Periodisation for triathletes: putting the theory into action

In part 3 of my periodisation for triathletes series, I talk about how you can put the theory into practice and design a periodised training schedule for your own triathlon training.

We've already looked at the different types of periodised training (part 1) and the individual phases of a macrocycle for triathletes (part 2).

Now it's time to get personal and think about how you can use your knowledge of periodisation to build your own thoughtful training programme.

Why should you work to a periodised training schedule? The benefits of a periodised approach are widely recognised by coaches and athletes across a range of activities from endurance to strength and power sports.

Structure: a periodised programme is structured, ideal for endurance sports where a thorough plan will lead to far better results than a slapdash approach

Focus: periodisation enables the athlete to focus on one main goal, and discourages the temptation to keep introducing extras goals along the way

Adaptation: the phases of periodisation are carefully designed to encourage adaption throughout CV fitness, strength, power, aerobic fitness and speed

Recovery: periodisation makes the athlete and his coaching team focus on recovery as well as hard work, which will lead to a more successful athletic career in the long term...

Progression: ...and, if you're in this for the long term, periodisation will help you continue to progress throughout your athletic career

Every periodised training programme is different (never accept an "off-the-peg" training programme). If you're putting together your own periodised macrocycle, take a look back at part one and part two of this series. Then think about what makes you and your goal race individual. Here are just some of the things I'll take into account when designing a periodised training plan for a triathlon client: 

  • the goal: length, duration, terrain, climate and conditions of the race
  • athletic potential: both perceived (what the athlete wants to achieve and believes he can achieve) and real (these often do not match!)
  • athlete's background: hard data and the athlete's own feelings about previous performances in similar events (or in measured training sessions in controlled settings)
  • health and fitness: weaknesses, imbalances, injuries and health issues have to be taken into consideration
  • the macrocycle calendar: although your A-race is the key focus of the macrocycle, you may also want to do B or C races along the way, and you may have holidays/time off to consider

How to get started? Designing a periodised training programme is a skill but I do encourage you to at least think about your own periodisation. I hope this blog series has helped get you started. If you have any further questions I'm available here or social media to give you a hand!

Good luck - I hope you reap the many benefits of periodisation!