I'm excited to share some great news with you.

USAT has put together a new USAT Level II Endurance Coaching Certification.

Even though I've been a Level II certified coach for many years, I was interested in this new clinic since it is focused on long course races. So far USAT has been more focused on ITU races in their quest to look for potential athletes to represent the USA in the Olympic Games and other international events. So the fact that they have this new certification means that they are now recognizing the importance of long course triathletes and coaches.  

Only 10 coaches in the country were chosen to participate in this certification and I'm honored to be one of them!

The course will take place on October 8 - 11 in Kona, Hawaii, just before the Ironman World Championship, which is October 12th.

I'll learn new thinks to pass over to you and your training; I'll have the chance to watch this great event for the first time and, on top of that, I'll be there to support our racelabber Josh Terwoord on his second Kona IM!

This is very exciting, specially since this will be my first trip ever to Hawaii!

HAPPY TRAINING!

Here is just one of many topics we talked about:

The most important adaptations at a cellular level that will improve your endurance and fitness occur in the AEROBIC ZONE. The ANAEROBIC ZONE brings also great benefits, but only AFTER a good strong base has been established. Training at a high intensity, when the body is not yet ready, increases the recovery period and also the risk of injury, illness and mental burnout, without any additional training benefits.

Once you transfer to the ANAEROBIC ZONE, depending on your fitness level, the time you spent in that zone and the intensity of the exercise during that time, it may take up to 7 - 9 hours for your body to get back to the AEROBIC ZONE.

Unless it is a specific interval or tempo workout, a 3+ hr bike ride or a 2+ hr run that is not executed at the right intensity, is a waste of time and energy, that will not allow for the desired physiological adaptations to take place and will put you at risk.

The secret to improving performance in endurance sports is consistency, not intensity.

Unfortunately we all know how miserable an injured athlete is, so why risk so much and gain so little by training wrong?

Train slow first to be fast(er) later!

Happy training!

Bettina