Training Programs: In or Out of the Box? How do I decide What Will Allow Me to Reach My Goals?

I sit hear thinking about the many different parameters that are involved with developing training plans for endurance athletes. Yet the one grey area that keeps coming to mind is the so called "Ideal Program". This aspect of coaching is one that continues to challenge me as a coach because of how this type of program is perceived at least in the triathlon world. The too often promise or other statement that says the same thing about what the program will provide. If a fitness program suggests that an athlete may achieve his/her highest level of performance by following the program to the letter then that program is ________(you fill in the blank). The key to improving fitness is not in simply doing the training, it is in understanding how one is responding and adapting to the training and modifying the program to meet individual requirements and reactions ie: regular testing and benchmark assessment, including progression that is appropriate for the individual, and continues to create change through out the season. Each athlete is responsible for an initial unsentimental analysis of his/her current fitness. Based on this self-awareness and the athlete's sport-specific goals then the coach develops a program appropriate to the outcome. Just a short post to continue creating some out of the box thinking on your part. Thank you.

Infinit Nutrition Discount

I have set up a relationship with Infinit Nutrition and they will provide a discount for anyone connected with Steve Fluet Coaching. The discount code is SFC. You will have to use this code when going online to place an order. Please let me know if you have any questions.

The Mental Connection to Training and Racing.

Here are a few links to some articles that deal with the mental connection. They were sent to me by JT Buser who works with this aspect of athletes. If you have any questions for him on these please let me know. I am currently coaching JT and we are looking at developing this aspect as a service offering for athletes.

http://www.centripedal.com/resources/sports-psychology

http://www.trifuel.com/training/sports-psychology/your-inner-coach-how-to-handle-negative-thoughts


Let us know your thoughts on these - thanks.

We Can Learn By asking Questions and Posting Comments

I welcome all of you to post any questions that you may require an answer. Also post some thoughts that you would like to share or to develop more insight regarding training and performance. The more we share our knowledge the more those around us will continue learning as well.

Realistic Training for Realistic Success

I am often asked "How many hours each week should I train so I can be really successful in my sport?" Well that is a great question and one that often causes so much confusion. We always read about so many athletes who complete many hours of training each week. Some questions that I usually will ask: - Are you improving or just maintain your current fitness level in your training? - Is training negatively affecting other aspects of your day to day obligations? - Do you fit in training/racing around other commitments or do you place these other commitments after your training.racing? - What are your realistic goals? I like 3 total in which 2 are reasonable in terms of reaching and the 3rd the "pie in the sky" goal that may require a few years to reach. - What are your true strengths and weaknesses?
- How much time can you train each day and still complete your day to day commitments?

Once I have these initial answers I then have the athlete complete some baseline testing so I can access their baseline fitness level. From there I will start to develop a program that builds in progression in very small amounts(that is monitored by consistent benchmark testing), that is very structured so that every training session has multiple sets and reps that need to be completed, includes specificity so that every session has a reason when the athlete heads out to train, and most of all requires the least amount of training time to provide results. I also apply the mental connection: education, purpose and attention to skill development,and the ability to listen and respond to what the body is telling us. Remember that training is about "preparing the muscles for the movement". This is what drives a training program for an athlete and the ability to create change that provides success is the continuum.

The next few posts will focus on relative sport specific strength and my approach to developing an athlete to experience on going success.

IMNZ Results

Gary Ong returned to IMNZ after last year's 11:07. The course is known for challenging athletes all around especially being a very early season race. This year Gary raced to a 10:36 PR for the IM distance. Great job Gary on your effort. He really followed the training plan well and applied the change in focus that I developed for him. Enjoy some rest and relaxation Gary before we start the process of achieving your next goal.