The mental challenge of progression

So with the announcement I posted late July (see left), three months ago, I was going to take my training and competition more seriously.
Why? Because of this:
“If I am not able or willing to read, develop, try and retry different training plans and methods I am not able to be the best coach I can be for my athletes. Also; it is far easier to analyze the demands of the sport by being in the races”
Here is a small update on now vs then, and some few tips on what you should think about when it comes to your progression if you are into that!
Back in july I was training about 4-6 hours a week because of some crazy hours at “the office” the last four years. I did at most 30 km per week of running (usually 15 – 20) and did not feel that great when it comes to my physical fitness.
Now: I am doing 7-9 hours a week, mostly about 30 to 40 km a week of running and I am getting stronger and getting faster. So what has happened in between and how can you maybe learn from my process?
- I’ve taken my sweet time pumping up the volume: I’ve used three whole months, more than 12 weeks to go from about 5 hours a week to about 8 hours of training. That has been painfull mentally because I’ve wanted so much more
- I’ve taken my time pumping up the kilometers of running/running time per week: As I suspected my achilles tendon was not going to be nice about running more, but I’ve been patient, done my rehab/prehab, done some contrast therapy (I really recommend this when having “weak achilles-tendons”; see this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbflbnB7MPQ ) and been patient
- I’ve taken my nutrition seriously: Without any hesitation I’ve eaten what I need to perform and recover: lots of fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates to go and lean and clean protein. And of course water: water is key!
- I’ve prioritized at least one strength session a week to keep injuries at bay
So what is the status?
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I am injury free (knock on wood)
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I am running faster then I have in at least two years
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I am keeping my strength and feel nice and explosive in my step
So whats the takeway of this post?
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Be patient when dealing with increasing training loads
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Use your common sense and don’t overdo it (or maybe let me coach you through it)
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To hard, to fast, to intensive, to many times is a gateway to injuries
Want me to be your guide toward your goals?! Send me an e-mail: andreas@angeltveitpp.no
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