Pete’s plan question

[Realaccount542-67]

I started training 4 weeks ago. I’ve improved my time to 1:57:5 for 6k. I’m considering adapting Pete’s plan. I am more than capable of achieving the weekly schedule but I wanted to know is it worth it to do more than a daily amount. If achievable is it optimal to do a weekly plan in a whole day or maybe two days worth in a day?

[Dangerscouse]

I really wouldn't recommend trying to do a week's training in one day, but you might be able to cope with two sessions in a day.

Imo, you're better suited in doing longer or more steady sessions rather than trying to thrash out more high intensity sessions in a short time, but it might suit you better to do exactly that, so if you can recover from it, and still make progress, then possibly any plan is worthwhile doing.

[alex9026]

I'm following Pete's Plan loosely, for two months or so. I say loosely, because of the two interval sessions and timed effort, I'll only do two of the three. Typically the interval sessions, with a timed effort once a cycle.

I'd suggest you run a cycle as written before deciding if the volume is 'enough'. The intervals soon get tough. I typically row further than the recommended 8-15km on the steady days, but I'm not trying to fit a session in to my lunch break, as per the template being formed. Honestly, I fail to see the benefit of two a day erg sessions unless your recovery is really dialled in and you're at a level you're really pushing the envelope on squeezing extra seconds out.

[iain]

I'd agree. Remember PP is only an abbreviated WP which has been used for multiple sessions a week. Personally I would adapt that rather than PP itself. Personally After doing the interval sessions when approaching my limit I have often been nauseous for several hours afterwards, so the thought of a second session is not appealing. I mix in L3 type "grey" sessions and LSDs at UT2 for 75mins+ rather than Pete's recommendations when I have time. I also extend cool downs, first going a bit quicker to get HR up to high UT1 then slowly slow down so increase the total distance a bit further on the harder sessions.

[Realaccount542-67]

I really wouldn't recommend trying to do a week's training in one day, but you might be able to cope with two sessions in a day.

Imo, you're better suited in doing longer or more steady sessions rather than trying to thrash out more high intensity sessions in a short time, but it might suit you better to do exactly that, so if you can recover from it, and still make progress, then possibly any plan is worthwhile doing.

Do you have a recommendation for training 500m intervals on the Pete’s plan? Should I go hard all the way or find a point which I can maintain for all the intervals and train to exhaustion?

[iain]

Do you have a recommendation for training 500m intervals on the Pete’s plan? Should I go hard all the way or find a point which I can maintain for all the intervals and train to exhaustion?

I would recommend sticking to the plan unless you have an imminent deadline. SO start at a pace you could do a flatout 4k. I tend to then try and make sure each interval is at least as fast as the previous one so rounding means they get a little quicker. Then if 5th seems easy, go a little faster on the 6th and 7th and all out on the last. Then use the average pace as the starting pace next time. In no time you will be pushing hard. After a few cycles then just keeping the pace going for 5-7th will become a big enough challenge, but you should be able to continue to go faster on the last.