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Written by Vince
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Monday, 06 October 2008 17:07 |
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The more I train, the more I realize we are not all the same despite what the books and the coaches would like us to believe. We are unique and that's the part I'm having a problem with because they act like we are not.
I've been reading various articles on periodization lately. In one particular article the coach recommends taking off, completely off, for a period of up to 6 weeks at the end of the season. He further recommends staying away from triathlon related sports and suggests trying something new.
I can understand why you would recommend this one-size-fits-all advice because there are two factors influencing the design of a training plan. One is to help the athlete improve and the other is to keep the athlete injury free. But what if the athlete is not on the verge of injury, would you still think it is sound advice to take off completely? I wouldn't. It's the equivalent of saying: "You know all those gains we've made this season? We're going to throw most of them away and start over but don't worry because the book says it'll be ok!"
I read another article that stated "available training time" was their reasoning for this off period. I understand the logic here. It's basically saying that if you have a limited amount of time, you will not be able to increase your training load in order to see improvement. By taking an off period, you will take a few steps back but will also take a few more steps forward in the new season. Heck, I've even given this advice because I know that most athletes need the time off and don't have the time available to increase their training load.
But what if you're not injured or even on the verge of injury? And what if you can increase your training load in the upcoming season? And I'll throw one more at you... what if you want to up the ante and push your training to the limits? This is where I come to differences with the generic books and the cookie-cutter coaching techniques. Maybe this training philosophy stems from the "less is more" approach to coaching and the athlete needs a break in order to keep from getting injured. But what if you're not that athlete?
Look, I'm not even going to pretend that I'm at the level of a pro. But what I can claim is that I have the time available and I'm willing to dedicate it for my upcoming season. I am also pretty sure that if I take a break at the end of the year as suggested, I am going to have a hard time trying to incorporate the kind of volume I'd like to add to the my 2009 base period. The more I read, the more I find evidence to support my belief that training should be reduced but not halted at the end of the season.
I like to read the blogs of some well known coaches because every once in a while you get a tidbit of information that applies to your own training. I've been scouring their writings lately but nothing alludes to the definitive answer I seek. I couldn't wait any longer so I decided to ask an ex-pro who now trains top level athletes.
While trying to remain neutral, I gave him my background information and explained that I had heard about this "transition phase" and wanted to know what his opinion was on it. His response was what I expected. He said he believes in reducing the training but not stopping it completely. He further added that he recommends keeping a weekly long run in order to keep run fitness because it's the hardest to gain back. Between what I could gather from various posts and what this expert has told me, I am going to stay with a reduced load through the time I finish Silverman up until the time I start base in January.
So I bet you're wondering what this transition phase will look like. Since I will continue to run through the beginning of December in order to prepare for the California International Marathon, I won't need to worry too much about losing my run fitness. But as far as the rest the schedule is concerned, I'm certain it will look very much like one of my recovery weeks which include: two swims, two bikes, two runs, two weights, and core 3-5 times.
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Last Updated on Monday, 06 October 2008 17:20 |
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