Run-Down Forums

[graeme]

I've noticed that in several training programs, it is suggested that you include an easy week of training between phases, with slightly lower mileage. What is the reason for this? or is there one? or is it just a convenient place to put easy weeks that need to go somewhere? :question:

[Dan]

Most likely it's to avoid getting into a rut. Most people will bog down with more than 3 weeks straight of hard training or identical training. Cycling it down for a week then gearing back up helps maximize the ensuing weeks.

Dan
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[Micah Ward]

The idea behind the easy week is to give the body and mind a little break. It can help in recovery from hard efforts and with injury prevention.

I am in my 17th consecutive easy week...hehehe.....
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[Dan]

Your body and mind must be well broken.

Dan
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[graeme]

That's kind of what I figured. I was just wondering if there was a physiological reason for placing them between phases, rather than anywhere else.

[Guest]

[quote="graeme"]That's kind of what I figured. I was just wondering if there was a physiological reason for placing them between phases, rather than anywhere else.[/quote]

You can probably find a hundred ways to schedule training and they will all work if they incorporate the scientific principles from which the standard has been derived.

Your quote that pain is weakness leaving the body, ties cost to benefit quite closely. Though you might rephrase, that the body's response to pain is weakness leaving the body, to emphasize that recovery is the only way to get the benefit of our efforts.

Somebody might get the prize if they can find ways to stimulate a greater response by the body with less effort and risk of injury. Or, at least one could imagine monitoring body chemistry to derive an optimal training schedule. They do some of this with horses.

[Dan]

I believe that's called performance enhancing drugs.

Actually, there's a fair amount already known about how to maximize the benefits of given training regimens. That's largely the idea behind periodization.

Dan
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[Guest]

[graeme]

People do monitor enzymes, and try to train in such a way as to optimize them, but you have to remember that not only are there important factors aside from enzyme production, but changes in enzyme levels can have various effects. People are more willing to take risks with horses, if they do something that causes major health problems, it's not as big a deal..... apparently. Plus, most people don't have the ability to measure which enzymes are in their blood and how much of which steroids and other hormones are there. In this case, people have to use generalized training programs, then make them more specific through experimental results.

[Guest]