100/100 Challenge Tip of the Week:
I wanted to continue on the post I started last week, which is learning from the experience. The ultimate objective is reaching maximum potential in peak races, so when reviewing a previous season that is a good place to start. Did you reach the peak performance you were looking for? If not, here may be a few of the causes.
Unrealistic goals and expectations: Example if you are running a 20 minute PR for 5k at the start of the training block, a goal of 1:17 for a half marathon is an unrealistic expectation. You would be surprised at some of the goals I have heard with the comment, "I have three months to train."
Reaching peak fitness too early: Runners spend way too much time in specific training. Do the workouts at proper times. If you felt you were in better shape a month before peak race, chances are you got to fitness too fast. It really is like gourmet cooking, in the fact that every thing needs to be added in proper sequence and timing. If this is the case, adjust and add more base time before adding specific training.
Did not allow enough time: This is not being properly prepared to add the specific training in the right time frames. If your plan did not end with four solid weeks of peak training, consider adding more time to the next training block.
Failure to taper: This is a tricky one, as some athletes respond to more modest tapers, while others respond to more aggressive tapers. If you felt the taper was too short or modest, try a more aggressive approach next time.
How did I perform in my Tune Up races: This is a second step in reviewing a plan. Some runners actually perform better in tune up races than the peak race. This is caused by reaching fitness too early. If this is the case, than modify the plan to eliminate this from repeating itself.
Poor performances in early races, but improve steadily in the training cycle: This indicates the plan was efficient to some level, but fitness was lower than expected at the start and you play catch up in the training cycles. This limits you from building on the training foundation you have established in past blocks.
If you have the tendency to get out of shape between training blocks, develop a plan that allows you to stay fit in the off training periods.
http://futrmultisport.com/
I wanted to continue on the post I started last week, which is learning from the experience. The ultimate objective is reaching maximum potential in peak races, so when reviewing a previous season that is a good place to start. Did you reach the peak performance you were looking for? If not, here may be a few of the causes.
Unrealistic goals and expectations: Example if you are running a 20 minute PR for 5k at the start of the training block, a goal of 1:17 for a half marathon is an unrealistic expectation. You would be surprised at some of the goals I have heard with the comment, "I have three months to train."
Reaching peak fitness too early: Runners spend way too much time in specific training. Do the workouts at proper times. If you felt you were in better shape a month before peak race, chances are you got to fitness too fast. It really is like gourmet cooking, in the fact that every thing needs to be added in proper sequence and timing. If this is the case, adjust and add more base time before adding specific training.
Did not allow enough time: This is not being properly prepared to add the specific training in the right time frames. If your plan did not end with four solid weeks of peak training, consider adding more time to the next training block.
Failure to taper: This is a tricky one, as some athletes respond to more modest tapers, while others respond to more aggressive tapers. If you felt the taper was too short or modest, try a more aggressive approach next time.
How did I perform in my Tune Up races: This is a second step in reviewing a plan. Some runners actually perform better in tune up races than the peak race. This is caused by reaching fitness too early. If this is the case, than modify the plan to eliminate this from repeating itself.
Poor performances in early races, but improve steadily in the training cycle: This indicates the plan was efficient to some level, but fitness was lower than expected at the start and you play catch up in the training cycles. This limits you from building on the training foundation you have established in past blocks.
If you have the tendency to get out of shape between training blocks, develop a plan that allows you to stay fit in the off training periods.
http://futrmultisport.com/