July 25, 2004
Base Phase - 1st 5 weeks
Now a little more than halfway through the "base" phase, fitness and form are starting to improve.
[click to enlarge]
With the periodization training method, training is divided into major periods called macrocycles, which can last from about three to four months up to four years for Olympians (most competitive cyclists call one year, or racing season, a macrocycle). The macrocycles are further divided into mesocycles, which typically last three to four weeks, and microcycles, which are typically one week.
During a three-week mesocycle, the first two microcycles feature an increase in training volume or intensity. Fatigue accumulates from the training loads. These two microcycles are followed by a recovery and restoration microcycle.
The mesocycles for a competitive cyclist are further defined by their focus on different stages of training "Base", "Build" and "Peak". Because cycling is an endurance sport there are usually at least two or more "Base" mesocycles completed before starting the two or three "Build" mesocycles. Competitors with high priority events will also plan a "Peak" mesocycle.
Posted by dancoy at July 25, 2004 11:12 PMComments