Target Races cut into training

Training Advice/Discussion 5k/10k

3 years ago 04/20/2021 10:40am EDT

Title of thread is its subject. You agree? :-)

For longterm development, tapering for a target (goal) race is hindering progress in the training plan. McMillan goes so far as to say not to do a 5x1000m workout at race effort (i.e., VO2max) no closer than nine days out from the target 5k race.

On the other hand, that target race is going to be a maximum intensity effort. And maybe the cutback in training volume/intensity leading into the race is beneficial to the overall progress.

In the 'easy interval method', those weekly (or every other week) races are stepping stones along the way. Maybe they are ParkRuns. But are they 'target goal races'?

Relax. Cheers!

3 years ago 04/20/2021 10:46am EDT

re: Jack Daniels Calculator

I think we saw this from the pandemic. There was almost a full year without any racing really. So instead people were getting in huge chunks of training, consistent high mileage. Very consistent stuff. And as a result there were a lot of fast times coming out of races when they were finally able to race.

3 years ago 04/20/2021 10:48am EDT

re: We saw it from the pandemic

We saw it from the pandemic wrote:
I think we saw this from the pandemic. There was almost a full year without any racing really. So instead people were getting in huge chunks of training, consistent high mileage. Very consistent stuff. And as a result there were a lot of fast times coming out of races when they were finally able to race.

Interesting, (some were suggesting it was lack of PED testing.)

Leads one to ponder, what Jenny Simpson going to drop when she eventually toes the line.

3 years ago 04/21/2021 8:10am EDT

re: Jack Daniels Calculator

Jack Daniels Calculator wrote:
We saw it from the pandemic wrote:
I think we saw this from the pandemic. There was almost a full year without any racing really. So instead people were getting in huge chunks of training, consistent high mileage. Very consistent stuff. And as a result there were a lot of fast times coming out of races when they were finally able to race.
Interesting, (some were suggesting it was lack of PED testing.)
Leads one to ponder, what Jenny Simpson going to drop when she eventually toes the line.

Is that what this thread is for? At least provide some proof. Jenny has always been outspoken about doping.

Anyways, there is a line to walk when you're training all the time. I think the pandemic has been good for some but you still need some built in down time each year. Most pros take off ~ 4 weeks a year. Maybe they're peaking twice a year and take the two weeks after those bigger races. Then they build slowly for 2-4 weeks before getting back into full training.

You can definitely go through a build-up without racing and get really fit. Sometimes tune-up races are a distraction because you do some sort of mini taper and then maybe don't recover right from the race and lose some key sessions before/after a non-peak race. Just gotta be smart with it. You can still burnout without racing much.

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Target Races cut into training

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