One of the most important aspects of periodization is the intensity at which each workout is executed. For improvement to occur more effectively, training intensity needs to be measured and controlled.

The easiest measure to use is Rate of Perceived Exertion, or RPE. which is how difficult the workout feels. Also easy to use is percent, although what the various percents mean is open to interpretation. I also use my own “Talk Index” defining how easy or difficult it would be to talk at a given output. Then there is heart rate, with ranges for individual training zones. Average pace is a good indicator once an athlete knows their pace range for various intensities. Finally, power can be used on the bike (maybe someday on the run and swim too) with a power meter.

Each of these methods yield results of varying accuracy since our perception of effort is not always perfect and our breathing and heart rate can be affected by other things besides exercise. Power is a very good standard since it is not affected by these factors. As mentioned, currently this is only available for cycling.

It is my recommendation that athletes use a multi-pronged approach in their training, using some or all of the above-mentioned measures. Some athletes relate better to RPE, while others love to watch their heart rate, etc. By following more indicators, an athlete can dial their training into the correct zone and also find the measures that work best for them as an individual.

The longer I work with an athlete, the more we fine tune these measures, one of the keys to that athlete reaching their potential.

My approach to swim training is somewhat unique. I don’t come from a swim background. I come from a running and cycling background. As such, I have come to several conclusions with regard to swim training for triathlon.

The first is that not all Masters swim programs are created equally. Many are not geared toward a triathlete who is seeking to improve their front crawl. The programs of which I speak are those that give equal training to the other strokes such as back, breast and butterfly. I am in no way suggesting that these are bad programs. My concern is that a triathlete with limited time needs to concentrate on the stroke they will be using in races. There is certainly a benefit to learning other strokes and swim techniques to improve overall swim ability, but I recommend choosing a program that is geared heavily toward front crawl. In the Vancouver, BC area, fortunately there are some great options geared toward triathletes.

Technique is important in the swim, especially since water is more difficult to force yourself through with poor technique. Technique is also important in cycling and running, but is often less emphasized since air is more forgiving of our attempts to force ourselves through it (more on that in a future post). Since we hear these assertions on technique so often, it is tempting to swim drills at every swim session, while omitting or limiting continuous swims and interval sets. I believe in committing time to technique-only sessions and then applying those learned techniques in continuous swims and interval sets. This gives the mind some variety and a break from heavy thinking about swimming. Sometimes, an athlete deserves to “just swim” and feel the joy of being in the water.

This leads me to another point which is swimming interval sets. I will often schedule a session with warm up, cool down and a simple set of X number of sets of X reps with a prescribed rest in between. No drills, just warm up, swim strong, cool down. I find these sessions give the athlete more focus on the intensity because there are no drills in the session to think about. I make sure that the athlete includes drills in another session, but not during this one.

Continuous swims are as important as the long bike and the long run. You will be swimming continuously on race day, so practicing nonstop swimming make sense. This is especially true when the weather allows for group open water swimming.

The final consideration in swim training is how much time to commit to swimming in your overall plan. The swim portion of a triathlon is the smallest percentage of time of the three sports. For longer races, it represents 15% of the time spent racing. Should you swim 15% of your total training time? Probably not, but neither should you spend 50% of your time swimming (unless you have a lot of extra time). I recommend 20-25% of training time be dedicated to swimming, depending on the season. In the off-season I like to do some swimming focus weeks so the bike and run will drop in volume in favour of swimming.

In a nutshell, I believe a balanced approach to swimming with your overall triathlon goals in mind yields the best results in the water and on the bike and run.

We all strive to be happy and satisfied. Happy with our daily activities, happy with our health, satisfied with our efforts personally and professionally and as athletes, satisfied with our results. As athletes, there is much we can do to help ourselves to that happiness and satisfaction, by managing expectations.

