Training at different times and more than once a day

[Darcy]

Hello!

I've been a bit absent from the forum but still training. Still apparently fixated on training timing

I've been wondering a couple of things:

1. When I train early in the morning (definitely my preferred time training-wise) - usually strength or running - I feel unfocussed and drained for the rest of the day when it comes to work. Does anyone else experience this? Is there something I can do about it?

2. Is it better for me to train more than once in a day in order to have a recovery day, or to spread things out more evenly? For example, would it make more sense for me to run in the early morning (approx 40 mins is a long run for me) and then train for roller derby in the evening (3 hours) every other day, or to alternate days running with skating? If I am doing split training over the course of a day, is there anything I can do to make training session two better?

More generally it would be interesting to hear other peoples experiences/experiments/thoughts on this sorts of questions.

Thanks!

Darcy

[baldy]

1. When I train early in the morning (definitely my preferred time training-wise) - usually strength or running - I feel unfocussed and drained for the rest of the day when it comes to work. Does anyone else experience this? Is there something I can do about it?

I don't see the problem as long as your focussed for training then everything is good
Maybe more food, calories, carbs, protein, sleep and caffeine would help?

2. Is it better for me to train more than once in a day in order to have a recovery day, or to spread things out more evenly? For example, would it make more sense for me to run in the early morning (approx 40 mins is a long run for me) and then train for roller derby in the evening (3 hours) every other day, or to alternate days running with skating? If I am doing split training over the course of a day, is there anything I can do to make training session two better?

I doubt it makes that much difference to be honest as long as you can focus for training. To make session number 2 better in an ideal world I would say take an afternoon nap then nail an energy drink before training.

[JohnBarleycorn]

Despite considering myself to be a morning person, I find that when I train in the morning, for high performance, I am roughly 20 watts of power down, for a specific heart rate, on the bike.

So what does that mean ?

I don't know, and nor did my coach. We couldn't work out whether the training session achieved the same result, as long as the heart rate was hit, and was consistent, or whether the power drop was significant.

That power drop would be around 5%

Apparently its three or four hours after you get up, and out of bed, before your body is ready for maximum effort. Hormones, temperature, blood sugar etc.

I would usually do killer sessions at 6am. Often do long. easy recovery rides in the evening.

For me, I think the killer sessions would have been more productive later in the day. But I was often too tired from work.

[trailrunner]

Hi! It sounds to me like you are a little carb-starved in the morning. I would definitely work to boost that up with a mix of simple and complex carbs. Not a lot, mind you - but enough to help you achieve a productive workout.

As for sequencing - I'd do whatever schedule gives you enough time for recovery. Unless you're working on achieving an elite or pro-level of conditioning, I bet you could probably alternate vs. doubling up (unless you like it, of course). I'd experiment and see what schedule helps you achieve the best results and go with that. For me, I've always been much happier sticking to one activity/day and trying to limit "workout" activities to no more than 4 days/week. I used to be a 6 day/week guy - but once I started building in more recovery time - everything improved!

Good luck!

TR
http://www.vegantrailrunning.com

[Darcy]

1. When I train early in the morning (definitely my preferred time training-wise) - usually strength or running - I feel unfocussed and drained for the rest of the day when it comes to work. Does anyone else experience this? Is there something I can do about it?

I don't see the problem as long as your focussed for training then everything is good
Maybe more food, calories, carbs, protein, sleep and caffeine would help?

Hmmm I am doing a PhD: I need my brain to work!

I don't really want to up the caffeine as I am trapped in an endless cycle as it is!

I think I will try and eat more food after the run but I find I end up using all my energy digesting massive meals and I am honestly getting enough calories to replace those burned. I'm not eating before morning workouts though... hmmm...

Sleeping more lately and loving it but not fixing this specific problem.

Oh if I could nap it the office!

Anyway, thanks for your help as always