As previously mentioned, traditionally the realization mesocycle is termed the
taper. In traditional periodization the taper is used prior to important competitions and
is intended to stimulate better performance. According to the Block Periodization concept, the realization mesocycle forms the concluding phase of each training stage and, therefore, its function is broader. On the one hand it is directed to obtaining peak- performance and in this aspect it does not differ from the usual tapering technique. On the other hand, this mesocycle concludes a carefully designed program consisting of several training stages in which all the important components were intentionally developed (see Figure 4.8). It is obvious that the training stages in early- mid- and late season are not identical. Correspondingly, the realization mesocycles also differ depending on the level and importance of the forthcoming competition. This
determines essential particularities of the mesocycle such as its duration, reduction of workloads, emotional tension of athletes etc. These particularities are summarized below (Table 6.12) and are considered briefly.
Table 6.12
Major characteristics and particularities of the realization mesocycle Major
characteristics Particularities Comments Aims Peak-performance attainment,
full restoration prior to competition, completing the
Demands for peaking depend on level and importance of
training stage program forthcoming competition Abilities-targets Maximal speed (quickness),
event specific tactics, readiness to compete
Well rested athletes are more able to effectively develop these abilities that require higher reactivity and concentration Workload level Much lower than in preceding
mesocycles There are various approaches to reducing workload level Duration One-three weeks Depends on importance of
competition and sport-specific factors
Techno-tactical
behavior The use of sport-specific modeled exercises (tasks) These tasks have to form proper techno-tactical competitive behavior
Emotional tension and anxiety
Elevation pending the competition
Extent of elevation depends on the level of forthcoming competition
Training monitoring Following up time-trials, evaluation of techno-tactical behavior, training responses and level of restoration
The current control is focused on: a) integrative sport-specific estimates; b) individually important traits and features Nutrition The use of nutritional
supplements and control of energy intake
This is intended to produce an ergogenic effect and to prevent unfavorable changes of body mass and composition The realization mesocycle leads to the transmutation mesocycle where the maximal amounts of workloads are performed. Consequently, athletes initiate the mesocycle program when they are fatigued. Hence, chronologically the first aim is to provide and facilitate restoration and ultimately to obtain a supercompensation state at the time of competition. It is important to remember that the targeted abilities, which should be the focus of the mesocycle program, demand high sensitivity and reactivity of the central and peripheral nervous systems, availability of energy recourses and mental concentration. These preconditions of proper development occur in well rested athletes. Therefore, reduction of workload level is of paramount importance at the initiation of the realization program. There are different approaches to how the workloads can be reduced. The salient factor that affects the rate of workload reduction is duration of the mesocycle. A short mesocycle demands a fast workload decrease, a more prolonged mesocycle can be planned with a gradual reduction of workload level. The duration itself, on the other hand, is extremely important and sensitive. A long-duration mesocycle can lead athletes to detraining; an excessively short mesocycle may not be sufficient to restore and develop event-specific abilities. This contradiction was specially considered (Mujika et al., 2004).