First, there are the expectations others have of us. There are many demands that life brings us, some that we have no choice but to accept. These are the highest priority items such as getting the kids to school, paying the bills, getting to work on time. etc. However, there are also those expectations that others place on us that may or may not be high priorities. Some of us (we know who we are) always seem to say yes to added responsibility. It would benefit us all to make a list of our priorities and how much time they take. Then when someone asks us to do something for them, we know if we have the time and can learn to say no. In my mind, even if someone drops a responsibility on my lap without asking, I still reserve the right to say no. Often, I am happy to take on something extra, but I always have a choice and for me, that is important.

In athletics, you have those same choices and it isn’t like getting the workouts and racing done is separate from your other responsibilities. Add the workouts to the list and see how they fit into the scheme of your life. Maybe you can do more training…maybe you should do less. It may cause you to move your training to days it works better. It is about your overall expectations of yourself. If you want to train effectively, you need to be reasonable with yourself and the time you have available.

Race results are cruel. I have long thought they ought to have a comments section so you can tell the world a little about what may have affected how you finished. The truth is that you know what your priorities were in your training and what may have affected those outcomes and that is all that should matter. Easier said than done, I realize, but you will be a much more memorable athlete for balancing your priorities and having realistic expectations than you will for great race results alone. If you can achieve a balance and have both, fantastic! If not, it is still fantastic!

Set out to do the best you can with an honest effort. Expect no less and no more.

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You wouldn’t leave on a road trip without filling the gas tank in your car, would you? If a plane bound for your holiday destination neglected to fuel up before takeoff, the result would be even worse.

When you prepare for your workouts, filling the tank is just as important. Far too often, I hear of athletes “bonking” during workouts and I will be the first to admit that occasionally I have been guilty too. Even if you don’t get to the stage of feeling light-headed, you may still suffer diminished performance from starting out with less than adequate energy stores.

I recommend that you learn how to calculate the calories required for your planned workout ahead of time. There are several online calculators. Use one that takes your age, gender and weight into consideration. Several watches will also calculate caloric burn during a workout.

You also want to get to know your Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR, which is the number of calories you burn each day when not working out. Again, there are many online calculators for this. If you divide this by 24, you will have a ballpark figure for your hourly requirements, which is important in what I am discussing next.

For your workout, calculate the total caloric requirement and add it to your BMR. Subtract the hourly BMR calories based on the length of the workout. The reason for that is that during the workout you are exercising INSTEAD of resting. This becomes more important during sessions that last for several hours. Once you have added all this up, you know how many total calories you need that day.

Some calories will be consumed during the workout, but likely not as many as you are burning, so you would want to have those calories in your system prior to the workout. The practical considerations of this are that you may need to top up the day before an early workout. You may need to have an early light dinner before an evening workout.

The best type of extra calories for workouts are carbohydrates. Fat and Protein are too difficult to digest while exerting yourself. Your overall diet needs to be balanced and have a variety of fat, protein and carbohydrates, but for exercise fuel, carbohydrates are what you need.

Finally, my brief thoughts on fueling while on a weight loss plan. While it is understandable that you may be limiting caloric intake to shed a few pounds, you don’t want to over-limit that intake to the point of losing too much too quickly. Most experts recommend no more that 2 pounds of weight loss per week. Either way, high weight loss diets should be medically supervised. Within any restricted calorie diet, when you add calories is still very important. It is a good idea to completely top-up your fuel stores (no caloric deficit) before long workouts and also before high exertion workouts. If you need to limit intake, do so when light activity or rest are planned so you don’t “run out of gas.”

By starting each workout with a full tank of energy, you will get the most out of every training session.

Okay all you scientific athletes, read on…

Training Peaks has just released Version 3.0 of their WKO+ software. I am excited to dig into the new version, both for myself and for the athletes I coach.

My biggest issue has been that I and several triathletes I coach use the Garmin 310XT, a device not fully supported by the previous version of WKO+. You could import the Garmin files, but there was a discrepancy in the distance of the workout and hence a discrepancy in the pace. This seems to be a problem of how the raw data is parsed, but I digress.

WKO+ Version 3.0 is now compatible with the 310XT, so I will be blogging on the experience here.

