Igor & Garrott work on the subtle details of the classic kick
Kristina navigates the agility course
July 16, 2009
The CXC Elite athletes are in the midst of a short intensity block. The goal is to turn the screws a bit tighter on homeostasis and try to elevate the athletes’ individual intensity paces after a bout of post camp recovery. I don’t recommend this for all, but every once in a while we need to boost and challenge ourselves to reach above our present comfort zone. This is a risk that requires going into the block recovered and coming out the back end with recovery to hopefully build and adapt at an elevated level. It is in these more challenging phases that a keen awareness of the smaller details becomes increasingly important.
Bryan Cook tests his general strength
Maria finishes a ski specific time trial up infamous Cty OO
In contrast, I think it is critical to keep an eye on the big picture as it relates to ski training and there should be overall themes and supporting goals. The pieces of the training puzzle should have purpose and context in maintaining a balance within training and how it fits into the general daily scheme. This puzzle should be realistic, so the daily pieces are synergistic and not opposing; at least for a vast majority of days. If the pieces don’t fit, they simply don’t fit and we shouldn’t try to wedge them into place.
Personally, the time I get out for personal training efforts are relatively few in comparison to the CXC Elite athletes, but I do try to set aside an early morning 50 minute block to do physical activity. These efforts lack specific and regimented training goals , for the purpose is simply to stay healthy and consistently physically active. Frequency of training is critical at any level of training or physical activity.
CXC Elite going through an intensive circuit strength session
However, there does become a point when the goals of physical activity shift from simply remaining physical fit to enjoyment an occasional or even frequent competition to a point where personal satisfaction and end goals require more diligence and structure. Details matter when making this personal decision. The challenge is maintaining a “big picture” perspective of goals, planning and synergism in training and general daily responsibilities while analyzing and targeting such details as intensity blocks.
Karl being screened for general functional movement by Dr Jim Mullen
The athletes recover after a hard session
Fueling
Progression and planning are key and the days, weeks and months should align with the themes set forth for the year. Personally, I think the greatest challenge in focusing on the details is to remember to double check and make sure this specific detail fits well within the overall big picture themes, goals and objectives. Sometimes we chase down paths that lead us off track.
In the long run, we’ll develop greater gains if we keep the perspective and planning on the big picture items and execute these to precision in comparison to chasing the finer details and potentially getting overwhelmed. Sometimes we take on too many smaller details and only have time to do the details “good” or okay versus excellent. Make sure the big picture items are perfected, then the details do matter.
