Prep: The Preparation phase helps athletes return to structured training, rather than preparing to race. The weekly volume is 40-60 percent of what might be performed later in the year, with or without the minimum high intensity training included.

Base: The Base period phase helps athletes to build solid aerobic capacity before transitioning into the build phase.

Build: During the build period phase, athletes start training in race-specific intensities and preparing physically and mentally for the goal race.

Peak: The Peak period lasts 2-4 weeks and has a greater training load than any other training period. The Peak period usually starts 3-5 weeks prior to the goal race.

Taper: Tapering lasts 1-3 weeks and, in this period, athletes start reducing the amount of training by 30-80%, which allows their body to recover and be ready for the goal race.