How long of an outdoor GPP should I go with?

[T-Slow]

@Nikoluski

Since you follow Charlie’s methods, you should never be too far away from some specific work, not even during GPP II. I think it was suggested above you keep the general fitness components throughout anyway and you progress the track work etc in the weeks provided to you, if you work from your sought peak backwards -see what you are left with and act accordingly. I don’t think anyone can/should tell you with certainty that 3 or 5 or whatever weeks will be appropriate for you. What you describe in your last post though is a great starting point! Good luck!

Thanks Nik,

I think the outdoor season will really show me the importance of general fitness. I have not been doing nearly enough general fitness work, and by increasing the general component, I have already noticed things just get easier when running.

Charlie told me last year when I had a telephone consult that general fitness is the hardest thing to get his athletes to do, and the most important component to keep in. I’m starting to finally understand what he was talking about.

Your point about not straying too far from track work is well taken. I was thinking of just condensing the GPP more or less, and transitioning from hills to more flat work within 3 to 4 weeks.

I was thinking keep up the explosive medball and hills for a couple weeks, then slowly add in some flat stuff in a couple of weeks, starting with 20’s and maybe a few 30’s while still transitioning from the longer hills.

Thanks for your help!