Methodology Matters

No one can argue the fact that every athlete is different and that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. The key is to develop your own inventory of what works best for you. Once you decide on this philosophy/methodology, stick to it. Reinventing the wheel over and over is a perilous approach and consistency is vital.

“Defining your methodology may be a case of trail and error and it does take time to determine what works best,” says Madsen. “You need to rely on your logbook information to help figure this out. You need to consider such things as timing of daily workouts, time required for rest and recovery, the types of workouts that work best for your own specific fitness goals, and just how many workouts and kilometres are needed to reach your objectives.

“One thing I’ve relearned in my pro career and training with many other different pros is that what works for one athlete might not work for another. Figuring out your methodology can be tricky and often this is really where many selfcoached athletes get confused.”