MASTERS TRAINING

Is it time to consider a change in your training aim?

Words TERRY O'NEILL

When we are training as high level athletes, there are certain protocols we follow. First of all, the year should be divided into four sections.

1. The transition period is normally the four weeks following the main event of the year.

2. Pre-competition are the nine weeks leading up to the competition period.

3. Competition is the 12 weeks leading up to and including the main competition.

4. Preparation makes up the rest of the year.

Training theory dictates you train from non-specific to specific. So the preparation period is predominantly aerobic work, or non-specific, to build a sound aerobic base. The pre-competition period sees the introduction of some specific race training while the competition period is dominated by specific race training.

This form of training will bring you to your best at the time of the major competition. For masters you are at your peak, across the fitness spectrum, at the time of the World Masters Championships. If at this point you follow the standard training protocol laid out above, this means, from your peak, you are going to embark on a 27 week aerobic programme. One of the characteristics of training is that it is reversible; in other words once you stop training then the performance gains you have made will start to fade.