Only time for a short post here today but I thought I would talk a little about training, goal setting, and adapting to changes once a plan has been devised.

We have just finished our 4th training cycle.  Each cycle starts with 2 long, slow, low intensity runs and then finishes with 3 shorter, higher intensity, speed runs.  We have a run rest ratio of 5 days of running with 8 days of resting. (These are young dogs in their first year of "real" training so they are getting bunches of rest!)

This training system was planned using principles I have gathered from studying human sport science and the training systems of top mushers from a variety of dog racing formats (distance, stage, and sprint).

I like it so far...

But having said that, I am modifying and fine tunning by reviewing the results of each cycle and each individual run.

I collect easy data after each run- like are the dogs breathing hard?  Did they finish strong? Were they excited to go? Did they look tired at the end? Any injuries? Etc...

After each full cycle I take more precise data- Weight, resting heart rate, full body check for flexibility, foot condition, condition of fur, etc...

Then I use all this information to evaluate the details of my future training plan.  How far will the long, slow runs be? How fast and long will the speed runs be? etc...

So in the end I stick to the big picture plan of 5 days running 8 days off over a 13 day period, with 3 fast runs and 2 long runs but the details change.

Okay I gotta go right now- when I get back I'll post an activity on goal setting that uses all this information and can be applied to any goal a student may have... sports related or not!