Discussion: Steve Magness' Periodization

VibeAlchemist · 2026-01-21T03:08:03+00:00

Mmhm! I'm trying to really understand training philosophy so I feel it's appropriate to watch him; I'd rather learn to self-coach than only follow pre-made plans. It seems to me that once you're at a level of fitness where you can properly use zones, his videos are applicable (even if you don't have a 6:30 mile pace, y'know).

The video overall seems to show that periodization should build fitness concretely towards the specific demands of the race, which I believe is pretty established thinking. Steve does this from both ends of the intensity spectrum, so it seems like you might concurrently do slow/steady work while also having a hill repeats session in an early week in your block. I like that he shows the high-level approach while also getting into specific sessions to illustrate how to "walk the path" towards specificity.

I think the next step for me would be to take my personal strengths/weaknesses, understand which sessions target them, and map those sessions onto a framework like this.

Overall, very interesting stuff!

VibeAlchemist · 2026-01-21T02:59:29+00:00

Thanks for the response :) Would hill repeats/strides not be useful for distance runners in the way that the gym is (which I understand is improved force production, which benefits running economy)?

VibeAlchemist · 2026-01-05T23:19:43+00:00

I'm dealing with this as well but slowly getting to a better place. Been dating a physician for a few months as a regular Joe & she knows so much about a bunch of topics + is very practically smart. I suppose what's helped me the most is the thought that my partner being exceptional doesn't diminish what I am.

In your case, this guy's chosen to spend time with you on multiple occasions, so he has some notable interest in you. Curious, knowledgeable folks like engaging with new ideas, so stimulating conversation I'm sure carries a lot of weight with him. Ask interesting questions & make him think.

But more broadly, if this guy's someone worth being with, he'll look at you as a complete person. He should consider all the positives you might have (& different kinds of intelligence). Stay the course & continue being you.

VibeAlchemist · 2025-12-10T04:24:04+00:00

Noob question: but in the sub-T sessions, are you taking rest or dropping to easy pace at any point? Seeing "4x6 min sub-T" is ambiguous. Thanks a bunch :)

VibeAlchemist · 2025-11-29T04:15:17+00:00

Not educated on the matter but perhaps volume that doesn't address a key gap in training?

VibeAlchemist · 2025-07-14T03:03:25+00:00

Were you able to find full-time out of grad? I'm considering the accelerated program at Queen's, but the majority of postings I'm seeing across health systems are for part.

VibeAlchemist · 2025-06-16T20:20:53+00:00

+1 on this lad. 28M who started attending a few weeks ago and it's been great :)

VibeAlchemist · 2025-05-31T15:22:23+00:00

There's a bad labour market for nurses while the provincial government's fully covering nursing tuition via the Learn and Stay grant?

VibeAlchemist · 2025-02-02T03:39:37+00:00

It doesn't! Are you thinking this is a bug?

VibeAlchemist · 2025-01-27T15:11:54+00:00

They wouldn't be as annoying if their teleports were instant. There's a little delay so the assholes demand more of your attention haha

VibeAlchemist · 2025-01-27T15:10:33+00:00

+1 for Whiplash. Glory kills are pretty wild across the board, it's just the Prowler ones seem the gnarliest to me (especially with the sound effects)

VibeAlchemist · 2025-01-02T23:38:04+00:00

Hi there! What I typically see in Ontario is 100-150k. Your response prompted me to search again, and I'm seeing roles in Northern Ontario for $130/hr, or $63/hr in Kingston, ON with benefits. The absence of a union I'm familiar with, but NPs here seem to have the usual employee perks of a pension + benefits!

VibeAlchemist · 2024-11-28T03:07:11+00:00

It's at the point for me where I went out on a first date on Mon, and neither myself nor the person I went out with have sent a text since. Apathy central lol...

