On Tipcast 65 I wrapped up my discussion on what I’ve learned from low volume training programs over the past 8 years and provided some ideas for how to develop a low volume program for triathlon and road cycling. In this companion article, I’ve provided some visual aids to take your program to the next level. Read more...

ESP tipcast 64 is supported in part by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. For more than 19 years, Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine has been the definitive guide to outdoor sports, health, and adventure travel in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Published free every month, BRO has established itself as the nation’s top regional outdoor publication. For more information checkout www.blueridgeoutdoors.com.

On tipcast 64 I discuss what I’ve learned from low volume training programs over the past 8 years. Well before Chris Carmichael jumped onto the HIT bandwagon with his time-crunched approach, I was experimenting with polarized training, HIT and reduced volume. Here are some of the highlights:

• Many coaches fall prey to the Coaching Blind spot, where we become overly focused on one particular training philosophy.
• Reverse periodization is highly effective for low volume athletes; building the critical infrastructure (i.e., base)
• HIT works because it applies the necessary training stress to optimize both the central cardiovascular adaptations, as well as the peripheral adaptations essential to performance improvement
• HIT is NOT the road to ultimate ELITE performance; ultimately, a balance of volume and intensity is key.
• Low volume HIT is limited by its own success and low volume.
• Low volume training with HIT can builds fast fitness, but often fails to produce multiday success, like stage races.
• Low volume, HIT based programs should be individualized to your own response rate.

ESP tipcast 64 is supported in part by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. For more than 19 years, Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine has been the definitive guide to outdoor sports, health, and adventure travel in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Published free every month, BRO has established itself as the nation’s top regional outdoor publication. For more information checkout www.blueridgeoutdoors.com.

FROM THE TRADEWIND SPORTS BLOG:

For those of you who have followed me well before the podcast and the blog, you may remember my article from ACTIVE, Avoid the Training Race Trap. Presented here, is an cleaned-up, beefed up article that weaves together the original article related to training races for cyclists, but also the trap that catches runners, swimmers and cyclists, the ubiquitous "C" race, or low priority race...READ MORE

In this Tipcast I cover the top 5 tips from my blog on how to use training races, rather than be used by them!

Special Thanks to:

Skratch Labs

Rudy Project North America