At Rising Tide Coaching, we believe in the power of periodisation as a key component of our triathlon training methodology. Periodisation is a structured approach to athletic conditioning that involves dividing training into different cycles or phases, each with specific goals and focuses. By incorporating periodisation into our programs, we aim to optimise performance, prevent overtraining, and reduce the risk of injury for our athletes.
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Base Phase: This initial phase focuses on building a strong foundation of aerobic fitness, strength, and endurance. Athletes engage in general conditioning activities and gradually increase training volume.
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Build Phase: During this phase, the intensity of training increases, and the focus shifts to sport-specific skills and workouts. Athletes will work on strength, speed, and endurance, tailored to their individual needs and goals.
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Maintenance Phase: Athletes may enter a maintenance phase when they need to sustain their current fitness level without making significant improvements. This phase is useful when athletes have scheduling constraints or are unable to commit to the rigors of the build phase. The maintenance phase allows athletes to stay active and maintain a baseline level of fitness.
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Peak Phase: The peak phase involves a gradual reduction in training volume while maintaining a high intensity. This period prepares athletes for their target event, fine-tuning their fitness and ensuring they are well-rested and ready to perform at their best.
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Recovery Phase: Following the peak phase and target event, athletes enter a recovery period. This is a crucial time for rest, rejuvenation, and reflection on their performance, allowing them to set new goals for the next cycle.
Addressing Injury during Periodisation
In the event of an injury, our coaches work closely with the athlete and their healthcare professionals to adjust their periodisation plan accordingly. We take a cautious approach to ensure that athletes return to training safely and avoid re-injury. This may involve modifying workouts, temporarily shifting to a maintenance phase, or focusing on cross-training to maintain fitness while allowing the injury to heal.
Benefits of Periodisation
By adopting a periodised approach, Rising Tide Coaching helps athletes achieve their full potential through:
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Optimised training and adaptation: Structured and targeted training phases help athletes reach their peak performance at the right time.
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Reduced risk of overtraining and injury: Varying training intensity and volume throughout the year prevents physical and mental burnout, ensuring sustainable progress.
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Personalised training plans: Our coaches tailor each athlete's periodisation plan to their unique needs, strengths, and goals.
If you're looking to take your triathlon performance to the next level, consider working with Rising Tide Coaching. Our experienced coaches will develop a personalised periodisation plan that enables you to train smarter, recover more effectively, and achieve your triathlon aspirations.
