We can all agree that the world has changed a lot since the original endurance training strategies were developed. Our workshop this week was focused on winter training and more widely, planning a season that focuses on the best training for each phase of the seasons.
Body composition and nutrition can be a good focus for the early phases of training because it requires a calorie deficit and therefore it is hard to make big gains in fitness due to being slightly under fuelled. Therefore, getting your body composition in a good place before starting harder training can be a good winter strategy.
Unlike many sports coaching packages, our one to one plans include nutritional support as well as a Premium Subscription to Cronometer if you want to track your nutrition in detail. Click the button to learn more:
During the workshop, we also recognised that some activities are much easier to do in winter. For example, if you want to practice riding at night or in bad weather it is much easier in winter.
Recent studies have shown that there is no strong evidence to support a given periodization strategy, so if you have bad weather in the winter, it could be a time to focus on shorter harder efforts to push up your VO2max and FTP, leaving the longer stuff for the better weather.
If you goal is fairly steady state endurance events, this is also a good strategy as you build specificity into your plan as you approach your main events by building on the work you did in the winter with long rides and tempo climbs.
Remember that the winter is also an ideal time to think about logistics and equipment.
Was it Abraham Lincoln that said that if he had 6 hours to cut down a tree, he would spend 6 hours sharpening the axe. Whilst I agree with sentiment that solid preparation is invaluable, I might be more inclined to split my sharpening time throughout the chopping process, so my axe didn't go blunt during the 2 hours chopping! Perhaps a reasonable analogue to the old periodization strategy of putting all the low intensity hours in at the end to build a base as opposed to mixing things up a bit.
With a bit of thought you can start to improve your training, lifestyle and habits, step by step.
Our focus goes beyond just training planning as we spend a lot more time living than training. We understand that the real game-changer for hitting your endurance goals is a good lifestyle, with a mix of consistent training, proper nutrition and the right mindset. That’s why our coaching packages offer personalized nutrition support to guide you:
Fuel your workouts: Learn what to eat and when, to maximize your energy and performance.
Recover faster: Discover the best strategies to help your body bounce back stronger.
Optimize your lifestyle: gradually build good habits and remove bad habits to be the best you, you can be.
Develop a sustainable plan: No crazy fads here! We'll help you create healthy practices that fit your lifestyle.
If you have any questions or we can help you with anything at all, please get in touch by replying to this email.
We would love to hear from you and it would be wonderful if we can help you in some way.
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