Question regarding periodization - Triathlon Week

koba · 10-15-2004, 05:37 AM

Hi there,

I have a question regarding periodization for triathlon training. Specifically, my query is in regard to the relative volume of training between the base and build periods.

At present, I am trying to put together my training plan in preparation for next year's season.

I've looked at various books and searched many articles on the internet to get advice on doing this.

On aspect I've been looking at is the volume of training to allocate to each of the phases and sub-phases.

What I've noticed is some conflicting information in this regard. Some sources say that you should steadily increase training volume through the base phase. Then the volume of training (but not the intensity of course) drops off when you move into the build phase. BUT other sources say that the training volume continues to increase in the build phase compared to the base phase, such that your peak weekly training volume should occur somewhere within the build phase.

So, I am a little confused as to what is correct. Is is it that there is no right answer to this as it depends on individual circumstances and training goals?

All help on this matter will be much appreciated.

Regards
Karl (aka Koba)

Smartt/RST · 01-05-2005, 11:05 PM

Karl,
Your question has been around longer than I have. Did you ever resolve this?

koba · 01-06-2005, 01:46 AM

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the reply. No, never did get to the bottom of this. As you can see, the question hasn't generated much interest up to now.

I ended up adopting the approach taken by Friel in the Triathletes Training Bible. His recommendation had the weekly training volume reducing in the build phase, compared to the base phase. But as I alluded to earlier, other sources I found advocated the opposite.

Any help in this regard would be much appreciated.

Regards
Karl

Smartt/RST · 01-08-2005, 11:44 AM

First off, it's important to understand that there is no one periodization model that fits all circumstances. You have to look at several factors, including the races/events you are training for, how much training time you have available, your training history and your strengths and weaknesses.
For example, if you are training for an IM, you'll want to keep the volume high throughout much of the year; excluding transition phases and tapers, of course. Training for an Oly, on the other hand, you would definately want to decrease the volume as you increase the intensity after a base phase (akin to the Friel model).
Another problem is that different coaches use different terminology. I honeslty can't remember all of the implications surrounding how Friel (for example) defines base vs. build phases. What's more important is learning how your body respondes to volume vs. intensity and then relating it to the events you are training for.
Training experience is also a main factor here. For clients that don't have a lot of training years in their bodies, the base phase is a good time to overload their system without risking staleness come race time. However, in these cases, I will reduce the overall volume as intensity increases because their lack of training experience will predispose them to overtraining if both volume and intensity are high.
There are many other factors as well, but in the end, the direct answer to your question is...it depends. However, I do think that most people are better served by reducing volume as intensity increases, especially if they are not elite athletes with years of experience and (almost) nothing to do but train and recover.