Entering a race is considerably easier than racing it, except perhaps trying to get a Noosa entry. Racing is easier than training so to speak especially the longer you go. Things always seem like a good idea at the time, you enter an event are pumped up with your mates and are planning all of the things 'to do' early. Take care as you can run the risk of not even making the start line for next season by continually adding to and getting swamped by your to do list.
This time of year should be when you enhance your body's structural capacity so it can stand up to greater loads - the ones that give you more speed and performance. It is after a long season and after a break that you are at a high risk of injury if you don't build back as your body may not be in the condition to withstand heavy endurance loads. The body can't take year long workloads that are similar in nature and athletes rarely change their stimulus which is why it's not uncommon to see so many easy to avoid injuries arising - simple care can prevent it.
As athetles seeking a better performance there is an ever gorwing list of things to do - a never ending menu as you keep reading the internet and finding out more and more things you can or could be doing. While there are many ways and theories on the latest preparation for best performance with expert tips, advice and extra motivation from training partners it is easier to miss an important point. Sure to do lists and improvement lists are great but equally important and rarely considered is the Don't do list.
1. Don't start out too early on heavy structured endurance training
The reality you've probably got 12 weeks of solid work in you that you can manage. None wants an injury but few think about it's consequences and causes with the view to avoiding them or at least minimising them. Much of the problem arises from high motivation levels just after entering an event a long way out from race day - ie more than 3 months and jumping into training full of beans with friends.
2. Don't prepare specifically for your 'prep races'
All too often the goal posts are shifted and the focus is narrow and on the next race. Prep races are just to see where you are at and how to refine your training. Plan these into your schedule but don't prepare specifically for them.
3. Don't do too many off season heavy events
You simply don't need to do a marathon or a host of half marathons as preparation for an Ironman or marathon. These events take a heavy toll and as they are stil significant events, chances are you'll expect a higher result and push harder than necessary in training. The consequences are typically early burnout (if you are lucky) or injury if you are unlucky. A half marathon can be a good thing, but not too many and they are just part of a build phase.
4. Don't train hard after a heavy endurance effort
If you do a preparation race it is going to have an impact so ease off following - the effects of a preparation event servce as a great training stimlus to improve only if you are able to recover. Wait until you are fully recovered after a prep race before getting into it again.
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