INITIAL OBSERVATIONS:

I am able to run Version 2.2 and 3.0 concurrently which is nice when comparing the two interfaces.

There is a nag screen in the trial version of 3.0, so I will soon need to upgrade to get rid of that. (edit Dec 18, 2009 – Thanks to the helpful support people at Training Peaks, I purchased the upgrade) Great that users will have the ability to try before they buy though.

There is an included utility for migrating your existing data. Note that any Garmin 310XT files that migrate over will still show the incorrect distance and pace, but read on.

Upon importing Garmin 310XT data directly, the distance and pace (and everything related to it) is correct. This is good news!

Case in point:

My hilly run on December 13th was 12.6km in a time of 1:12:05. WKO+ 2.2 reports this as 5:55 min/km, but the run is actually a 5:41 min/km. WKO+ 3.0 reports the pace correctly as 5:41 min/km. More importantly, if you train using Normalized Graded Pace (NGP) and Run Training Stress Score (rTSS) and Intensity Factor (IF) those numbers will be correct and therefore more relevant.

I used this hilly run to show how using NGP with the new software version can help in getting the actual intensity of a workout. Version 2.2 showed NGP=5:31 while Version 3.0 showed NGP=5:27. This difference is significant and on certain workouts is even more pronounced.

So far, so good.

Part Two:

Overall, I am finding the interface similar to the previous version from a visual standpoint. The main change is the location of the view tabs.

I think I hit on an important improvement in the first post with regard to Garmin 310XT compatibility.

The next improvement I see is that there is now one version of WKO+ for everyone. I previously had an “unlimited” version designed for coaches who want to look at data from more than one user. The pricing for that version was $149, so from that perspective, the new version is cheaper. I was able to purchase the new version for an upgrade price of $64.50.

Related to pricing is the new “Flexible Licensing” which will make it easier to move WKO+ to a new computer when you upgrade or temporarily want to use a different computer. You are allowed to install on two different computers which is also nice for those who want to look at their data in two places.

Should you have a computer crash and you didn’t get the chance to deactivate the software on that computer, you can still get it registered on a new computer provided you don’t do this more than once a year.

Overall, that is flexible enough for most people without opening it up to people misusing open downloads to get the software for free.

Part Three:

Cycling:

In WKO+ there has been a feature whereby you can compare your 1 minute, 5 minute and functional threshold (or one hour) power with that of a database of other cyclists from untrained to world class. One click gives you this information. In WKO+ 3.0 you can now also look at a 20 minute window. This correlates with the usual *FTP test that uses a 20 minute time trial.

With regard to calculating your power zones, if you want WKO+ to calculate them for you, you no longer have a choice between Coggan, Cycle-Smart or Richard Stern zones. The only choice now is Coggan. Not a bad thing unless you liked those other choices. Andrew Coggan tells me that “the Cycle-Smart zones calculator was deleted because it was redundant, i.e., they use(d) the percentages of functional threshold power that I suggested, just renaming the levels to correspond to their heart rate-based approach. OTOH, Ric’s zones are non-discrete, i.e., they overlap with each other, which is why that calculator never worked properly in WKO+ 2.2.” Makes sense. Thanks Andrew.

Running:

I am starting to get some workouts into the new software for analysis. I did notice one anomaly. I have one run workout with data imported from my Garmin 310XT and the distance is correct, but the time is longer than on the watch. During this workout, there were a few stops for traffic lights where I paused the watch. I believe that WKO+ calculates the total time including the stops, while Garmin’s software does not.

I would like to get some fresh cycling data for analysis in the next installment which will give me a chance to look at Multi-File/Range Analysis, Scatter Graphs and Quadrant Analysis. Here in Vancouver, I may actually get some good enough weather to get outside for a ride even in December.

Part Four:

The next new feature I am examining is Quadrant Analysis. By extracting pedal force and pedal speed data from the power meter file, a graphical representation is now available which displays data points in four quadrants. Quadrant 1 represents high pedal force with high pedal speed. Quadrant 2 represents high pedal force with low pedal speed. Quadrant 3 represents low pedal force with low pedal speed. Quadrant 4 represents low pedal force with high pedal speed.

