Long-distance triathlon glossary·Volume

Volume : Weekly training load

Load

The total training done over one week, measured in hours or cumulative TSS.

Volume is the easiest training variable to manipulate: add kilometres or hours. On an Ironman plan, weekly volume typically ranges from 6-8 h in easy base weeks to 14-18 h at peak load for advanced athletes. Too much volume without enough intensity wastes time. Too much intensity without enough volume creates an aerobic base deficit. Managing the volume-to-intensity ratio is what sets a structured plan apart from free training.

In TriPaced:

In TriPaced, weekly volume is automatically adjusted based on your availability (slots set in Settings), your preparation phase, and your target distance. CTL (long-term fitness) is the direct result of sustained volume week after week.

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