You will see several build-in metrics in TrainingPeaks including TSS, CTL, and ATL. To be honest: if we could turn these off, we could. You do not need to focus or leverage these metrics to be successful in our program. A bit of additional context:
- The prescribed TSS will not be accurate for a given workout because of the way we program our sessions to incorporate variations (time-rich/time-starved, etc).
- We do not develop any individual session around TSS, CTL or ATL. Our workout structure and progressions are designed independent of these metrics. Therefore, you should not be basing your training progress around these values.
- These metrics do not take into account important elements of training as a time-starved athlete, and can be misleading or distracting for those looking to integrate sport into life in a sustainable way.
- These metrics do not take into account any sort of individual variation: from metabolic status, to the way that someone who is a particularly strong swimmer vs. runner might respond to the current training structure, to how well you slept last night or your current stress level. They treat you like you're a machine -- but you are a human.
- Our recommendation is that you approach training through a broader lens, focusing first on organizing your week leveraging the Sunday Special and adopting the key basics habits that support health and training effectiveness. Trust in the Purple Patch methodology, and trust in your own instinctive assessment of effort. If you aim to execute the intent of the session as prescribed -- rather than chasing a specific number -- you will get the training stimulus you need from the program, and will make progress.