Long-distance triathlon glossary·Periodization

Periodisation : the plan structure

Load

The breakdown of a season into phases (base → build → peak → taper) with one goal per phase.

Periodisation organises load over time to peak on race day. Each phase has its role: base builds aerobic volume, build introduces race-specific intensity, peak sharpens energy systems, taper sheds fatigue. The ratio between phases depends on athlete experience and target distance.

In TriPaced:

TriPaced generates an automatic periodisation tailored to your A race (weeks available, archetype). Friel safeguard: 80% linear progression, 20% planned step-back (recovery weeks every 3-4 blocks).

Source Friel J., The Triathlete's Training Bible (4th ed., 2016) - block periodisation model

Related terms

  • TSS : Training Stress Score
  • CTL : Chronic Training Load (fitness)
  • ATL : Acute Training Load (fatigue)
  • TSB : Training Stress Balance (freshness)
  • Sweet spot : the efficiency zone
  • Threshold : the upper sustainable limit