Free Guide To Fitness

I want to improve my nutrition

Key session: Nutrition testing for race, and the table below:
*Always consume electrolytes during sessions harder than easy intensity

Type of SessionDurationCarbohydrates (g/hour)
Recoveryless than 1 hour0
Easyless than 1 hour0
60mins-90mins30
90mins-150mins45-60
150mins+75-90
Tempo90mins & less60
High Intensityless than 1 hour30
60mins-90mins45-75
90mins & more75-100
Post Session4:1 carb:protein ratio
I want to improve my endurance

Key sessions: Long easy sessions (zone 2) & zone 3 intervals

Reason: Building an aerobic base is key for endurance, as well as being able to perform at a high percentage of your Vo2max. This is sometimes referred to as improving your LT1.

I want to improve my speed

Key sessions: High intensity intervals (zone 4+)

Reason: A higher anaerobic capacity indicates better performance in explosive and high-power movements. This is sometimes also referred to as LT2. High intensity intervals are vital in raising this anaerobic capacity.

I want to improve my efficiency

Key sessions: Steady-State workouts

Reason: Efficiency in endurance sports refers to the ability of an athlete to perform at a given intensity while using the least amount of energy. Training at this intensity is key to improve efficiency

I want to improve my strength (muscular force)

Key sessions: Hill repeats & Gym work

Reason: Muscular force in endurance sports refers to the ability of the muscles to generate power over extended periods of time during physical activity. A higher muscular force also allows more efficiency and aids injury prevention.

I want to improve my mental fitness

Key sessions: Race pace workouts (with a few extra notes*)

Reason: A mentally fit athlete can push through mental barriers, overcome challenges, and remain composed under pressure, which is crucial for success in endurance events. It’s also useful to track as a metric when considering overall well-being of an athlete.

Jean Lambrechts
From only finishing 5km to 3:14:06 marathon
in 8 months

Ruan Badenhorst
280w to 350w FTP
In 1 year

JP Du Plessis
3rd Xterra Junior World Championships

Jacques Badenhorst
3x Duathlon National Champion
Extreme Triathlon Winner