4 replies to this topic

[sticko]

4 Weeks to go to Pt Mac and I just had my worst weekend of training - I had 160K ride planned for Saturday, headed out early, got about 40k's in and my legs felt smashed and sore, I opted to turn around and headed home, and managed 60K's.

On Sunday, I had a 30k run in the training schedule and was determined to do well after a disappointing Saturday. It was compounded after 2x5K laps that I had a emergency run to the toliet, which kept me on the lid for a good 10 mins. So after that all motivation was sapped. I headed off for a 30min massage on my legs and wore my compression pants for the rest of the day.

The last 4 weeks have been pretty heavy with similar workloads over the saturday and sundays, apart from the race at Geelong which was pretty easy weekend. I have another big weekend planned this weekend, which I am debating whether to change up or ride it out? any suggestions?

[TynoMite]

Geez Sticko, you should head over to Transitions, there's a bloke there with exactly the same problem!

I saw a similar question summed up with - "You're training for IM. Sometimes it's gunna suck."

I reckon see how the next session goes - if that's shit too, take a couple of days off to refresh and get back into it.

[sticko]

that would be me.

[JustinS007]

sticko, on Mar 1 2010, 02:52 PM, said:

The last 4 weeks have been pretty heavy with similar workloads over the saturday and sundays, apart from the race at Geelong which was pretty easy weekend. I have another big weekend planned this weekend, which I am debating whether to change up or ride it out? any suggestions?

I don't know what's technically correct, but I tend to look at the greater good and get my motivation from there. Backing up big sessions and big weeks always seems to take it out of me, but I maintain the belief that this is doing me longer term good. If I miss a few training objectives along the way then so be it.

By example, the last 7 weeks I've been averaging 130km running per week, 230km cycling (120k - 150k session every Wed), a reasonable amount of fast walking (162km YTD) and flexibility / strength work. Long runs in the last 6 weeks have been 50k, 30k, 40k, 42k, 52k & 70k (this Sunday will be 60ish, following Sunday possibly 80k). The day after these runs I have been doing 20k in the AM and then a solid paced 10k in the PM. It's hard work. Right now the body is pretty tired and I've got a few minor niggles but when Coburg 24 hour comes around in about 7 weeks hopefully I'll be properly prepared.

My view is that the greater goal is the one to focus on when doubt, disbelief or poor performance start to creep in to a heavy program. Just be careful that you give yourself enough time to freshen up before the race without compromising fitness. When I've hit the program heavily I tend to allow a minimum of 4 weeks to get fresh, so maybe smashing yourself this week isn't wise? Everyone's different though of course. Good luck.

[Nickelass]

My experience (from long lost history) was that periodising my training really helped.

It sounds like you've been pushing fairly hard recently. I would break training into 4 week intervals and consciously take it easy in the 4th week. Otherwise I would "train to the wall" - as you put it and end up not doing as well. Periodising really helped me improve my IM performances as instead of over-training, I pre-empted the effect and built in breaks.