Hello ,,
Simple frameworks beat complex analysis...
With the wealth of training data available today, it's easy to get lost in analysis. But effective review systems don't need to be complicated - they just need to be consistent. Let's explore how to make training reviews practical and valuable.
3 Insights About Training Patterns
I. Framework Simplicity Beats Analysis Complexity
Start by identifying just 5 key elements that matter most for your training - these might include sleep quality, workout completion rate, or how your long sessions feel. Review these monthly to see if they're still the right markers to track, and keep them in mind during your weekly check-ins. This focused approach helps you spot real trends without getting lost in data.
II. Training Data Should Inform, Not Dictate
While modern devices offer impressive metrics, they work best as supporting information rather than primary decision-makers. Stick to your planned training structure and use these metrics to identify longer-term trends during your weekly and monthly reviews. Only override your planned training when clear red flags (illness, injury risk, or serious fatigue) appear - let data support your judgment, not replace it.
III. Training Notes Have Newfound Value in the AI Era
Those quick post-workout comments you jot down - whether about how hills felt or why you cut a session short - can reveal valuable patterns when reviewed systematically. Modern tools can help analyze months of training comments to uncover trends you might miss, adding another dimension to your review process without adding daily complexity.
2 Questions For Your Next Session
I.
What are the 5 most important indicators of your training health right now? Are they still the right ones to focus on?
II.
How could you make your workout comments more systematic to help spot patterns in your monthly reviews?
1 Real-World Example
Let me share how reviews and adjustments actually work with one of our ultra-cyclists. When I write her interval sessions, it might look something like "4 x 8 minutes with 2 minutes recovery, targeting 165-185 watts." But through our ongoing discussions, we've developed a shared understanding of when to adjust. Some days she'll feel great and do 5 efforts, other days she might stop at 3. The power targets are guidelines, and she makes confident adjustments based on our experience of what works for her.
What's really interesting is how the daily comments on her training sessions are just as valuable as any performance metrics. Through our regular back-and-forth, I often spot patterns she hasn't noticed yet. Recently, reading through her session comments, I noticed subtle signs of fatigue building up before it showed in any of her metrics. This ongoing dialogue helps us both learn - each adjustment she makes is informed by our shared experience of what's worked before.
While she uses modern tools like sleep tracking and HRV, these numbers support rather than drive our decisions. The real value comes from combining these metrics with her session comments and our continuous review process. When things trend toward the "yellow zone," we might back off before any major fatigue sets in. Equally, when everything's looking good, she has the confidence to extend a ride or add an effort, knowing we've seen this work well before.
This kind of informed decision-making is exactly why we've built our traffic light monitoring system into all our coaching packages. It provides a simple but effective framework for balancing structured training with flexible decision-making. Whether you're preparing for your first ultra-distance event or aiming to break records, having this systematic approach to reviewing and adjusting your training makes all the difference.
Want to learn more about how our coaching approach could help you develop as an athlete? Reply to this email or click below to book a free consultation.