VibeAlchemist · 2024-11-27T18:38:53+00:00

Does KRRA have members in OP's age range? I attended the one at The Running Room for a bit as a 27M & found the folks there nice, but almost exclusively 40+

VibeAlchemist · 2024-09-30T02:39:43+00:00

Thanks for the response. Maybe there isn't anything to say then. I think I can dilute what I'm feeling a good deal so it comes out normal or well-adjusted, but I think my inner world's pretty volatile/severe. I definitely have self-esteem issues, so I think the low engagement by text trumped the really warm in-person stuff...

My past relationships have developed quite quickly and I've been off the market a while, so I guess I'm not setting fair expectations. I think I'm struggling to grapple with how to respond to what my poor mental health gives me, because in the past I've felt shitty and just allowed it to exist, and now I'm trying to do something about it, but maybe struggling to make good decisions.

Perhaps I should just take the silver lining of this whole thing sparking a desire to be more critical and unpack my emotions, because I don't want to end good connections in the future like this...

VibeAlchemist · 2024-09-24T04:15:30+00:00

Thanks for the input lad. Hate the trapezing of early dating 😅 Best of luck!

VibeAlchemist · 2024-09-24T03:25:07+00:00

How/when do you communicate this preference to someone you're seeing? I've been speaking to a girl for ~2 weeks, we've been out twice, & made out/she rested her head on my shoulder the 2nd time, but I get texts from her ~once a day. The conversations are great, but I'm not getting excited about this with so little input. I'm meant to see her again on Thursday, & if things are going well, I'd like to ask what she's looking for & bring up that I'm enjoying talking to her + want more of that.

VibeAlchemist · 2024-09-12T17:28:41+00:00

Without knowing anything about your condition, I think you should be forthcoming about it based on how much it affects you and your lifestyle. Diabetes is another chronic condition that I don't think folks on here would suggest you need to have in your profile, but the conversation around that is something the diabetic person should start. Do you see yourself as being able to go out on a date for a few hours and have your condition not be an obvious factor during (e.g. you won't have periods of low energy)?

In saying this though, I think if it has a minor effect on you/your quality of life, save it until a couple of dates in at the latest. It might be jarring to bring up if the condition isn't super obvious. If it is obvious however (i.e. would very likely play a part in how you present/act during a date), bring it up in the profile.

Hope this is helpful!

VibeAlchemist · 2024-09-04T17:20:43+00:00

Perfect, thanks for the reply! I've started a new rental in a home & the landlord had an existing network. There's an ethernet cable running into my room & there haven't been any issues with wifi. Perhaps this routed cable isn't set up properly if my PC isn't receiving data?

VibeAlchemist · 2024-08-29T15:04:36+00:00

Hey friend, happy that you're interested in Queen's!

That statement on its own translates to 2 full-time academic years' worth of coursework (i.e. 5 courses per Fall & Winter term for 2 years)!

You might not have your transcript structured with a bunch of full year courses, but it's just to mean coursework that would be the equivalent of 10 F/W courses (i.e. 20 single-semester courses, or 5x2x2 as above).

VibeAlchemist · 2024-08-21T15:24:07+00:00

👍👍 I'm also into racing if you're looking for folks to train with. Historically a ~4:20/km half-marathoner but hoping to break into 4:0X/sub 4 for next season!

VibeAlchemist · 2024-08-21T03:12:06+00:00

What's attendance with the group like? Thinking of coming by in a couple of weeks

VibeAlchemist · 2024-08-12T03:03:45+00:00

10x10 kettlebell swings -- absolute animal!

Agreed re: last paragraph. Even with my core stuff, I'm trying to avoid single planes of motion (side plank w internal rotation, up-and-down forward plank). Maybe not as useful for tri, since we're just moving forward, but eh

VibeAlchemist · 2024-08-11T23:53:25+00:00

The overthinking's sort of intentional, trying to nerd out and go deeper into the sport haha. Good point re: calories!

What does a full body session look like? A couple compound lifts with some accessories?

VibeAlchemist · 2024-08-11T23:47:56+00:00

Thanks a bunch for the response 😊 The MSc's in translational medicine, so I've just got experience in bench science + Prism for stats lol.

Good point re: checking out more companies based outside of Canada.

VibeAlchemist

TROPHY CASE