Follow BT training plan or make it up?

After looking at your logs, I'd recommend using a training plan. Your balance of the 3 sports could be a lot better. Since the beginning of Feb. you've only had 2 weeks where you did all 3 and your jump of 1 hour cycling one week to 3 hours the next after doing very little is an invitation to injury. If you graph your volume by week you'll see what I mean.

One of the 16 or 20 week minutes only sprint plans would serve you well. The 2x per week would be plenty to get you to the start line, or one of the sport focussed plans would work as well. They also incorporate measured increases in volume with some recovery weeks to help reduce the risk of injury and get your best performance on race day.

Good choice ...follow a plan.

My first year I did my own thing which often meant I didn't do much or it wasn't balanced.

Last year I have a plan and I followed it closely. Sometimes I moved days around to adjust to my children (I have 5) schedule.

Now this year I have my schedule made up around my life and what days are good for things.

Guess what I improved a lot more with consistent training and you will too. If swimming is the hardest for you...maybe try to get in 3 swims a week...it makes a huge difference..it is the sport you can lose your skills the most quickly.

Congrats on starting this journey!

If you haven't done tri stuff, follow a plan. It will make sure you get in a balance of the sports, while preventing overtraining and ensure you can finish the event. If I didn't have a plan I would've been a HUGE nervous wreck last year before my first tri. But, I followed a plan (well, for the most part) and went to the starting line confident I could finish.

If you are wanting to spice up the minutes, throw in some intervals to increase your intensities. I just bought a silver membership here so that I would have access to the detailed workouts to hopefully get more out of my workouts.

Yoga will be good for you to continue by keeping your muscles and mind stretched and relaxed. I'm sure throwing dance in now and then will be good (and keep you happy, most importantly) if you are looking at a 2x plan.

Good luck, and have FUN! 

I follow a plan too, I think you would gain a lot from one of the swim focused sprint plans.

As for adding in some Yoga or weight training... I see no problem with it. Most people here do that.

Good luck!

I think the plans are great, but may not be best for you and definitely aren't necessary. If your schedule is too unpredictable, it may not be reasonable, and your access to a pool and good weather/trainer for biking may be relevant. ALso, you may or may not be someone who likes to have a schedule set ahead of time vs choosing a workout based on your mood, conditions, etc.

But, it is important to get more 'regular' on all three sports. I'd make that the priority. If having a plan helps you with that, then it's probably a good idea. Or you can just use the planned training to lay out some plans of your own.

I think when you're getting started it's more important to just get used to it and get into the habit of doing some sport most every day. That's what I did, at least. Now, with longer distance races, I am using a training program, which is great since I don't have to think so much about when I do long runs, bikes, adding in interval training, etc, etc.

Good luck! 

I just started with a plan (two weeks ago).  I trained all last year  without one. 

Following a plan is really making a difference already.  Probably the biggest benefit is that I don't have the mental anguish of second guessing myself (did I do enough today?, too much?)

Marmadaddy is on point when he mentions balance.  Plans are usually well thought out by experienced coaches and jocks.  To fail to plan is to plan to fail......