Training planning and design

The design of long-term performance development (training planning) is one of the central activities of the running coach. Depending on the individual goal of the respective athlete, a variety of factors must be taken into account in order to optimize the planning from a physiological and psychological point of view. The challenges involved in designing an effective training plan vary enormously depending on performance level, (other) professional activity, (genetic) foundations, individual motivation, time constraints and external circumstances.

Anyone who has ever drawn up a training plan for a competition or other sporting goal knows how complex the subject is. Many runners are not aware of how important the right training plan is for success in a competition. It doesn't matter whether you want to run a half marathon, a marathon or even an ultramarathon. Even at these extreme distances, crucial seconds, even minutes, can be shaved off with the right training plan.

Many different factors need to be taken into account in order to optimize planning from both a physiological and psychological perspective.

In this subject, our budding running coaches will take a closer look at training planning, focusing in particular on the following points:

- What factors need to be considered when planning training?
- How can the performance build-up be optimized?
- How can the athlete's motivation be increased?

You need to focus not only on the running route and running style of your future clients, but also on other factors. The points that need to be considered when designing an optimal training plan are the athlete's goals, their current level of performance, the available training equipment and infrastructure, as well as the time and local conditions. When setting goals, it is important to set realistic and achievable targets that motivate the athlete and help them to develop further.

Every runner is different. Not only in terms of their starting level, but also their goals and training. In order to meet the respective requirements, it is important that the running coach knows the needs of his athlete. This is the only way to create a training plan that really increases motivation and leads to the desired goals.