Periodization

7 articles

Deload Weeks: Why They Work and How to Structure Them for Endurance AthletesRecovery

July 6, 2026  ·  7 MIN

Deload Weeks: Why They Work and How to Structure Them for Endurance Athletes

Most athletes understand tapering before a race. Fewer plan systematic deload weeks within their training blocks. Here's the physiology behind recovery weeks — and the exact protocol for building them into your training year.

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The Complete Beginner Marathon Training Plan: A 16-Week GuideTraining

June 23, 2026  ·  9 MIN

The Complete Beginner Marathon Training Plan: A 16-Week Guide

Training for your first marathon requires far more than simply running more miles. This evidence-based 16-week plan guides beginners through four structured phases — from base building to taper — with pace guidelines, weekly structure, and race-day fueling strategy.

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Half Marathon Training: A 12-Week Guide Built on Running ScienceTraining

June 14, 2026  ·  9 MIN

Half Marathon Training: A 12-Week Guide Built on Running Science

The half marathon rewards a specific combination of aerobic base, lactate threshold, and pacing discipline. Here's the evidence-based training structure — and why most plans get the balance wrong.

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How to Taper for a Marathon Without Losing FitnessTraining

June 11, 2026  ·  8 MIN

How to Taper for a Marathon Without Losing Fitness

The taper is the most psychologically difficult phase of marathon training. Here's the physiology behind why it works — and the exact protocol to arrive fresh without detraining.

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Training Stress Score (TSS) Explained: How to Use It to Train SmarterTraining

June 10, 2026  ·  8 MIN

Training Stress Score (TSS) Explained: How to Use It to Train Smarter

TSS is the most precise way to quantify training load across different sessions and sports. Here's what it measures, how it's calculated, and how to use it to peak for your race.

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Polarised Training vs Threshold Training: What the Research Actually ShowsTraining

June 8, 2026  ·  9 MIN

Polarised Training vs Threshold Training: What the Research Actually Shows

Two training philosophies dominate endurance sport. One has more research support than most coaches acknowledge. A direct comparison of the evidence.

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How to Manage Ironman Training Load Across Three SportsTraining

June 8, 2026  ·  9 MIN

How to Manage Ironman Training Load Across Three Sports

Training for an Ironman across swim, bike, and run creates a load management problem that single-sport metrics can't solve. Here's how to track it correctly — and avoid the injury that ends most first attempts.

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