Hi all.
I am 52 and noticing that sometimes I am pretty fatigued going in to some hard workouts. I usually do the 2:1 plans (2 weeks on, 1 off) as i think i recall one of the podcasts saying that was better as we get older.
I started wondering if the built on plans take in to account your age when considering timing between hard workouts.
I am thinking of getting some coaching advice to get a plan moving forward. Are Apex still around?
Chris
Doesn’t hurt to get advice from a well qualified source… and Apex would know a thing or two about training and how the Suf plans are put together for sure.
The Suf plans are ability based, not aged based. 52 is not that old (according to this senior citizen), so definitely stick with it, and also consider whether there are other things in your life contributing to your fatigue that you can address such as work stress, improper recovery habits, poor sleep, and more.
Your ability to work through the plans is influenced by lots of things, including your motivation and experience, among others. Every once in a while, I come up against a workout I just can’t manage because of accumulated fatigue. I usually give it a shot anyway with the notion that it will improve my mental toughness, but there are times I have to be realistic with myself and bail out. The fine details of training are unique to each individual and they can be different at different times.
Good luck to you. I’m interested to hear how you make out.
This reply from Sir @Coach.Mac.C covered this query and concluded similarly
I wonder what the age distribution Sufferlandria is? I suspect we’re an older bunch than those Couchlandrians.
I would have set up a poll at this point, but it seems like that ability do this has been taken away from us. I am in my late early 70s.
Suspect I’m the baby of this thread… at just 50 
That’s a good answer @Steve_Q 
.
Which plan are you doing?
Also at 52, I’ve added a L2 strength plan to my calendar using the 2:1 setup. The overall layout on the calendar doesn’t look too bad and should integrate well with my riding & running—or hopeful running as I rebound from injury, ergo the strength plan.
Good luck on your continued jouney.
@SirDale I was doing the Gravel 100 mile plan including level 5 strength and beginner yoga (2:1).
I just did a 106 km gravel race which included 2600m of climbing (frequently over 10%). I had a new bike and felt really good, but was slower than last year which was slower than the year before. Hence feeling like I am stagnating a bit.
After listening to some podcasts and watching random GCN videos I am thinking I need to mix things up a bit. I am going to work through the MAP progression workouts once a week, and do a low cadence or standing start type of workout each week too. Then include (hopefully) a long ride on the weekend. I am thinking to move back to level 4 strength, but use heavier weights to increase the load in that way.
So, each week will be MAP (30:15 or 40:20 or similar), NM (low cadence, standing starts, cadence builds / drills on the rest weeks), and a long ride along with 2 sessions of body weight.
Alternatively I get in touch with Apex (or a local coach) and look at other options.
@Steve_Q there are definitely some other stressors. Work is fine, but I have a couple of kids. The youngest (7 yo) has a neurlogical disability which can make it hard for me to get out for a ride sometimes as it puts all the load onto my partner. Hence the “hopefully” next to the long ride plan above.
Thanks all!
Chris
