When is the best time to update or change your training program, especially if youre not seeing the desired results, but still feeling physically challenged and mentally engaged? Is it better to stick with a program thats working on some levels, even if progress has plateaued, or is it more beneficial to switch to something new, potentially disrupting a good rhythm and risking overtraining or burnout?
Is the decision to change a training program more about the type of riding or racing youre doing, and less about individual progress or results? For example, if a rider is preparing for a specific event, like a gran fondo or a mountain bike marathon, should they prioritize a program thats tailored to that event, even if it means repeating similar workouts and intervals? Or should they focus on developing overall fitness and endurance, even if that means straying from a traditional training plan?
What role does periodization play in deciding when to update or change a training program? Is it better to stick to a traditional periodized plan, with distinct phases of training and recovery, or can riders benefit from a more flexible, dynamic approach that allows for adjustments based on how theyre feeling and performing?
Ultimately, what are the key indicators that a training program needs to be updated or changed, and how can riders balance the need for progression and variety with the potential risks of overtraining and burnout?