Intensity Discipline!

Intensity disclipline

Intensity Discipline is a simple concept: not letting the targeted intensity you aim for during a given workout drift.  Think of it like this:

• It’s a beautiful spring day, you are out for a “Z2” (comfortable, low intensity, all-day pace) training ride.  As you cruise along, another athlete zips past you, offering a cheerful hello as they go by.  Seeing them just ahead, you get a little antsy and start to creep out your effort.  “I can keep them 100yds ahead up this hill!”  The next thing you know, that “Z2” ride turned into a ride with 30 minutes of Z4 as you refused to let them extend the gap to you.

• Letting ego take the wheel like that means that the workout you did created a very different stimulus.  The stimulus likely means the next day needs to be lighter – something a lot of athletes do not do… and suddenly what seemed like one workout where you let it rip a little results in dead legs on the big weekend brick workout, and now you are dragging into the next week.

Intensity discipline in training is one of the biggest differences between folks who make the most progress and those who stall out or start to feel burned out or stagnant.  So, stay disciplined, and make sure your low-intensity “easy” workouts are just that… Even if its real tempting to let it rip!  You will perform better and stay fresher the whole season as a result!

Will Kirousis, MS, CSCS, CISSN
Tri-Hard | Director
USA Cycling Certified Coach

USA Triathlon Certified Coach
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Certified Sports Nutritionist

508.633.2708 | will@tri-hard.com | www.tri-hard.com | @willkirousis

Max Performance organizes multi-sport events throughout New England with an emphasis on organization, communication, energy, and enthusiasm!