Periodization can be successfully applied to a training schedule and when followed properly, will safely prepare an athlete for a race. The race season and off-season are broken down into specific phases. The transition phase is the time after the triathlete's last race of the season, and before the Preparation Phase. The Prep phase will encourage a low intensity level of effort, low duration,cross-training, just getting back to the habit of training, but without a lot of focus on the swim, bike and run. The training period that follows the Preparation Phase is appropriately called the Base Phase. The word "base" can be defined as, the bottom of a building or other structure, often a foundation. As an athlete, wouldn't you want a super-strong foundation as a BASE to build your body on for the up coming race season?
The goal in this phase is to increase aerobic capacity, strength and skill for what is to come in the Build Phase. The key aspects of this phase are:
Aerobic endurance is achieved if theathlete closely follows the guidelines of this very important phase, low intensity, increasing duration and volume as the phase progresses. Build astrong foundation, or BASE! After the Base Phase has been completed and you get closer to your key races, the next step in your periodization is the Build Phase.