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Here are some basic training principles that I adhere to:
1. No two athletes are the same. Since this is the case, every athlete should have their own personalized training plan - taking into account fitness level, athletic history, goals, work schedules and family schedules.
2.The goal of training should always be to get the athlete to the start line (and eventually the finish line) in the best physical and mental condition possible.
3. The goal of training should be to prepare the athlete as best as possible in the least amount of training time. Does this mean long training sessions are bad? Absolutely not, and in fact overdistance workouts are an important ingredient in any endurance training plan. What this means is that all training time should serve a purpose. Try to avoid logging "garbage yardage/miles."
4. Focus is important. Each athlete should have several specific goals for the season, and even beyond a single season. In addition, each and every workout you do should be focused and serve a purpose - and you should know what that purpose is while you are doing it. Remember: quality is better than quantity.
5. Training plans should be progressive, introducing the body to increasing stimuli in a controlled manner. Consistency is key! This is optimal for both performance and health. Training volume should be increased a maximum of 10% per week.
6. Variety is important in training. Imagine doing the same exact workouts week after week. In addition to being boring, the gains from performing each workout would decrease. As the body adapts, the benefit from doing the same workout decreases. In order to continually improve, your workouts must adapt just as you do.
7. RECOVERY! Recovery is an important aspect of any successful training program. While the tough workouts are the ones that prepare you to race fast, it is during periods of recovery that you actually make the ever important fitness gains. There should be a recovery day each week, and a recovery week every fourth week. In addition, getting enough sleep is crucial to achieving your performance goals.
8. It is important to maintain balance in your life. If triathlon is all you do and all you think about, you run the risk of burnout. Never underestimate the importance of just getting away from it all every now and then.
9. Having fun in training and racing is important. Enjoy being fit and having energy, and try to have as much fun as possible during workouts and races. |
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