Glossary

v0.1 - includes both terms and workout syntax

a

aerobic capacity

• In the lab: the volume of oxygen that can be used, measured in milliliters per kilogram per minute (VO2max). Measurable, but not much use for training or facilitating performance. Best for cocktail parties.
• Indicators in the field:
  • Speed that can be maintained below the aerobic threshold, best measured by the highest steady-state lactate before the first inflection point in a lactate curve, typically between 1.5 and 2.5 mml/L, depending on athlete's dominant muscle fiber type and training history;
  • Aerobic threshold heart rate as a percentage of anaerobic threshold maximum heart rate or maximum heart rate, higher is better.

aerobic threshold

anaerobic capacity

anaerobic threshold

l

load, external

• The load on the athlete, expressed in terms of output ("10 kph" or "200 watts") regardless of the intensity that the athlete experiences, coined by Roberto Canova
• Best used in the Performance Period (i.e. Canova's Specific period)

load, internal

• The load on the athlete, expressed in terms of intensity ("80% of AeT HR" or "105% of AnT pace"), regardless of what pace or power can be externally measured, coined by Roberto Canova
• Best used in every period but the Performance Period (i.e. not used in Canova's Specific period)

w

workout syntax

• For example, (2) (3) 2x 12s / 45s (60s) (4m) is read as:
  • 2 series; of
  • 3 sets; of
  • 2 reps; of
  • 12 seconds work with 45 seconds rest between reps;
  • 60 seconds rest between sets; and
  • 4 minutes rest between series.
• The same workout would look like:
  • Series 1:
    • Set 1: 12 seconds on, 45 seconds off, 12 seconds on;
    • 60 seconds off;
    • Set 2: 12 seconds on, 45 seconds off, 12 seconds on;
    • 60 seconds off;
    • Set 3: 12 seconds on, 45 seconds off, 12 seconds on;
    • 4 minutes off;
  • Series 2: Repeat the above.
• work is to the left of the slash, rests are to the right: work / rest