Training Periods

[old] Tom · Post by **[old] Tom** » July 26th, 2004, 4:44 am

I’m just training to be generally fit, so I can’t get my head round the training periods, preparation, development and consolidation e.g. in the 40 Minute Fitness Programme in the C2 manual. I just want to be able to row at a faster sustained pace in long rows and short rows. I have no event in mind so: 1) When do I progress to the next period? 2) As one progress through the periods in the 40 min programme the frequency of long rows, i.e. > 30 min, decreases with shorter faster rows become more important. Will this mean that I get better at short fast rows to the detriment of my longer rows? 3) Is e.g. 3 x 10’ UT1 better for fitness than 30’ UT1? Would I have trouble doing a 30’ UTI after doing weeks of 3 x 10’ UT1? 4) What effect do AT, TR and AN pieces have on longer rows?

[old] jamesg · Post by **[old] jamesg** » July 26th, 2004, 3:32 pm

1 What the Manual says in the intro to the 20 and 40 minute programmes is: The preparation period is the start up period, when you are getting used to a regular training regime; the development period should be started when you are happy that you've mastered technique and have established a regular exercise routine. You can then begin to work a little harder during each session. Provided progress is good you may wish to push on further into the consolidation period. "Happy" and "wish" seem to be the keywords - otherwise said, do what you like. In any case if you use HR bands the transitions will be automatic. Must say I normally feel like the occasional light week, but not many hard weeks. 2 Could be, but this is the idea of training for 2k and such, and it seems to have leaked out of a "racing" programme (which has a use by date) into a "keep fit" programme which ends only when we're dead. 3 After a week, month or so, you might see a difference, but mainly I think it's just to keep things more interesting and so keep us at it. After 30 years the important thing will not be to have done either or both, or something else, but to have done it. 4 They are rest periods that let you go faster for short races. Again to break the monotony too. Then you start again on the endurance, it's usually a yearly cycle or one reason or another.

[old] Tom · Post by **[old] Tom** » July 29th, 2004, 6:58 am

Thanks James! I suppose I have to find a reason to want to be really fit, a goal or something, perhaps that'll help.

LindaM · Post by **LindaM** » July 29th, 2004, 9:40 am

Tom - Here are some non-competitive goals that work for me - Keeping up with my friends on bicycles and mountain climbs. Reunions - school and family. Staying fit and healthy for grandkids - so I can play with them and be there for them. Getting through long days of work and volunteer activities with energy to spare. Bet there are more, but that list will do to get me on the erg today!