Choosing a periodization model

Where periodization is set

Periodization is a property of each Race, not of the macrocycle. Open the race edit form (/coach/race/<race_id>/edit/) and pick the periodization dropdown. The four valid choices are below. If you leave it blank, the race carries no periodization preference and is treated by default rules.

You can pick different periodization for different races in the same season (e.g. linear into your A race in October, reverse into a B race in March).

The four models

Linear

Classic structure: base, build, peak, taper. Volume climbs through base, intensity climbs through build, both drop in taper.

• When to use: athletes with 16+ weeks before A race and no recent competitive fitness.
• Tradeoffs: slow to peak; long base feels boring; predictable results.

Reverse linear

Intensity peaks first, volume climbs later, taper still standard.

• When to use: time crunched athletes who only have 8 to 12 weeks. Athletes coming off a strong recent season who already have intensity and need volume.
• Tradeoffs: harder to balance; injury risk goes up if volume ramps too fast after intensity.

Block

Concentrated 3-week mesocycles by domain (block of swim focus, block of bike focus, block of run focus). Each block targets one adaptation hard.

• When to use: advanced athletes with specific weaknesses to fix. Off-season builds.
• Tradeoffs: other sports detrain during their off blocks; needs careful sequencing.

Undulatory

High and low intensity weeks alternate within each mesocycle. Volume is steady; intensity varies.

• When to use: older athletes who need more recovery between hard weeks. Athletes with day-to-day schedule volatility.
• Tradeoffs: less classic peak; can feel choppy.

How the model interacts with the macrocycle plan

The race's periodization tag is a signal about how that race is being built into. The macrocycle plan (a separate MacrocyclePlan record) holds the actual week-by-week structure. The two work together: the macrocycle holds the volume and phase plan; each race's periodization label communicates the intent for how that specific build is sequenced.

Choosing in practice

If you are unsure, linear is the safe default for first season athletes. Reverse is the safe default for athletes with less than 12 weeks. Block is for experienced athletes with a clear weakness. Undulatory is for athletes who break down on consecutive hard weeks.