Is a Half Distance Triathlon out of reach for someone who has only raced Sprint or Olympic distance? That question shows up more than almost any other from athletes considering their first Half Distance race.

That's the span this Beginner Full Distance triathlon plan works with: 24 weeks, building from roughly 7.5 hours of training per week up to a peak of about 14.5 hours, before you taper into race week.

From your first sprint to your first IRONMAN — 100 questions answered, no jargon required. Whether you just signed up for your first sprint triathlon on a dare, you're a seasoned age-grouper chasing a Kona slot, or you're somewhere in between wondering why you own three bikes — this is the triathlon FAQ you've been looking for.