When I as a coach, select a program for an athlete, how is the choice made for the direction going through the season, based on the goal for the individual? Coaches are the original AI, except that it isn’t artificial, it is real! RI, real intelligence of the data provided, the intention for the athlete and their ability – then given that there is a specific progression required to enable that intention – moving through the development of the intention. Just like AI, data is a necessary component and we are fortunate to have that available to us in the cycling world with HRM; heart rate monitors, with power meters, speedometers, altimeters and cadence monitors. Great tools, great data collection. Useful. However, more data is not an answer.
How do we measure possibility or potential? There is a way to forecast, science and physics can measure and predict using what is fed into it. Just like the weather though, there is no way to know what in the future, even 2 weeks from now, what will happen when we step outside. Sunshine or rain. Snow or wind. Will we feel good and strong that day or wonder what has happened to our legs and lungs!
The intention here is to suggest that you recognize how and what you are feeling, recognize your level of exertion and be able to determine a level of ability, based on those metrics, the data.
What do you want to be able to do? When you have an event in mind, what is the picture you see of yourself at that event? I’m not talking being on the podium necessarily, can you see yourself executing the course from start to finish. Taking on any climbs or downhills. Are you prepared physically with nutrition and conditioning. Use the numbers for sure, knowing what you are capable of and are prepared to respond with, knowing the consequences. Knowing that your mind and your body, your brain, may be on different levels and you may not know where each of them are until you perform and ‘do’.
Not an exact science, this sport of ours! It’s a fantastic, fun journey that teaches us about ourselves. Enjoy it, take on coaching to enjoy it even more to be your best self.