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Dear Coach,
I’ve been really busy lately, so I’ve decided to cut my training time in half. Instead of doing the full workouts, I’m just focusing on the parts I like - mainly the warm-ups and the cool-downs. It’s the best of both worlds, right? I mean, how important can those middle bits really be?
Sincerely,
Half-Hearted Henry
------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Half-Hearted Henry, Ah, the classic “Warm-Up Warrior” strategy. While it’s true that warm-ups and cool-downs are important, I regret to inform you that the middle bits are, in fact, where all the magic happens. Skipping the main workout is like baking a cake but deciding the batter is optional - sure, the icing is tasty, but it won’t hold up on its own. So, unless your race goal is to become the world’s most prepared stretcher, I’d recommend tackling those middle bits with the same enthusiasm you have for your warm-ups. Trust me, your finish line photo will thank you! Stay strong,
Coach
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Dear Coach, I noticed that my favourite pro triathlete skips his long runs every now and then, so I figured I could do the same. If it works for the pros, it should work for me, right? I’m aiming for that pro status, so I’ve been selectively cutting out the workouts that I think I don’t need. What’s the harm in that? Yours Truly, Pro-in-the-Making Patty ------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Pro-in-the-Making Patty, Aspiring to the ways of the pros! While I commend your dedication to studying your idols, there’s a slight problem with your approach. Pros sometimes adjust their training because they’ve put in years (sometimes decades) of consistent work. They’ve earned the flexibility to skip a session or two without falling off the performance cliff. But here’s the kicker: those pros didn’t get to where they are by cherry-picking workouts early on. They followed the plan, built a strong foundation, and only then could they afford a few well-timed shortcuts. So, unless you’ve secretly been training at a pro level for the last 20 years, I’d suggest sticking to the full program. Your future pro self will thank you. Keep grinding, Coach |
