General Discussion Triathlon Talk » should i back off on my training schedule? Rss Feed  
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2012-08-26 9:29 AM

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McAllen
Subject: should i back off on my training schedule?
I have a sprint triathlon on September 16,and plan on doing a full taper the week before the race. I didn't plan my plan very well and I'm "supposed" to back off the distance next week to let my body recoup. i don't want two easy weeks in the same month timeframe though so should i just tough it out until race day and reboot my schedule from there or take the week easy as planned?


2012-08-26 9:31 AM
in reply to: #4380710

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Master
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Subject: RE: should i back off on my training schedule?

Depends on how you feel right now....if you are worn out and need the rest, take it. If you feel good, just keep training and then rest up the week before the race.

For a sprint, I would just rest up 1-2 days before the race, not a full week.

2012-08-26 10:05 AM
in reply to: #4380710

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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: should i back off on my training schedule?

You've done some very respectable volume up 'til now, enough that it'll probably tide you over the next couple weeks no matter what you do.

That said, there are some smarter things to do than others.

My advice is similar to Fastyellow's: if you're sick or really weary, back off for a day or two (or even take them completely off) and see how you feel then.

If you're feeling normal to slightly tired, I would do somewhat less volume next week than you did last week, and the week (or even just a few days before the race) after cut the volume in half but bring the training paces to slightly under what you anticipate race pace to be.

I don't think you need a full week's taper either, but considering what you've been doing, probably 3-4 days. Running could be a full week, bike somewhat less, and you don't really need to taper the swim, but there's certainly no need to blow yourself out the few days before either.

2012-08-26 12:55 PM
in reply to: #4380710

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McAllen
Subject: RE: should i back off on my training schedule?
Just got out of church so thanks for the input i really appreciate it!!
2012-08-26 2:59 PM
in reply to: #4380710

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Subject: RE: should i back off on my training schedule?

Always listen to your muscles and joints.  If they're crying out for relief, give them some!  If not, keep on keepin' on.

FWIW I have been in this situation multiple times... tired but need to get through a week or so more of high volume before tapering.  Again, if you listen to your body you can slow down the pace a bit and manage.  It's just that much more important to know if your pain/soreness is about to turn into an injury.

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » should i back off on my training schedule? Rss Feed