Thanks for the article. Very interesting. I've just had a quick scan and will take time to read it through properly including links shared. One question in my mind is how long term HRV measurements would help training from being a marathonian to doing ultra such as 100k (flat or hill running). We often see 100k training plans over several months but life is never a straight line so I see HRV being a tool that would help me adjusting the plan and see how the body react (to complement RPE and hear rate stats for each run).
thank you Max, and indeed I agree with you and that's how I use it. Training blocks that are particularly heavy might trigger a good response in the absence of other stressors, but might need some fine tuning or scaling down in situations in which other stressors are causing issues (work or else). Similarly, more intensity as mentioned here might also trigger a negative response just because I am not used to that type of stimulus. HRV allows me to keep things in check, as a short term feedback loop, and implement changes depending on what happens in training and life. Some pointers also here: https://marcoaltini.substack.com/p/how-to-include-heart-rate-variability
I've read the section about heat acclimatation and I find the approach of doing quality runs in the morning and then bike at slow pace in the afternoon but in the heat is interesting I'll keep this in mind. What I'm wondering is after how many of such combination there would be the desired effect for a target race is there a way to quantify/predict? For example a month before would this be enough? Thanks for your feedback.
thank you Max. Normally 7-10 days would be a minimum for heat acclimation, even though some of these passive heat acclimation protocols are 2 weeks + 1 week break + another 1 or 2 weeks close to the race. Important also to maintain the stimulus as you get close to the race, so until the last week with maybe 1-2 days also on race week, otherwise the gains quickly disappear (i.e. we cannot stop doing it one month before the race).
Great reflection! You sound much better prepared for this one. So many variables with every event but especially an ultra. Hope the climate and conditions are kind to you.
Nice one, Marco. As a long time triathlete, I've been using the bike for most of my run training for many years. Ran my best half M (66:44) off a week of moderately long bike sessions and some shorter intensive runs (6-8 miles @ 5 min mile pace or just over). Now, at 66, I do minimul running (knee issues), but maintain around 4:00 per km or just over on anything up to 5km. The other approach I use is reverse periodisation, i.e. instead of the traditional approach of building an aerobic base before doing speedwork, I start with 1km at a pace faster than target, e,g. today was 3:54, then add distance but maintain the pace. This avoids the trap of not being able to change gear after lots of slow work, although it can give injury risk, prevented by being very careful with resistance / strength work as well as choosing roures and surfaces wisely...idaelly track if you have access...I don't. Thanks again for always interesting reading, and hope my input is OK. Steve
thank you Steve! That's great to read, I appreciate it. Indeed you make a great point, runners can learn a lot from triathletes, I have seen many triathletes making amazing progress as runners while focusing on triathlon, which, given the relatively modest amount of running, must be due also to all the work that is done on the bike. Congratulations on your results, and keep it up!
Thanks for the article. Very interesting. I've just had a quick scan and will take time to read it through properly including links shared. One question in my mind is how long term HRV measurements would help training from being a marathonian to doing ultra such as 100k (flat or hill running). We often see 100k training plans over several months but life is never a straight line so I see HRV being a tool that would help me adjusting the plan and see how the body react (to complement RPE and hear rate stats for each run).
thank you Max, and indeed I agree with you and that's how I use it. Training blocks that are particularly heavy might trigger a good response in the absence of other stressors, but might need some fine tuning or scaling down in situations in which other stressors are causing issues (work or else). Similarly, more intensity as mentioned here might also trigger a negative response just because I am not used to that type of stimulus. HRV allows me to keep things in check, as a short term feedback loop, and implement changes depending on what happens in training and life. Some pointers also here: https://marcoaltini.substack.com/p/how-to-include-heart-rate-variability
bravo bell'articolo, completo ed esaustivo!
Mi piace il setup da vero esperto dei dati su cosa mantenere e cosa sperimentare di nuovo.
Ti seguo su Strava e lo faro' di piu' su substack!
grazie mille Alfredo!
I've read the section about heat acclimatation and I find the approach of doing quality runs in the morning and then bike at slow pace in the afternoon but in the heat is interesting I'll keep this in mind. What I'm wondering is after how many of such combination there would be the desired effect for a target race is there a way to quantify/predict? For example a month before would this be enough? Thanks for your feedback.
thank you Max. Normally 7-10 days would be a minimum for heat acclimation, even though some of these passive heat acclimation protocols are 2 weeks + 1 week break + another 1 or 2 weeks close to the race. Important also to maintain the stimulus as you get close to the race, so until the last week with maybe 1-2 days also on race week, otherwise the gains quickly disappear (i.e. we cannot stop doing it one month before the race).
Great reflection! You sound much better prepared for this one. So many variables with every event but especially an ultra. Hope the climate and conditions are kind to you.
Nice one, Marco. As a long time triathlete, I've been using the bike for most of my run training for many years. Ran my best half M (66:44) off a week of moderately long bike sessions and some shorter intensive runs (6-8 miles @ 5 min mile pace or just over). Now, at 66, I do minimul running (knee issues), but maintain around 4:00 per km or just over on anything up to 5km. The other approach I use is reverse periodisation, i.e. instead of the traditional approach of building an aerobic base before doing speedwork, I start with 1km at a pace faster than target, e,g. today was 3:54, then add distance but maintain the pace. This avoids the trap of not being able to change gear after lots of slow work, although it can give injury risk, prevented by being very careful with resistance / strength work as well as choosing roures and surfaces wisely...idaelly track if you have access...I don't. Thanks again for always interesting reading, and hope my input is OK. Steve
thank you Steve! That's great to read, I appreciate it. Indeed you make a great point, runners can learn a lot from triathletes, I have seen many triathletes making amazing progress as runners while focusing on triathlon, which, given the relatively modest amount of running, must be due also to all the work that is done on the bike. Congratulations on your results, and keep it up!
100km run though...that's insane
Exactly, and I think everyone can learn a lot from everyone else, we all need to keep open minds!