The Polarized Training Model

A common pitfall for endurance athletes is lack of structure when planning training intensity. Even with the plethora of training tools like heart rate monitors and other fitness trackers, there is often a disconnect with intended intensity and the actual training intensity. This mismatch in intensity distribution can lead to serious disappoint when race day shows up. Simply put, many skiers end up going too hard on their easy days and too easy on hard days. Undoubtedly, there is a close relationship between these two types of training. For instance, ramping up intensity too often on training days that are intended to be easy leads to poor recovery. Furthermore, this poor recovery results in worthless high intensity days where you are better off just staying home.

With the plethora of training tools like heart rate monitors and other activity trackers, one would think that it should be simple to understand how hard they are pushing themselves. However, when looking at training data, it instead looks like some sort of cryptic code that shows up when your computer crashes.