimming, as well as any weight training you might enjoy.
Off - Rest day - Focus on recovery techniques, (hydration, stretching, massage, nap, etc.)


I did a quick Google search on the plan, and found it listed as a plan on the Rock N Roll Arizona Marathon website, under their training guidance. That was a suprise to me!

Recently, I recieved the following email, along with my replies, for any of you who might be interested in something similar....

Hello Jim,

I found your 20 week training program in the Competitor So Cal magazine I picked up from a Jamba Juice facility. It was in the September 2008 issue titled " 20 weeks to your first Marathon". All I have to say is THANK YOU!! This training program is very amateur friendly and i love it!! I have one question though, i am on the 14th week of the 20 week program but I need to go one more week since I signed up for Carlsbad Marathon on Jan 25, 2008. So....my question is do I repeat any week in the 20 week course to help make it to 21 weeks or rest for a week? I am at a loss and need your assistance. Once again thanks for this great training program i could not have done this without you!!

Alice

My response:

Alice,

Thanks for the great email. I'm always happy to hear how my work helps people who need it. Believe it or not, I don't hear much, so sometimes I wonder if anyone takes my advice. :-)

Here is a week I've come up with which should placed between weeks 18 and 19, that helps stagger-down the taper a bit more. I call it week "18a".
Monday - off
Tuesday - 75 XT
Wednesday - 60 (T 30)
Thursday - 50 E
Friday - 60 A
Saturday - 90 E
Sunday - 120 (MGP 60)

The abbreviations are the same from the original plan. I think this is the best adjustment for adding in a week toward the end.

Let me know how the race goes, and good luck!

Jim

Her response:

Thanks for the feedback, i will definitely let you know how it goes.... your program changed my whole outlook on running,,, thanks again!

If you're following my training plan, I'd love to hear how it's going, as I'm always looking for ways to improve things, or see if something works for a lot of people.

Coach Vance

New Video Training Plans Available - Core and Leg Strengthening

If you saw one of my earlier posts, you know I've been working on training plans which are iPod video compatible, for athletes to take with them to demonstrate the skills or exercises they are doing.

I have now completed my latest training plan, which is for core and leg strengthening exercises, which can be done at home or a gym, with minimal equipment.

One of the things I notice when I go to the weight room is how many people are using an iPod to entertain themselves as they work out. Now, with these plans, athletes can use the iPod not only for entertainment, but as a coach for certain exercises as well.

This plan consists of 30 exercises requiring only a swiss ball, medicine ball or just body weight.

There is a lot more information on the plans at: www.trainingpeaks.com/JimVancePlans

If you're a coach, the two plans, (swim drills/skills and core/leg strengthening), are available as one package, for you to buy and add to your file library on Training Peaks, and use with your clients for years to come! You can also just purchase one plan if you're more interested in that.

If you've been looking for some new strength exercises in the weight room, at home, or are worried about not having quality instruction, this strengthening plan is for you!

Check it out and let me know what you think. Best of luck!

Coach Vance

Oceanside 70.3 and SuperFrog Half Training Plans

I have created a few new training plans for local San Diegans, who are training for the Oceanside 70.3 and SuperFrog triathlons. The plans are designed to help Tri Club of San Diego members who are registered for either race, and are looking for training guidance.

You can find the training plans available for purchase at: http://www.trainingpeaks.com/JimVancePlans

The cost of the plans are $125, for the 4 months. If you're a Tri Club of San Diego member, then you can get a discount on the plans. Email me at jvance@trainingbible.com for your discount code, which gives you a 20% discount. This means the cost of the coaching will be only $25 A MONTH! I repeat, $25 A MONTH for the 4 month plan! You won't find a better deal for a plan specific to those in San Diego. Even if you're not a Tri Club member, the deal is still only slightly more than $30 a month!

The training plans begin on December 1, and include all of the monthly tri club races and events for athletes who want to include those, and alternative workouts for those who can't or do not want to do the club races in their preparations. The plans conclude just after their main events.

Also, I will be monitoring the Training Peaks account of each person who purchases one of these plans, to help them adjust and modify the plans as needed to their schedule, on a once-a-month basis. A Training Peaks account is free with the purchase of each plan, so there's nothing holding you back!

Best of luck with your goals for 2009, and let me know if I can assist you.

Coach Vance

New Video Training Plans Available

I've been working on some new pre-built training plans, on Training Peaks. These plans are new and different than the standard plans you find though, as I've focused on swimming skills, using drills for technique and coordination improvement. The fact the plans are focused on developing skills, not just fitness, allows athletes to use the plans as they choose, and when they choose.


The biggest difference in these plans are I have attached videos to each of the drills to help people see and understand the drills better. (For example, try explaining sculling to someone, with just words. It's hard.)

Another unique aspect of these plans and videos are that they are iPod video compatible! This will allow athletes to take the videos to the pool with them, and not have to memorize them. Coaches can also use the videos on deck, when working with athletes. This will allow them to stay dry and clearly demonstrate the drills.


TrainingPeaks.com has even done a blog post about the new plans, which you can read here. I'm the first person to do this, so I hope I'm setting new trends in the coaching industry. Stay tuned to some more video training plans.

You can purchase one of the plans here, or at my link to training plans on the right. Check it out, and let me know your thoughts if you purchase it.

Coach Vance