Need periodization advice for walk on marks

Anyone?

Why do you think a 24-week training cycle is the best length for you? To me it sounds too long and likely to result in injury without the payoff of fast races first. What's been your longest buildup before this point?

That's kinda my goal too, but I'm a year younger than you. Though I know, really, nothing about training, it seems to me like the safer bet would be option A, if you don't think you'll get hurt, because it'll get you 2 chances to hit your marks. If you peak in January, you'll have time to run some fast indoor times, but if you don't hit 4:20 9:30, you get another training cycle to rest a little, than build more, and be in great shape by the end of outdoor season.

Of course, this would mean that (if you live north of like florida) you'd need to be training hard in the icy winter months, but if you're cool with that, go for it - I think option A would be what I'd go with if I was in your position.

And good luck man - if I can hit my goals, maybe I'll race you in college!

my 2c wrote:

Why do you think a 24-week training cycle is the best length for you? To me it sounds too long and likely to result in injury without the payoff of fast races first. What's been your longest buildup before this point?

My cross country season is usually 13 weeks and the summer is around 13. The of those weeks I take off and then it’s usually 8 weeks of base, 8 weeks of moderate training, 8 weeks of specific training.

I suppose I could cut it down a little bit because I have been maintaining some fitness from cross training, but that’s usually what my schedule looks like.

That’s what I was leaning toward. I’m thinking a shorter cycle now might just be too frustrating if I’m not as fit as I thought and could be more detrimental that positive. I dunno though.