The best thing about training programs like the ones that you can find online ( I recommend checking out Tribro's programs ), is that they provide a framework to build off of.

It's always good to see what others recommend or try to do. If you've plunked down the cash for a bike, and plan to do races, it's in your best interest to start collecting information. This site being among the best places to go. Of course it does take time to filter out what works for you.

Good luck!

RV is right..the motivation to follow a progam has to come from within. I self coach but followed Training Peaks in '03 for the experience. I wouldn't use it again...not because of some failing on their part but because I'm old fashioned and do everything on paper! It was clear and easy to use.
I have known folks who have paid good money for coaches and then not follow the program. Oddly enough it seems they felt the coach was not working them hard enough.So, they worked harder and didn't do as well because of it.
I have looked at the Trifuel plans..Very Good.
It's like everything in life...Ya get out what ya put in.

I used a online propgram from a coach in my area for Ironman Canada 2005 and it was great. Having the ability to ask questions and get answers from a coach is invaluable. He attends the race and meets with all of his athletes to go over race questions, calm people down and cheer you on on the course. He also offers traning camps for certain races as well. Although some people deem them costly my program worked out to 17$/wk CDN ( that's barely a latte a day). I am signed up for IM Australia in 2007 and have already spoken to the coach and will likely be getting an online program made for me for that as well.

I have used the trifuel 36 week program once from start to finish and three times from part way through. I strictly adhered to the running and biking workouts but fell way off on swimming. It definitely worked for me, getting me to Kona on my second try at qualifying but, not surprisingly, the swim was my worst event. The program is probably directed at 20-30 year olds as it has alot of hours per week without room for core training or lifting. As I'm in my late 40's I needed to add those in and went through multiple months without rest weeks and even more weeks without rest days. The bricks were tough but totally paid off with comfortably fast marathons in each race. I cut hours off week 34 to augment my taper and was totally on for each race day. I highly recommend that program.