Long Distance Base Plan (Nils Goerke) 12 Weeks is a 12-week triathlon plan. This article combines the actual plan description with a example week from the stored workout entries.
What this plan is built for
This 12-week Base Plan is the kickoff for your long-distance preparation. The first weeks serve as a re-entry into training after the offseason and primarily focus on motor skills. After that, the goal is to build up your engine - meaning to increase your VO2max. Additionally, we will primarily focus on getting you accustomed to the volumes in running and establishing load tolerance.
The structure of the plan is designed for consistency. You can recognize this by the 3-1,2-1 structure. So, training on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday+Sunday, with recovery on Monday and Friday.
You should try to adhere to this structure, even if appointments or spontaneous commitments disrupt your weekly routine. Only through the combination of load and adherence to recovery days will the desired adaptations occur in the body. If you change the structure and train several days in a row without a break, the risk of illness or injury increases significantly. This can lead to system collapse and disrupt consistency. However, with consistency comes form! Therefore, it is better to skip 1-2 sessions per week if your schedule does not allow otherwise, and instead, maintain the remaining sessions week after week. This consistency will ultimately lead to success.
Training logic and load
The emphasis is durable base fitness, clean technique, and a rhythm you can repeat for several weeks. The important part is not upgrading easy days into hidden hard days. The workout data shows which sessions are structured and which ones are intentionally simple.
The plan contains 81 scheduled entries across 12 weeks. The sequence matters as much as the total hours: hard, technical, or long workouts only work when the surrounding days allow you to absorb them.
Example week: Week 9
This week is not a generic template. It is built from the actual training plan entries, and the workout charts use the stored workout data.
No scheduled workout in this real plan week. Use the day to absorb the load and arrive fresh for the next session.
300 m | 8x variable on / 1 min easy | 4x variable on / 1 min easy | 8x variable on / 0 min easy + 2 more steps
300m warm-up swim (alternating 25m backstroke/breaststroke/freestyle) 8 rounds of 50m (25m build-up + 25m easy), 30 seconds rest 4 rounds of 100m GA1 (25m old-style backstroke + 50m freestyle LIT + 25m build-up), 30 seconds rest 8 rounds of
15 min @ 75% | 7x 1 min on / 1 min easy | 5 min @ 70% | 7x 1 min on / 2 min easy + 1 more step
The goal of the 200m intervals is to improve your short-distance performance and enhance anaerobic capacity.
Ramp from 50% to 70% | 3 min @ 60% | 3 min @ 75% | 3 min @ 80% + 9 more steps
HIT_IE Training. Duration 1h30 Main Menu: 3x (6x40s/20s) HR: approx. >90% of HRmax Perceived exertion: 8-9 out of 10 Effect: Increase in VO2 flow rate through an intermittent switch between load and relief.
300 m | 10x variable on / 0 min easy | 2x variable on / 0 min easy | 2x variable on / 1 min easy + 3 more steps
300m warm-up swim, every 3rd lap in normal position. The technical exercises are as follows: 10x 50m alternating between the following exercises and freestyle swimming, rest time: 20s: 1.
40 min @ 80% | 5x 0 min on / 1 min easy
This run primarily serves to activate and at the end to perfect the running technique in a fatigued state with strides.
Ramp from 50% to 60% | 3 min @ 60% | 3 min @ 75% | 3 min @ 80% + 4 more steps
MIT - SweetSpot Training: 3x15 min @85% FTP; Cadence = 55 rpm (5 min rest) Perceived exertion: 6-7 out of 10 Effect: Improvement of metabolic efficiency, enhancement of lactate transport, and possible increase in fractional utilization.
1:35 h @ 75% | 15 min @ 85%
Calm base run with final acceleration This run primarily serves to optimize fat metabolism, as well as to finalize the development of pace endurance.
How to read the workout charts
The chart is based on the workout data: longer segments take more width, higher intensities sit higher, and harder work is marked with stronger colors. For swim or distance-based segments, the graphic represents the planned sequence rather than GPS data.
Practical execution
What to watch
- Execute the key days precisely instead of making the easy sessions faster.
- Use the plan description as context: equipment, fueling, mobility, and realistic threshold values are part of the training.
- When life or fatigue adds pressure, trim secondary work first and keep the most important session stable.
Training effect
Executed well, the plan improves your ability to absorb the intended stimulus repeatedly. Depending on sport and phase, that means more aerobic stability, better pace durability, stronger technique under fatigue, or more confidence at target effort.