Training Tip ~ Train Smart

Yes I know I have said this before but I will say it again. You have to follow the training schedule. We are trying to get your bodies acclimated to effort gradually and to permit them to prepare for the race lengths and circumstances we are likely to encounter. We are not training for sprint so don't expect to be able to sprint very well. If you sprint you must be careful not to overdo it as your body is not trained for explosive efforts. We are not training for short distances (less than 5 kms) so don't expect to go well in the short distances. If we design a training program for races of that length our training would look very different indeed.

On the other hand you will be a faster sprinter by training than not. You will be a faster paddler in small boat. You will be able to go farther faster without the same sense of effort as if you had not been training.

At practice please work at the effort that is prescribed. We need to know that you are doing what we ask so that we can measure how fast the canoes are relative to each other. We also want you to be good for the races we target. Risa and I have encountered all kinds of paddlers who are chronically overtrained; tired and injured. The idea that is some is good more is better is not correct. Do not go out on days we are not on the water and go hard. You will undo what we are trying to do.

At this time of year back to back long paddles (successive days) are a bad idea. If you paddle with Marathon Ron on Saturday consider taking Sunday off or better yet steer instead of paddling on Sunday. Your goal should be 5-8 hours of work a week in the 70-80% range of effort (aerobic, below lactate threshold). You should not feel a burn in your muscles when you work though you should feel you are working hard with breathing coming every stroke in the 80% pieces.

Always always always paddle smart. Do more with less.

Brent