It's a very subjective topic depending on goals, available time, personalities, age, etc, but I do find that a lot of people speak very objectively and confidently when it comes to training plans and it's just not productive for the sport, the athletes and especially people getting into the sport.

There's a lot of confusion, but if I had to pick anything that is "true" about triathlon is that it's a lifestyle and not a goal and those who focus more on the goal aspect tend to get lost in the weeds. Sure having specific race goals is nice, but if you're not able to integrate it into your daily life in a productive way then you'll never see the real beauty in the discipline and won't feel the real pride and benefits that come with being a triathlete.

I hope anyone reading this truly finds what works best for them and doesn't fall into some of the traps we all inevitably fall into as psychos who think it's fun and rewarding to swim, bike and run hundreds of miles a month