question from andys book

marmatt said:

Hi, I am already looking at my training plan for the winter and upcoming season. I really want to try a plan similar to the one in the power book by Andy and Hunter . My question is whether or not I need any base or prep first. Earlier chapters mention getting 6-8 sweet spot sessions in and say that going too hard too soon will lead to a decrease in fitness,though it seems to go against advice I see on the forum about base being unnecesary. I am a cat3 in my 2nd year on the road and 2 prior in the dirt of training . I'm trying to decide whether to start this plan in december(october as a no structure/easy time and november to do the 6-8 sweet spots) or to do more endurance miles, tempo and sweet spot from nov-jan;then do the plan from feb to may. I want to peak in June and July for some NRC stage races. Thanks in advance, Matt

Matt,

Quite a few people, myself included, consider SST/Tempo as base training. I just don't see the *need* to get out and ride for LSD. There are reasons, obviously, but not for building base.

When doing your annual training plan, work backwards from your planned peaks.

By taking into account your known limiters and the expected physiological stresses of your races, you will be able to put together a plan to target your peaks.

Jim