Hello,
I need some advice regarding the structure of my training plan. I’m still trying to define a setup that matches my goals, but I’m struggling with the limitations in Athletica, as I can’t combine “non-competitive” disciplines in the way I’d like.
I’m preparing for a cycling event in September (110 km, hilly). However, my main goal is to enjoy the event, not just to perform at my absolute best or focus solely on results.
I’d really like to include rowing as a regular part of my training. It helps me maintain my fitness and motivation—since I value variety.
The problem is that if I set cycling as my primary sport in Athletica, the plan is almost exclusively based on cycling sessions. If I set rowing as the focus, then cycling is only used as an easy cross-training option, while the bulk of the plan is rowing-specific.
Is there an option in Athletica to create a plan that meaningfully and effectively combines rowing and cycling? For example, a plan that prepares me for a cycling event but also helps me progress and maintain performance on the rowing machine?
I would really appreciate any tips, configuration advice, or experiences with multi-sport training plans in Athletica. Thank you so much for your help.
Hi @Lurk ,
As we say, lots of ways to skin the cat and Athletica certainly allows for that. I’ve taken a look on your profile and like your upcoming week. I note that you saved a few sessions into your library and I would definitely do that if I were in your shoes to modify in accordance with needs, feel and time. Looks like you’ve programmed predominantly using rowing focus in the next week and supplemented cycling. What I would try personally (and I do this with swimming instead of rowing) is programming predominantly for a cycling race (single day all rounder) and then forcing rowing sessions on key days in your Daily Availability settings. I would also make sure I have all the rowing sessions (short intervals, steady, etc) in my library in case you don’t like the prescription fed to you but the placement would still be there. Here is my settings and next week output as an example for me. You might consider similar replacing rowing with swimming.
Thank you very much for advice and practical example.
I appreciate the flexibility that Athletica offers however, what I still find unclear is what type of rowing session is most effective to include in a cycling-focused week.
The default “Aerobic development” session is usually a steady-state row, but I don’t have much experience with cross-training plans and I’m uncertain whether (and when) it makes sense to add intervals, strength-endurance, or technique-focused rowing blocks to best support my fitness and cycling goals.
For example, would it be best to keep the rowing sessions always as low-intensity, longer steady-state for active recovery?
Or would an interval session on the rower (HIIT/VO2max/split work) help maintain rowing performance without negatively impacting my cycling adaptation and fatigue?
If aiming for variety, what is a reasonable structure for rowing blocks in a cycling week (e.g. frequency, length, intensity)?
Thanks a lot for sharing any tips.
