|
Dear Coach, I’ve developed my own "instinct-based training plan" where I only train when I feel like it. Sometimes I do back-to-back bike rides, and other times I might skip a whole week if I’m not in the mood. My instincts have never let me down before. Should I just keep doing what feels right? Instinctively,
Freestyle Fiona
Dear Freestyle Fiona, Your instincts sound like they’re having a fantastic time - probably lounging on the couch with a snack while your race goals slowly slip away. While I admire your trust in your gut feelings, when it comes to endurance sports, instincts can be a little too...freestyle. Training plans are like roadmaps. They get you from Point A (starting line) to Point B (finish line) without getting lost along the way. Relying solely on your instincts is like setting off on a road trip without a GPS - sure, you might find some cool detours, but you also might end up stranded in the middle of nowhere. So, here’s the deal: blend your instincts with a bit of structure. Stick to the plan, and you’ll find that your instincts will be much more reliable when it comes time to race. Onward,
Coach
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Coach, I’ve been adding extra workouts to my schedule because I’m convinced that more is better. I mean, if one interval session is good, then three must be great, right? I want to be the strongest on race day, so I’m doubling up on everything. What could go wrong? Ambitiously,
Overzealous Ollie Dear Overzealous Ollie, Ah, the “More is More” philosophy - sounds intense! While I admire your enthusiasm, there’s a little something called “overtraining” that might throw a spanner in your works. You see, your muscles, joints, and, let’s be honest, sanity, all need time to recover and adapt. Doubling up on everything is like watering a plant twice a day - eventually, you’ll drown it. So, unless you’re aiming to be the world’s most exhausted athlete, I’d suggest sticking to the plan as it is. Balance is key, and trust me, sometimes less really is more. Train smart,
Coach |
