For years, runners have been told to follow structured training phases — base, build, peak, taper — but is traditional periodisation still the best way to train?
In this episode of Making A Runner, Nic sits down with Coach Mike Roscoe to unpack one of the biggest debates in endurance sport right now. Together, they explore whether periodisation has been misunderstood, overcomplicated, or simply misapplied — especially for everyday runners juggling work, stress, and real-life demands.
This conversation moves beyond theory and into practical application. Mike shares how training should adapt to the individual, why consistency often matters more than chasing the “perfect” plan, and how to use simple training levers like volume, intensity, hills, and long runs to drive long-term progress.
They also dive into:
- Why traditional periodisation models don’t always translate to real-world runners
- The importance of building a strong aerobic base
- How to avoid overtraining and burnout
- Whether you actually need deload weeks and how to use them effectively
- The role of intuitive and flexible training approaches
- What the latest insights — including Nordic training models — are teaching us about performance and longevity
Whether you’re a beginner looking to avoid common pitfalls or an experienced runner aiming to train smarter and stay injury-free, this episode will help you simplify your approach and focus on what really matters.
At the end of the day, it’s not about having the perfect plan — it’s about building a system you can stick to consistently, over time.
You can give Mike a follow on @mikeroscoe_sbrsport or visit his website www.sbrsport.co.za
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