Episode 261: Why Race Distance Training Plans Don’t Work for Time-starved Athletes
Episode description
Coaches and athletes love to discuss the importance of specificity in regard to training. While specificity is important to an extent, race-specific training is not always one-size-fits-all.
Unfortunately, many athletes follow a specific plan that ends up not being the optimal plan for their needs and situation.
For time-starved athletes, with competing demands in life and work, integrating a set amount of training hours designed around specific race distance means cramming training into a life already bursting at the seams.
In today’s episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon explains how to build a training program that can achieve sustained high performance across a range of distances while fitting into a life with high competing demands.
Matt leverages Purple Patch’s popular tri-squad program to highlight a training structure that fits all levels of athletes under one umbrella.
How can athletes have different race distance goals - from sprint distance and short course to IRONMAN - and all successfully exist under the same program?
Matt answers the question by breaking down the common mistakes athletes make by fitting their lives into a training program rather than creating a program that fits into their lives.
Tri squad is designed specifically for time-starved athletes and it successfully caters to all levels of athletes, and all distances. It is easily personalized to fit different schedules, by integrating video coaching, on-demand sessions, educational support, and guidance from the Purple Patch coaching team and its trusted experts across the performance spectrum.
Through the lens of the tri-squad program, Matt covers a method for landing on specificity while embracing the individual needs and goals of each athlete. It is a training methodology that has enabled countless first-time finishers to enjoy the journey without injury or feeling like the sport is an additional part-time job.
“It's the catalyst for more than 1,000 qualifiers to world championship events. And it's why I believe we are one of the highest performing teams at the USA Olympic Distance Nationals, at the same time, having an average number of hours for a Purple Patch Ironman athlete, only somewhere between 8 and 14. And that is where I believe we stand alone.” - Matt Dixon
This episode is required listening for any time-starved athlete chasing high performance.
We encourage you to reach out to us for more information on how we can support you on your performance journey.
Learn more about our Tri Squad Program
Contact us if you have questions
Episode Timestamps
00:00 - 5:14 - Welcome and Episode Introduction
05:21 - 7:22 - Matt's News-ings
07:37 - 10:03 - Word of the Week
10:10 - 29:11 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 261: Why Race Distance Training Plans Don't Work for Time-starved Athletes
Purple Patch Video Podcast and More
Free Webinar - Maximize Your 70.3 or IRONMAN Performance as a Time-Starved Athlete
The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit
Purple Patch Coaching Consultation
Purple Patch and Episode Resources
This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20
Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt
Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program
Join Bike Squad - Don’t just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program
Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running
Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching
Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming
Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events