Now that the new year is upon us, many athletes are trying to set-up a race schedule and a training plan to make this year the most successful one yet. The coaches at PTS spent several meeting sessions over the Christmas break to design, redesign and finalize our own training schedules. We understand that this is a delicate process. Athletes need to make accommodations for family, work and some resemblance of a social life. Here are a few tips to help you begin to design a yearlong training plan for yourself. Keep in mind that nothing is ‘carved in stone’ and that everything is flexible.

• Pick your first race wisely.
If you race too early in the season you will most likely not reach your full potential for the season. Not to mention you will be more susceptible to injury.

• The bigger the ‘base’ the higher the ‘peak’
This means that the more time you spend in the pre-season and spring developing your aerobic base and muscular strength, the greater potential you will have for race faster and more often.

• Keep it realistic
I know that even I would like to train for a living however, other things are more necessary. Remember that training and racing should be a compliment to your life, and not your actual life (especially if you have a family).

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help
While this may seem like a cheap ‘plug’ for the coaches at PTS it holds some truth. Asking an experienced coach for assistance when developing your training plan can really make your life a lot easier and your significant other a lot happier.

• More is…….too much
Most athletes think that more is better. If they train more and harder they will improve from last season. Unfortunately this is not true. Quality of training will always out surpass quantity regardless of the distance or intensity level.While this is not a complete list it should put you in the right direction. Should you need any assistance with your training and racing schedule planning, please contact a PTS coach.
Happy Training; Al McCrann
PTS Coach and Athlete