Week 1

A lot of people ask us what determines the first training week of the year. Most cross-country skiers keep track of their training on a yearly basis starting May 1st, which means whatever week the 1st of May falls in will be the official start of the training year. 

This year on NST we will post three different daily plan recommendations. For more info on the yearly periodization and which plan might be best for you check out the NTS Yearly Periodization entry. 

In week one we start things off conservatively but we still recommend firing up the engine with some L4 intervals. More info on why early season intervals are so important are outlined in the weeks Fartlek L4 recommendation. 

NOTES: 

- All plans kick things off with some easy distance training and one interval session. Interval on-time will be slightly different depending on the plan. If your legs are not yet up for running intervals substitute with a different mode

- New May strength plan is up. This general strength plan focusses on technique, building balanced strength, and will increase in intensity throughout the month

- Recovery during the first weeks of the training year are important. On some weeks where the total training volume is 7 hours or less we will often recommend two off days. This helps athletes absorb the new training load and also allows the weekly hours to be dedicated to more quality workouts rather than just 1 hour per day. 

- Early season training is all about 'micro rest cycles'. Notice how we link up a few solid days of training followed by and easy or off day to absorb the new training load.