Why this training strategy will give you the edge

_{Subjective scoring systems:}

_{- RPE,}

_{- Reps in reserve.}

_{Accessible: No external device needed, just you.}

_{Great baseline and check-in:}

_{Data is binary.}

_{- You’re either at your 75% of your FTP, or you’re not.}

_{- You’re either running your steady run 10 minute mile, or you’re not.}

_{- You’re lifting the same amount on the bar as last week, or you’re not.}

_{Objective scoring systems do not account for the effort level it takes for you to get that output:}

_{- Does the bar feel really heavy today and you’re struggling through the reps?}

_{- Does that 10 minute mile feel steady- a 4-6/10 effort level or does it feel more like an 8/10?}

_{- Is your FTP that you set 3 months ago relevant anymore?}

_{Inconsistent: Your 5/10 effort one day could be different to the next, depending on a whole host of factors, eg. stress/nutrition/sleep etc.}

_{Hard for beginners: Those newer to endurance sports often have more difficulty rating their effort level, (check out this article for more info).}

_{Objective scoring systems:}

_{- Heart rate training,}

_{- Pace,}

_{- Power,}

_{- Weight on the bar/dumbbells/kettlebells.}

_{Intelligent training:}

_{You’re cutting out the guesswork of intensity.} 

_{You will progress quicker as you can work to different zones and intensities within those zones.}

_{In each prescribed heart rate zone/power zone/pace zone, you have a margin to work between and it is in these margins that you can differentiate intensity.}

_{For example, the difference between an all-out effort that you can hold for 60 seconds, to an all-out effort that you can only sustain for 10 seconds.}

_{Objective scoring systems also give you consistency with your intensity; you’re not relying on feeling but have a consistent baseline to use.}

_Confusing:

_{A lot of runners and cyclists do not know how to make the most of the data.}

_{- They have a running pace and target that in every run.}

_{- They have an FTP and try to hit that or as close to it in every ride.}

_{- The load on the bar only ever goes up, or it stays the same.}

_{Objective scoring systems can be hindering and ‘put you in a box’ with your training if you do not know how to work to different zones and the benefits of doing so, (you can get a free eBook on this at the end of this newsletter).}