Training Hard vs Training Smart

I have recently been the guilty party of a bout of over training. Over training is a syndrome which can happen in any sport I suppose but I will stick with what I know and that's cycling.

Basically the syndrome is pretty self explanatory, you just train to much without giving your body time to recover and grow with the training. You run your system down instead of letting it recover and get stronger whilst doing so. It all came about due to my obsession with trying to get faster on the bike, thinking that smashing myself at high intensities week in and week out would eventually bring about a breakthrough in fitness. You know the old saying what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. Baloney !!!

The results of all this training became evident when I started getting sick and battling to recover after the sickness. The other telltale signs were constantly sore muscles which are easily masked as just plain sore legs from a hard workout. But the biggest sign for me was on race days was that I just haven't felt the zing in my legs, the freshness of spirit and the old one raring to go. I was amped but the body wasn't willing. The Attakwas was an example of this, I felt good but the rerun from the race was poor and I know I am better than the result achieved.

So I went to see a Dr at the Sports Science Institute in Newlands. He specialises in cycling so he was my man. He did a full batch of bloods which is the best way of detecting something wrong with the old system.  So the bloods told him exactly what he already knew. 

Here for me and hopefully for you came the interesting part, I was to take two or three weeks off and let my system recover. Whhaaat ? Yip and then start working on a program which was about specifics not amounts of training. Lots of recovery rides which entail keeping my heart rate at around 130-140 bpm but in between that there are some seriously intensive rides. Try riding for 90 mins with your cadence below 50 and heart rate above 150 bpm.  That's not easy, a really intensive leg workout which left me wobbling home after the 45 minute warm down.

So this is just a small reminder about getting caught up chasing something, we seem to believe that putting our heads down and grinding away will achieve results in cycling and I suppose in life. Well it wont, there is no substitute for hard work but think about what you doing. Be smart about your time whatever it is you doing. Learn all the time. I have, its empowering.

Listening to my Dr talk about certain guys training regimes I was amazed, Christof Sauser a legend and World Marathon Champ never rides more than 4 hours a session. The new training way is all about specifics not bulk. I have adopted this  and have been working towards my 3rd Epic. I am amped for the race again after feeling very confused about things this year. Its another long story for another time.

So whatever you doing out there, do it smart. Go see a coach or some one you know for some training directions. It will help you and your mind focus knowing that you are doing the right thing in training. Its a good feeling, pursue it, trust me.