8-Week Swim Program for Triathletes

Alan Rapley, a UK-based triathlon coach, developed a program that provides week-by-week progressive swim workout sessions. It's a detailed eight-week program that includes three sessions per week. The first week starts with beginner workouts, and by the final week, the workouts are much more advanced. The swimming should be done in a pool to get the best results.

Rapley was a team captain of the 1996 Great Britain Olympic swim team. He was also a consultant for the 2012 Olympic British Triathlon Team and worked with triathletes that included Adam Elliot, Matt Sharp, Aaron Harris, Mark Buckingham and Lucy Hall.

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Rapley coached numerous age-group and senior swimmers who have achieved great success in swimming competitions. He's currently a consultant for myCOACH, which provides swim programs for athletes of all levels. More information can be obtained through his website.

Here's an overview of Rapley's program:

  • It's designed for triathletes who don't have a coach.
  • It can develop more efficient swim techniques.
  • It's for beginner and intermediate swimmers who are looking for a progressive, weekly swim program.
  • It consists of three sessions per week.
  • It can increase speed and endurance in swimming for triathlons with swim distances of 400 meters, 800 meters and 1500 meters.

With Rapley's extensive knowledge in training, planning and the technical aspects of swimming, this is a program almost any triathlete should consider. To access the workouts, click this link.

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About the Author

Marcus Eichhorn

Marcus Eichhorn has participated in the sport of triathlon since 1986. He is a Level I USATF-certified running coach, and coached high school track and cross-country for five and a half years. Contact him at trieich@yahoo.com.
Marcus Eichhorn has participated in the sport of triathlon since 1986. He is a Level I USATF-certified running coach, and coached high school track and cross-country for five and a half years. Contact him at trieich@yahoo.com.

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