DON’T GUESS, TEST.
"OFTEN WHEN YOU ARE TRAINING, IF YOU CAN'T MEASURE DATA, IT'S BOTH HARD TO LEARN AND TO GET PROGRESSION. IT'S EVEN HARDER TO UNDERSTAND WHAT'S HAPPENING INSIDE YOUR BODY."
KRISTIAN BLUMMENFELT
At Connect 2 Perform, we don’t use just one type of testing. We use several. This allows us to set your training specifically for your needs. Whether it’s INSCYD for metabolic profiling, blood lactate to determine your zone 2, or power velocity to understand your critical power, we have a variety of tools to truly understand you as an athlete.
For triathletes/cyclists, our testing can be done on the road or indoors on a smart trainer, and for triathletes/runners, we test in the field on the track. Here, we aim to go beyond just FTP and heart rate and build a picture that provides accuracy and efficiency across Zone 2, VO2 max, anaerobic threshold, lactate accumulation and recovery, fat and carbohydrates combustion, recovery and VLamax (or glycolytic capacity) and critical power. Understanding each of these metrics is critical to overall performance. It gives us an insight into the best way to improve your power and performance on the bike, as well as the best way to improve your running economy and efficiency.
The results will determine how you train, sweet spot or tempo training, a focus on higher volume or developing the base, and the specific intervals you will need to move that performance needle. Moreover, you'll get a complete picture of your physical capacities and a prediction of your training and racing outcomes. On race day, this means you will know how hard you can go in a race, how much you'll need to consume to maintain your effort and the likely outcome.
At Connect 2 Perform, we believe our personal approach combined with our thorough testing stands us apart. We are about the specificity of your performance, ensuring you deliver your best.
ATHLETE STORY: SALLY
One day, you know yourself as a physically fit, capable athlete, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, your motivation is gone, and even getting out of bed seems like hard work. This challenging and unfortunate situation happens to more athletes than you would think, and Sally, who has been training with C2P since December 2023, is one of them.
A highly capable athlete, Sally swam for Scotland, could chew through 100km rides and backed it up the next day with a 15k - 20k run. But then, somewhere between multiple illnesses, injuries, COVID and KONA, Sally no longer recognised the athlete she once was. Frustrated, Sally turned to Phil Hayes at Connect 2 perform.
Why C2P?
Sally: I chose Phil because I heard good things about his individualised programming and was ready for change. I was frustrated with being sick and injured all the time and wanted something personalised to get me back on track. I also wanted someone to tell me exactly what zones I should train in, as I tend to push myself too hard. His level of care is unmatched, and even when I wasn't on the program with him, he would keep in touch and make sure all was well.
What is the difference C2P has made to your training/performance?
Sally: I enjoy my training now because I know what I'm doing and why, and I don't feel tired all the time. I have energy for the hard stuff, which is due to having enough recovery in the plan to allow my body to recover in time for the next hard session. We knocked 13 minutes off my IM time at Port Mac with only four months of training in the bag, and most of that was on the run. I absolutely can't wait for what's next!
At C2P, we were aware of Sally's ability and potential but also had to balance her promise with her current physiological state. Between July - December 2023, we worked with Sally on and off, ensuring she built back up and that she was in the right place to start fully training. Then, from December, we focused on Port Mac Ironman, building up to the event in a way that would stimulate the best possible result without triggering too much fatigue.
We monitored Sally's zones by developing a metabolic profile with blood lactate testing and INSCYD. This really helped manage the training load and provided confidence that training was at the correct intensity. We also implemented an adaptive approach to training; when it was time to go hard we pushed, but on days when it wasn't there we changed training up and prioritised recovery.
By balancing all these parts, not only did Sally make it to the start line, but she crushed a new PB. Sally is a fantastic member of C2P and couldn't be prouder of what she has achieved.
You can find more about Sally's journey at her blog; also, she's a damn good physio, too, so if you are looking for somebody maintenance, check her out.
“YOU GO THROUGH DARK PERIODS IN A RACE. EVERYONE DOES. YOU HAVE GOT TO STAY SO STRONG IN YOUR OWN HEAD IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED.” LUCY CHARLES-BARCLAY
“YOU GO THROUGH DARK PERIODS IN A RACE. EVERYONE DOES. YOU HAVE GOT TO STAY SO STRONG IN YOUR OWN HEAD IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED.” LUCY CHARLES-BARCLAY