Simulation and enhancement of techno-tactical competitive behavior is an obligatory component of the realization mesocycle program in many sports. Despite the striking specificity of various sports, the general idea of techno-tactical simulation
is very similar – adjusting athletes to planned or expected competitive behavior. Consequently, techno-tactical simulation programs should meet the following demands: (i) the competitive situation (race pattern, tactical combination, techno- tactical task etc.) should as closely reproduced as possible in the exercise; (ii) the level of athletes’ concentration should approximate competitive levels; (iii) the number of simulation performances should be sufficient to attain stable and reliable techno-tactical skills. The typical techno-tactical tasks and their dosage in the realization mesocycle for qualified kayakers are presented below (Table 6.13) Table 6.13
Techno-tactical race simulation in a two-week realization mesocycle for qualified kayakers
Typical tasks for techno-tactical race simulation Total number
Quasi-competitive race performance 4-6
Race simulation in broken series (four quarters divided by 20s breaks) 8-12 Selective simulation of initial quarter of the race 10-16 Selective simulation of mid-distance race pattern (two mid- quarters) 8-12 Simulation of pre-event warm-up program 3-5
Emotional tension and anxiety are attributes of pre-event preparation. Of course, their occurrence refers mostly to later in the season, where the importance of the competitions and the necessity to do well in them approach maximum. It is worth noting the contradictory impact of pre-event tapering on the emotional state of athletes. There is considerable evidence that workload reduction during the taper causes a remarkable improvement in mood associated mainly with improved athlete recovery (see review of Mujika et al., 2004). However, pre-competition anxiety can change this trend dramatically at least in terms of two generalized factors: (i) a moderate level of anxiety facilitates performance and positively affects athletes’ behavior while excessive anxiety detracts from performance; (ii) the effects of such emotional stimulation depend on the athletes’ level; elite athletes benefit more than sub-elite from increased anxiety, whereas mid-class sportsmen can be attenuated by emotional tension (Raglin & Wilson, 2000).
Training monitoring has a number of mesocycle-specific features, which are associated with the dominant training modalities and particularities of pre- competition preparation (Table 6.14).
Table 6.14
Major characteristics and possible indicators for monitoring training in the realization mesocycle
Major
characteristics
Possible indicators Comments Workload
performance
Total number of sprint repetitions Total number of sport-specific simulations
All these characteristics should be compared with the plan and the individual history of each athlete.
Total number of quasi-competitive
performances It is likely to assess the quality of performance Targeted
abilities Results in maximal speed testsResults in event simulation tests Relevant techno-tactical estimates
It is important that the test outcomes are comparable with similar preceding mesocycles Training
responses Heart Rate and Blood lactate after the relevant exercises Resting Heart Rate
Effort perception
CPK and blood urea level
Acute post-exercise response characterizes individual reserves and perfection trend. CPK and blood urea indicate the level of restoration
Athlete's
state Sleep quality and mood stateBody mass Fat component
Sleep and mood questionnaire can be used. Body mass and fat are of special interest in sports with weight categories.
Although the realization mesocycles within the annual cycle are not identical, the similarity of the training monitoring program offers a number of visible benefits for athlete preparation as a whole:
- The coach can select, check and validate the entire set of tests and indicators; individual norms for each athlete can be elaborated;
- Athletes can learn their individual responses in order to better adjust to more stressful situations as the target competition approaches;
- Methods of self-regulation, mental training and body mass reduction (if necessary) can be learned in advance and adjusted individually.
Nutrition during the realization mesocycle draws special attention to balancing dietary intake and energy expenditure. As was already emphasized, workload
reduction is highly characteristic of this mesocycle. Correspondingly, energy expenditure decreases significantly while athletes' nutritional habits often remain unchanged. As a result energy intake can surpass energy expenditure causing a remarkable increase in the fat component.
Case study. Twenty highly qualified male long-distance triathletes were followed
up during a four-week mesocycle with high workloads and a subsequent two- week tapered mesocycle with reduced workloads. Body mass, body fat, energy intake and expenditure were evaluated. It was revealed that average energy intake of athletes remained at the same level, whereas energy expenditure decreased during the tapered mesocycle by up to 69.3% (Figure 6.9). Nevertheless, mean body mass of the group didn’t change while body fat mass increased by 4.3%. The imbalance of dietary intake and energy expenditure caused remarkable fat
accumulation. However, it can also be suggested that their muscle mass decreased as well and body mass remained at the previous level. Therefore: a) body mass as an indicator of anthropometric state is not always reliable; b) pre-competition
reduction of training workloads demands much attention to athletes’ nutrition, which should correspond to the decreased energy expenditure (based on Margaritis et al., 2003).
Insert Figure 6.9 about here
In conclusion, the realization mesocycle definitely has the lowest level of workloads; however, the level of emotional tension during this time span can be much higher than during the usual training routine. Consequently, this emotional factor can substantially modify both athletes’ behavior and their training responses.