You are able to fine tune the view to include the entire workout or only peaks with ranges from 5 seconds to 60 minutes.

What does this all mean? The advantage of using Quadrant Analysis is that you are immediately able to see whether a workout is developing the target pedal force and pedal speed. For example, if you were working on the ability to sprint, you would want to see several data points in Quadrant 1. Conversely, if you are a triathlete doing a long steady ride, you would not want to see data points in Quadrant 1, but rather Quadrant 3 (and some Q4, but not at a cadence more than 10 rpm above or below self-selected average cadence. -edit Feb. 3/2010), with some Quadrant 2 on uphills.

For an athlete or a coach, this gives an objective view of whether the workout hit the targets. It also keeps the athlete honest. Imagine that you head out on your recovery ride and later analyze your data to find that you spent two percent of your time in Quadrant 1. Clearly, you need to hold back on your sprinting during that ride. There are many different permutations based on the workout goal. You will find a good technical overview of Quadrant Analysis here.

Related to Quadrant Analysis is the Scatter Graph. What this allows you to do is look at other “channels” (speed, heart rate and cadence) in the same manner as power. For a given power output you would be able to see a correlation in the other channels. Bear in mind that there is a lag in heart rate response to changes in pedal force and pedal cadence. An introduction to Scatter Graphs is found here.

The final new feature I looked at is Multi-file/Range Analysis. In a nutshell, this allows you to take several workouts and overlay them for comparison. This feature is great for tracking progress between similar target workouts. You can also take several segments of one workout (such as hill repeats) and compare them. More info on how to do this here and here.

The additional ability to analyze workouts is great to see in WKO+ 3.0. I have really only scratched the surface of how you can use these new features. For me as a coach, being able to “see” what an athlete did during a workout in addition to what they tell me about that workout is very beneficial.

Nice work from the folks at TrainingPeaks. WKO+ 3.0 is worth the price of admission.

As a triathlon coach, I purposely plan an athlete’s year based on the concept of periodization. It is this cycle of building volume, building intensity and recovering that make for a better, faster, stronger athlete.

Here is a primer on the cycles used:

Macro Cycle = Annual plan with defined focus periods. This is where “Base, build, taper, race, etc.” come in.

Meso Cycle = Focus period plan with defined volume cycle. This is where I identify volume level (usually in a four week cycle), where you progressively build volume each week for three weeks followed by a recovery week. Actual hours are dependent on the individual and their race goals.

Micro Cycle = Weekly plan with workouts arranged to incorporate progressive overload with recovery and rest.

There is certainly more detail than that, but it all starts with defining the cycles.

Good race results seldom happen by accident. Effective racing takes some planning and preparation. One of the most often heard comments that I hear before a race is that an athlete has some reason why they don’t feel 100% ready for a top notch performance. After the race, I then hear similar comments about how certain things didn’t go as well as they could have. Often athletes are disappointed with their results, just as often without good reason.

There are several people of about the same ability in your race category that all have the goal in mind of getting a certain time at the race. Well, you can’t all have a better time than each other. However, there are certain steps that you can take to increase your chances of having a great day.

1. Be prepared physically

The best way to have a good race is to have done the appropriate volume and intensity prior to the race. That way on race day, you can banish the thoughts of whether you have done enough. You can hit the start line KNOWING you are ready. Before your taper begins is when you want to ask if you are ready, not on race day. Assuming you have adequate volume and intensity, stop thinking about it other than to say that you are as ready as you can be. During the taper, remind yourself that you are physically ready.

2. Have a race plan and stick to it

Based on your training, you probably have a good idea of what your effort level needs to be. If you have a coach, they can help determine the appropriate zone for you to be in for the race. Have that all figured out, also before you taper. Have your nutrition worked out as well, so you are confident in what works for you. Remind yourself of what pacing and nutrition worked in training. You know that it will also work on race day.

