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While we still have plenty of racing remaining on the calendar, the vast majority of us have shifted gears and are into postseason training. It is critical that we retain the correct mindset as we lead into the phase of training that can be labeled as preparatory. Q4 should be your lowest stress training load in emotional load, time training, and physical stress. You should know from the various discussions up to this point that it still remains the most critical phase, and can pave your journey for the entire next season in a really productive way. To help, I have outlined three bullet lists you can remember.
Successful Mindset
Target Training Focus
Your Personal Management Approach
I like to boil complex to simple, so I hope that this action guide will help you as you strive toward coming out of Q4 and into next year in the best possible place to build your success. Let’s get cracking:
Successful Mindset:
- I don’t worry about metrics. I am free and unshackled, and should not judge myself on output or pace.
- I am not chasing fitness. You are preparing your body for tough upcoming work, not in the midst of it. Success is doing things well and not driving toward big fitness gains.
- I should challenge myself to try new things. Related to a sport or not, get out and mix it up. You can mountain bike, hike, paint, try Barry’s Bootcamp. You have leeway in the program.
Training Focus:
- Drive toward technical development. This is a great time to commit to adjusting form, technique, or bike fit.
- Build the chassis. Strength and conditioning take priority, along with consistent technical work in the endurance sports to improve the integrity of muscle tissue, tendons, and ligaments.
- Don’t shy from the intensity. Only once or twice weekly you get to sprint — fast — for short bouts. Have fun with it, but don’t chase power or metrics.
Management Approach:
- I should not feel overloaded. You are not chasing in this phase, and if life gets in the way of training, do not over-stress and concern yourself with make-up sessions.
- I should aim to get my key focus areas in each week. If I am focusing more on swimming, prioritize these sessions first.
- I must leave myself room to grow. Do not schedule training hours to the upper limit of my weekly availability. Leave some hours to spare to ensure progression as the training load goes up.
It is that simple. Print this out, keep it handy, but please do not stray. No matter how lofty your goals, no matter how much you are enthused at this time, you should allow yourself breathing room. Oh, and one more thing, you should also realize that holidays fall right in the midst of this quarter. That’s a wonderful time to… have a holiday! Enjoy it, kick back, and only fit in training as it suits your schedule. You can return ready to get fit when ready.