What it takes to set a Personal Best or Personal Record
Recently I was browsing my favorite cycling forms and lists and came across a wonderful question asked by a Time Trialist. What have you done that has helped you to have a breakthrough in performance. The responses were not out of the realm of what I would have expected to read but I was impressed with the commonality amongst the responses.
NOTE: Before you get out pencil and paper for the show I want to let everyone know that that this show will have extensive show notes. To find the show notes simply go to PositivePerformanceCoaching.com/blog/ or search for the show title on our website.
I would also like to let everyone know that the 100th episode of the Endurance QuickCast is 2 episodes away! The 100th show will be all about riding centuries whether its 100miles or 100km. So get your questions ready!
Also, we recently uploaded a new Downloadable training plan title “The Season Opener Development Plan” this plan is meant to help those of you out there who do not train with power or even Heart Rate. For those that do train with power and or Heart Rate, this plan is a wonderful way to develop better instincts utilizing perceived exertion. We wanted to announce the follow-on plan for Summer Development is coming out soon! Same format with audio guidance and written concise instructions. As with ALL PPC Training Plans, you will now be able to email me questions once a week via the duration of the training plan you purchased!
Before I dive into the list of items that were shared including some of my own experiences so let’s talk about what Breakthroughs are.
A breakthrough is defined as a sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.
A breakthrough workout is that hard/difficult workout that is meant to provide the necessary training stimulus to bring about desired physical adaptation.
How often should breakthrough workouts be scheduled
What are the common contributors to performance breakthroughs
- Consistency in training
- A change of mindset
- Applying Structure training
- Dialed in Nutrition
- A focus on recovery
- Better pacing strategies
- Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable
- The removal of sugar in diet other than when training
- Bike Fitting
- Aero Testing
- Weight Loss
- Coaching
- New bike
- New Wheels
- New Tires
- Training and Racing with Power
- Utilizing training zones that were more specific to race discipline
- Found more time to train
- Attending Winter-Spring Training Camps
- Working above threshold consistently
- Don’t be afraid to experiment
- Success breeds success
- Learning how to actually race