In a recent article in a triathlon magazine, the author brought out a different concept of the typical annual periodization plan. It started with base training in the winter and spring and included long steady aerobic miles and weight training. The objective was to lay the foundation in the base period.
This phase corresponds well with what is recognized in the scientific community as general physical preparation (GPP). The objective is to prepare the body for the more intense work that will follow in the next phase.
The second phase is the anaerobic or speed phase which lasts about one quarter to one third of the time you spend on your base. According to the author, at this time you “add intervals to the endurance and strength of your aerobic training base and receive high- output speed in return”.
Exactly what is meant by the author is not entirely clear. He does not provide additional information to explain what he means by intervals or strength of the aerobic training. Regardless the key emphasis is on developing greater speed.
This only partially corresponds to the well-recognized annual training program. Typically speed is developed at the end of the second phase by doing specialized strength exercises that duplicate what occurs in swimming, cycling and running. It is related to specific muscle groups and the intra and inter-muscular pathways that the limbs travel and not just the energy systems. Thus we see a major divergence from the well-recognized specialized second phase known as the physical preparation phase (SPP).
The third phase according to the author, is the taper down from peak training volume and lasts around four weeks from start to finish. This implies that a triathlete has developed as much as possible in all the physical qualities that he trained for and is now ready to peak. Somewhat disturbing is the comment that one must taper down from peak training volume. But if the objective in the second phase was speed we know that it should not be trained during high volume work. Doing this can lead to injury
Because the triathlete does not have just one competition for the year it is questionable whether he should take four weeks to taper down before the season starts. In the well-recognized scientific periodization plan the third phase is typically the competitive phase during which the athlete peaks and recovers in accordance with the importance and number of competitions. Peaking at this time only takes about a week to 10 days.
The last phase presented by the author is the off-season in which you allow your body to fully charge up and recover. He believes it should take up to three months. In many cases this is in accord with the well-recognized training periodization, especially for the older athletes. It seems they need much more recovery than the younger athletes. Thus for the younger athletes less time in recovery will bring about the same results, especially if they had effective recovery included in the competitive period.
The author goes into great detail on the recovery phase which is basically in line with what is already well known. However there appear to be some major problems with the second and third phases.
It is great to have articles like this that present new and different programs especially if they have proven to be effective. This is a great way to make practical recommendations and improve the training of athletes. To do this however, it is necessary to explain why this breakdown is more effective and we need more details as to exactly what is included in each phase.