The Best-Laid Plans Of Mice And Men Often Go Awry
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face." While I've experienced this literally (a story for another time), it's the metaphorical punches that are often more challenging.
I've had the privilege of coaching a wide range of athletes, from myself to full-time professionals and over a hundred everyday runners. One universal truth stands out: the training plan you're crafting right now is almost sure to change. And that's not a bad thing.
The Fluidity of Plans
Twenty weeks ago, the idea of me joining a morning swim squad and entering a triathlon was laughable. I was in peak running form, logging 120 km weeks and keeping pace with elite athletes. Why would I disrupt that momentum? But here we are, and the landscape has shifted.
The Unpredictable Punch
The saying goes, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face." While I've experienced this literally (a story for another time), it's the metaphorical punches that are often more challenging. Life doesn't conform to the structure of a 3x 10-minute tempo session. Your training plan may outline each session's duration, intensity, and location, but it can't account for life's variables—be it family, work, or health.
Adaptation is Key
This past weekend serves as a case in point. I had planned a bike-run workout and a long ride while visiting family. Instead, I ended up doing two 1-hour runs because my bike wouldn't fit in the car. These moments prompt a crucial question: "What's the best long-term decision?" Pushing through fatigue or discomfort often does more harm than good, jeopardizing your ultimate performance goals.
The Ultimate Objective
The overarching goal is not merely to adhere to a plan but to arrive at the starting line in optimal condition. That's the metric by which you'll gauge your satisfaction with your performance, irrespective of whether you meet a specific time goal.
The Value of Structured Guidance
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is solving a tangible problem for runners. Once I outline a monthly training schedule, you gain clarity on what needs to be done—or what's unrealistic, given your life circumstances. This allows us to collaboratively optimize your training, ensuring you're in the best possible shape on race day. And you don't necessarily need a coach for this; sometimes, a critical eye for accountability is enough. In my case, that's my wife, Emma, who never hesitates to question the feasibility of my ambitious plans.
So, whether you're self-coached or seeking external guidance, remember this: Plans are essential, but adaptability is key. Keep your focus on the ultimate goal and adjust as needed. Cheers!
My Training
This week, I clocked in 60 km of running. I wouldn't typically advise such a rapid ramp-up, but sometimes your bike doesn’t fit in the car 🤷♂️. By Sunday, my legs felt like I'd been through a gruelling week of marathon prep, but the good news? No signs of injury or niggles.
In the pool, I'm well and truly on the gain train 🚂. I've linked up with a masters swim squad and had the "pleasure" (if you enjoy type-A fun) of clinging to the back of the fast lane. Trust me, it's a humbling experience trying not to get dropped by seasoned swimmers in their 50s.
Looking ahead, I'm planning to inject a bit of speed into my legs with a 10x 400m session at the grass track. I'm not going all out—think 7-8/10 effort with ample rest intervals. I aim to maintain my five runs per week, mostly easy-aerobic and give another shot at a bike-run (brick) session.
Week Nineteen - Strava Link
📊09:07 hrs total (TSS 478)
🏃5x Run = 5:18 hrs (60 km)
🚵1x MTB = 1:00 hr (18 km)
🏊2x Pool Swim = 2:34 hr (8.6 km)
Mon - Easy Trail Run w/ Emma 1:00 hr (10 km)
Tue - Hard Swim Squad 1:10 hr (4 km)
Wed - AM Easy Trail Run 1:07 (12 km) | PM Steady MTB 60min (18 km)
Thur - Hard Swim Squad 1:23 hr (4.8 km)
Fri - Friday Group Trail Run 1:10 hr (14 km)
Sat - Zone 2 Road Run 1:00 hr (13 km)
Sun - Easy Road Run 1:00 hr (11 km)
Recent Content
Poor old Steve. Not only did he fail at his sub-3hr marathon, but now, thousands (hopefully 🤞) of viewers will relive his mistakes in my Data Dive video.