3. Be tough with distractions

If you have raced before, think of the things you may have thought about that distracted you. Did being passed by people upset you? Did you have something loose on your bike? Were your clothes comfortable? These are all things that you can avoid. Learn to not care who is passing you. Race in the planned effort zones. Get your equipment and clothing sorted out weeks before the race, so you know what works. Fix what needs fixing and then don’t give it another thought.

4. See the positive

There may be hiccups, but believing you are going to have a great day is part of what helps you actually have a great day. Try not to obsess over the time, but rather on the positive feeling of racing according to your plan. YOU are in control and you KNOW what to do. It is also important that you remember that you race for enjoyment, so soak up the joy of seeing what you are able to do that day. Relaxed mental focus will free up energy for the task at hand.

If you follow these steps, the time will take care of itself. If you race according to plan, you can be pleased with your race no matter what the time may be. I’ve seen this work with front, middle and back of the pack athletes alike.

Best of success at your next race!

A theme has been recurring in my own training of late: Focus. I thought it might be helpful to others to share my observations on the importance of focus in training and racing.

First of all, why is focus important? Your workout has a particular objective and it pays to focus on that as much as possible during the workout. If you are paying a coach to design your workouts, it behooves you to look at the purpose of each workout and have that firmly in mind while doing that workout.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t sometimes just go out and train, but for the most part, focused training is more effective training.

How do you focus? I like to eliminate distractions that don’t help me achieve my goal. As an example, I love to appreciate the scenery as I ride and run. I find it helps me enjoy my workout without distracting me from the task at hand. However, knowing my average speed or even current speed is distracting to me. I train on heart rate, power, cadence and/or perceived exertion. How fast I am going will take care of itself, so I choose to not know.

I also believe in regular solo sessions. Group workouts are great to motivate you to get out there, but sometimes, you really need to get out and train alone. You will be racing alone, so this is just good practice.

Last, a good way to eke out a little more performance from yourself is to get out there with a specific goal in mind and stick to it for the entire workout. You can learn to be a little bit tougher, a little bit more FOCUSED.

Why do we train?
To gain physical and mental benefits.
To get stronger.
To get faster.

All this requires something called “progressive overload.” Simply put, we slowly introduce more volume and intensity so that our muscles will respond by getting stronger and more accustomed to our efforts. Then we repeat the cycle, hoping to coax more out of our bodies.

As endurance athletes, the volume of training can get quite significant. Our competitive nature has us bumping up the intensity fairly regularly as well. All this can end with us feeling “wasted.” Since we are often more fit than our average couch potato friends, it is tempting to think we are somehow super-human. I have news…we are not!

The fact that we often lose sight of is that exercise breaks muscle fibres down so that they can be rebuilt to deal with the extra demand we are placing them under. That rebuilding takes place after the exercise is finished. This time should be treated as top priority if we want to realize the gains we’ve worked so hard for. There are three areas I think are important to concentrate on here so that training is not “wasted”:

Rest – Sleep and time away from training need to be a priority. Be honest with yourself and your sleep needs. If you are constantly tired, try to find a way to schedule more rest. You may find you need even more sleep as the volume and intensity increase.

Nutrition – Stay hydrated. We’ve all been guilty of going for coffee when we should be drinking water, juice or sports drink after a workout. The same goes for nutrition. Find out your recommended intake from a nutritionist or knowledgeable coach. In a nutshell, endurance athletes need more carbohydrates than sedentary people, among other nutritional considerations. Try to find quality food that is less processed wherever possible. Start with Canada’s Food Guide (see link on the right).

Self-help – If you are able to, get massage for those sore muscles. There are also self-therapy ideas you can try. Elevating your legs after a bike ride or run. Wearing compression socks after long runs. Ten minutes in a cold water bathtub after a run. These can all help speed recovery and have you feeling ready for your next workout.

I’d like to leave you with a challenge: Get a logbook and each day, rate your rest, nutrition and self-help on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being best). A little awareness will help develop good habits of taking care of yourself.