Training Plans are generally 3-6 month-long plans that provide your day-to-day workout recommendations and a systematic approach to reaching the intended goal. These are recommended for those whose time frame of the plan matches closely with the event goal date. The benefit of these plans is that you can plug them in just once and then follow along for the entirety of the plan. The downside of these plans is that your schedule may not coincide with the goal date or you may need more flexibility in the schedule than provided from the plan (confining).

Training Blocks are shorter 2-4 week plans that provide similar workout recommendations but are more easily manipulated to meet your schedule requirements or your own limitations to the training. With this block training system, you can insert more or less time into each phase of your training. For example, depending on your event you can choose to extend "base" phases out for 2 or 3 months, or you may already have established a legitimate base for your goal event and can spend more time in progressing the building phases before inserting "taper" block leading up to your event. Training blocks can also afford the ability to mix and match strength workout blocks into various endurance blocks depending on your training history and choice of focus.

rules when using training blocks

1. Be sure that you are well prepared for the block you are choosing. You do not want to insert a "build" workout block, which will most likely include some high-intensity interval training and/or longer extensive training when you have not been recently performing in that training mode at least a base level. This is especially problematic with running sports and strength training components.
2. To prevent injuries or illness be sure to include at least one Base block before any builds if you are new (e.g., have not done this form of exercise for 4-6 weeks) to the program. The lower your current fitness and the longer you've been away from training the more time you will want to spend in the base blocks.
3. Don't hesitate to repeat blocks if you have been inconsistent in your training or do not feel ready to push-up the workloads.