A key reminders is that tools like Training Peaks can give you a false sense of precision and reporting.
Sessions are captured and colour coded individually. There is no linkage or dynamic change between sessions. For example, go slightly over distance on one session in a week (amber) and a later one will not update and adapt for the extra mileage already achieved. So the precision you see in the later session is misleading both on the distance to target and the later reporting colour. 2 non-greens on the reporting when actually it may have been perfectly executed for your goals. The quality on that later session has been influenced by other events.
Smart training is to adjust to continually adapt to multiple factors.
This is just one example of where other elements influence the training that is optimal to achieve best adaptation. Others can be various life demands, your bodies responsiveness to prior training, fuelling and nutrition, weather conditions. The artificial precision shown in Training Peaks sessions will not take account of these.
Training plans within this context are therefore not a recipe that should be followed to the letter. Like a recipe, it you only add the ingredients and heat not everyone will get the same results every time, even the same person. Instead both should be dynamically adjusted based. With training primarily these factors are outside of the plan.
Just like a recipe, you test the cake to see if it’s reacting the way of the recipe. Need a little bit more time, that’s fine. Starting to burn, take away from the heat before it’s too late. Voila – perfect cake bake 🙂
Also, just like recipes, the principals of these plans can go back generations – hence Mrs Beatons cookbook image. Yes we are always learning new techniques and innovations but many of the fundamentals are unchanged. A physically healthy athlete is the starting point for adaptation. Add stimulus then support the adaptation with good nutrition and rest. Progress the stimulus slowly to keep it fresh and a very slight overload. Consistency and total training will always out perform versus a short term smashfest. Mental health is a vital component, both potentially improved through activity, and also a key indicator of over-reaching.
So as you go through various plans, follow the direction of the plan. Remember it’s not only the contents of each individual session. Ask me if you need any further information. We will dynamically adjust based on many factors that are outside of the software.
Do you know and can you explain the direction of your training each week with me?
Do you feel empowered and knowledgeable to do minor self adjustments through the week?
I’m always available to help, guide, debate and partner on decisions.
Now…. it’s “Bake off” time 🙂