0.93mile Swim | 24.8mile Bike | 6.2mile Run 1,500meter Swim | 40km Bike | 10k Run Three Programs will get you from couch to Olympic.  They are the Conservative and Aggressive based running programs plus the cycling part of Phase IV or VII respectively.  Follow it by your choice of the 16 or 20 week sprint and olympic triathlon training programs.  Also Michael Pate offers his proven program for the heavier athletes. *No program here or anywhere else is perfect.  Different programs work for different people.  These programs are based on our opinions, research, our personal experiences and others experience.  Please do your homework and look at other programs too (not just ours).  Try these combos:   Run Program Months Sprint Program Months Olympic Program Months Total Months to Race Aggressive Run Program 4 16 Week 4 16 Week 4 12 20 Week 5 20 Week 5 14 Conservative Run Program 7 16 Week 4 16 Week 4 15 20 Week 5 20 Week 5 17     Michaels Total Sprint 6 16 Week 10 10 20 Week 11 11 Aggressive Run Program - 4 month program - A walk/run routine - 3-4 days per week - Use this if have not worked out for a long time or forever.  Can also use if you feel   you have a little weight to lose. - Can follow with any of the sprint programs   Conservative Run Program - 7-Month program - A walk/run routine - 3-4 days per week -Use this if you are overweight.  Will be easier on your joints.  If you find that your knees hurt on this, it may be wise to lose some weight with a proper diet and start out with a swimming/cycling regimen for several months until you have lost some weight and have established an aerobic base.  -Can follow with any of the sprint programs   Michaels Total Sprint Program - Designed by michael Pate author of "When Big Boys Tri" - Designed for those having some weight to lose. NOTE - It may be beneficial for you to taper after your sprint program, take a week off, build back up and maintain your max sprint times for the duration of a month or two BEFORE continuing on to the olympic.  The taper and 1 week off is for some needed rest.  Listen to what your body tells you.