Do you need a training plan?

Prep phase

At the end of my 8 weeks aptly named ‘Prep Phase’ for my 40week IRONMAN Training programme, courtesy of Phil Mosley from Myprocoach, it seemed timely to sit back and asked if I do indeed feel prepared for the next ‘Base Phase’?! The short answer is yes.

Structured time

This is the first time I have followed such a varied and structured plan. In the past I have chosen to keep falling forwards, and lean on past experiences and the belief I could probably go it alone. I have come to appreciate how having structure in your training routine really does allow you to maximise the benefits of every session. You don’t fatigue too much or dip very often for too long so you can keep showing up each day and be consistent. It is both a sensible and rewarding way of managing time and getting the most efficient output!

The featured image with this post is my schedule for this coming week. Knowing what is ahead and using the Training Peaks app, allows me to sit down for ten minutes at the end of another week and plan the routine ahead. The goal is to get the sessions done in a similar fashion to the intended plan without missing one! So far so good in the first 8 weeks.

Lessons for the work place

I know the effort will have to increase moving forward, but so too has my capability. Increasingly, I try and adopt this thinking at work with the team.  One steady step at a time, with structure to achieve what we need to do with the flexibility to adapt and change when needed. Taking these small lessons from sport and performance and applying them to everyday living and work has been a big help with maintain a ‘healthy balance’. Do you have any strategies to do the same?