This guide covers the key information you’ll need while working with Adam, including training zones, using TrainingPeaks, providing workout feedback, and staying in contact.
Training Zones
Workouts in your training plan use the Alp Fitness training zones to help you target the appropriate training intensity in those workouts. See the Alp Fitness Training Zones page for a description of each zone.
In addition to using heart rate and/or power as a guide, learn to recognize the zones by feel using perceived exertion, breathing, and talking cues.
There will be day-to-day variability in how perceived exertion, heart rate, and power correspond with one another. If you’re using all three, aim to get at least two of the three into the zone you’re targeting. If you’re using perceived exertion and heart rate, aim to get at least one—and ideally both—into the target zone.
Want to learn more? See the “Guide to Using Training Zones.”
Using TrainingPeaks
Log in to your TrainingPeaks account with this link.
Logging Your Workouts
My ability to effectively monitor and prescribe your training relies on having workout data in TrainingPeaks that includes distance and/or duration plus heart rate (and/or power when applicable).
Using your GPS watch and heart rate chest strap (and/or power meter) while training makes it easy to automatically upload this information to TrainingPeaks. See the TrainingPeaks device connection instructions to connect your device.
Consistently recording heart rate (and/or power) also helps TrainingPeaks model your training load over time. TrainingPeaks uses this data to calculate a Training Stress Score (TSS), which accounts for both the duration and intensity of a workout. I use TSS along with other information in TrainingPeaks to help monitor your training and make appropriate adjustments.
Want to learn more? See “Training Stress Scores (TSS) Explained.”
Leaving Post-Workout Comments
In addition to uploading data from your training device, use the Post-activity comments box in TrainingPeaks to provide subjective feedback about your workouts.
Useful comments might include:
- How the workout felt
- Anything unusual about your energy or effort
- Weather or trail conditions
- Soreness or fatigue
- Fueling or hydration observations
- Work, travel, sleep, or other life circumstances affecting your training
I recommend leaving comments at least a few times each week, especially after key workouts or whenever there is something important for me to know.
Your subjective experience provides context that workout data alone cannot. Both the quantitative information from your training device and your qualitative feedback help me understand how you are responding to training and make appropriate adjustments.
For additional guidance, see “Why Is Logging Post-Workout Comments Important and What Should You Include?“
Marking Limited Availability
Please let me know in advance about travel, work, family commitments, or other circumstances that may limit your ability to train.
You can mark limited availability directly in your TrainingPeaks calendar so I can account for it when scheduling your training. See “Athlete Availability/Limited Availability” for instructions.
Communication and Contact
Ongoing communication is an important part of the coaching process. Please keep me informed when training issues come up, when you have questions, or simply when there is useful context about how a workout, race, or training block is going.
TrainingPeaks Comments
TrainingPeaks comments work especially well for questions or feedback related to a specific workout. I check and respond to athlete comments regularly throughout the week.
If something is time-sensitive and you haven’t received a response through TrainingPeaks, send me a text or email.
Email works well for questions or topics that require more detail. I generally respond within one to two weekdays.
Text
Text works well for quick questions, updates, or time-sensitive issues. I generally respond within a few hours or by the end of the day.
My normal texting response hours are 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Mountain Time, weekdays and weekends. You’re welcome to text outside those hours, but I may wait until the next response window to reply.
Occasionally I may be in the backcountry or otherwise out of cell range for much of the day. In those cases, I’ll respond when I’m back in range.
Phone (or Zoom)
Sometimes it’s easier to talk through something by phone (or Zoom). Calls are included with your coaching and can be scheduled whenever it would be helpful.
Use my Coaching Call Booking Page to schedule, or send me a text or email to arrange a call. Or we can establish a standing weekly or monthly check-in if you prefer a regular time to discuss your training.