Modifying OutSeason for 5Ks and backpacking trips

ironmtngrl

I read the Self coaching quide and this was not covered in there so:

I figure doing a bunch of short run races during the OutSeason might be both fun and beneficial for getting my fast on.  How should I modify the OutSeason for a Saturday morning 5K?

If I want to spend the weekend backpacking, cross-country skiiing, or whatever, and so won't be able to cycle that weekend, how I should I modify the plan?

 

Thanks,

Bev

 

Nemo Brauch

Beverly- 5K's work perfectly into the OS plan. Really, there's not much to adjust. Do them and have fun! If possible, see if you can schedule them for the same week that you'll have a 5k vDot test anyway. I generally just replace whatever the weekend run is with the race. Alternatively you could swap the Wed/Sat runs so the "interval" 5K is on the weekend and the "longer" run is on Wed, but I don't really think that's necessary.

As for other fun stuff that takes up the whole weekend. Kinda depends on how often this happens. If it's going to "interfere" (and I really hesitate to use that word cause it's the OS after all) with your training just a few times during the 20 week OS, then I wouldn't worry about it too much. Do your fun stuff and pick up when you get back. If however you plan on mixing it up quite a bit during the OS and not having much weekend time to train, then it's going to be hard to follow the whole OS 'cause your recovery time is really gonna be limited. You could do the bike on M/W/F with one run on Tues or Thurs, and just skip the other run (since your doing some good cross training anyway). But I think that might be a recipe for burn-out and over training.

torontoquads

Hello Nemo,

Very helpful answer as I was thinking of doing the same: 5k races on Run Test weeks. The knowledge base is very deep on the team. As a newbie, I really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Elly

ironmtngrl

Yes - Thanks Nemo! Also, the active weekends I'm planning on doing often. There's more to life than tri-ing, after all! Of course we always strive to have it all.

Steve West

@ Beverly - This doesn’t answer your question – it’s really just my 2 cents about priorities - mine. BTW I am a noobe too.

One of my “A” priorities around week 17 of the OS is a 5 day back country XC ski tour covering around 70 miles. The first 2 days I may be pulling a sled but the last 3 will be with a backpack. Not a lot of elevation change, just a lot of miles in a really beautiful place – Baxter State Park.

I’m not a podium contender so I don’t think I will be missing much. I just figured that for me this is way too important and to miss. Besides it will be a great cross training thing too.

To put things in perspective, this past year I was totally focused on 1- qualifying for Boston (which I did twice) and 2- doing a few sprints and HIM. What is didn’t do at all was any whitewater kayaking. Something I have really enjoyed doing the past 8 years. There just isn’t enough time in a week to do it all. It was a conscious decision to forgo the boating but I can tell you, I really missed it. I’m not sorry for my decision because I had several years of total boat focus and I will get back there again, just not yet.

This upcoming season is all about running Boston, finishing IMLP with a respectable time, and doing really fun stuff. I want it all and realized that I will never be more than a MOP kind of guy. One that does lots of cool things and has lots of fun along the way.

Hope this helps….

ironmtngrl

@ Steven - I agree with your philosophy. I think the winners in life aren't the ones who get highest on the corporate ladder, or make it to Kona, but rather those who have the most fun in life. You sound like a winner to me!

Bev