COACHES TIP OF THE MONTH
-Coach Matt Clancey
Returning to Form
Sometimes, it seems, when you lose something it is gone forever. Or in the case of this quarantine, and even some injuries, things aren’t necessarily lost...they just are no longer practiced. So, when we do return to practicing, what steps would be best to most quickly return to previous form.
Three Factors to Consider
: Form, Duration and Intensity
FORM
– Begin with the best possible “form” you know. If you don’t believe your previous/current form to be of value, now would be the perfect time to incorporate, or implement, a different form. This is usually the case when bad form leads to injury, it is essential to change form post injury. The change in form usually results in a much more effective performance long term.
DURATION
– Begin with shorter distances. This is key to maintaining proper form, or mechanics. When we extend our duration, or distance, it is easy for our form to breakdown. When we continue with bad form, we begin to create bad habits and solidify those the further we go after breaking down. Go as far/long as you can hold good form, rest, then repeat, as many times as you can with great form.
INTENSITY
– Intensity is a great way to improve fitness quickly, but it’s not always a great tool to use when you don’t have that current fitness. Returning to form requires returning to fitness first. Once you start practicing that form, and extending your duration, the final step would be to add intensity. Think of intensity as power, speed, and/or duration. 80-85% intensity is a more appropriate beginning when adding intensity opposed to going “all out” or max effort!
Knowing that many members of the TTT are most likely signed up for a full Ironman or 70.3, it is understandable that when things return to normal, we will want to return as quickly as possible. Just like long-course triathlon, it’s a “long, long road” and not a “sprint,” so think of your re-entry into training for them in the same context!
Happy Training!
Coach Matt
E3 Endurance/Triad Tri Team Ironman Club Team