A frequent challenge as a coach is when clients come up against periods of illness. The need to manipulate training and lifestyle to allow for a return back to full health and training routine without hindrance to further progress takes precedence. A trusting relationship with a coach is crucial at this point. Poor advice or over enthusiastic training can either send the athlete back into a relapse of illness or prolong the period it takes to resume full regular training again.
These basic steps in training were developed by the Australian Institute of Sport (Pyne et al. 1995; Young 1999) which we recommend to use as a guide when working with athletes:
When resuming exercise, take care to allow the body to adapt again to the physical strain without the possibility of lowering the immune system. A gradual increase in frequency of training is the path to take towards full training again e.g. a light training ride every 2-3 days, progressing to a block of riding a bike for 3 days on, one day off. This may be a 1hr to 1 1/2hr easy ride every 2-3 days until progressing to 1-2hr training rides back to back for 2/3 days in a row without adverse symptoms.
Increasing the duration too soon while maintaining the frequency can put a strain on the body. It requires listening to the body to ensure it is a gradual process without risking the immune system for a second time. Only once a regular pattern of training durations are accomplished pre-illness the last step in the process can then be implemented, e.g. increasing the training to 2hrs per ride building to 3hr rides on back to back days will enable the body to handle a considerable amount of stress through prolonged durations of exercise without intensity.
Only when recovery from both frequency and duration of training sessions is back to a regular pattern is it time to load the body with another increased intensity e.g. this must be completed in small increments as the body can respond negatively to an increase in intensity. Adding intensity on certain days initially, building up the intensity to handle training at a higher intensity on back to back rides. This can take from 1 week to 1 month again depending on severity of illness and ability to recover. So be patient!
The above process can take perhaps a week, a month, even many months depending on the severity of the illness.
This time of year can be very difficult for any athlete and often leads to a great frustration and de-motivation. However, if carefully thought through and intelligent decisions made recovery will be quick and full. Coach and athlete contact is even more important than ever at this time. Trust what your Coach is telling you. It is for a reason…normally because they have been where you are. They understand your frustrations and have probably made all the wrong choices to get to the point of knowledge to guide you with the right advice.
You will get back to full health. You will be able to train at your maximum and more again…to make those gains. But listen to your body, make intelligent decisions and you’ll be back fighting fit in no time.
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