Should I Redo?
Every athlete asks it at some point, and every coach needs a reliable way to answer it. Whether it is the Open, an international qualifier or a local comp, the decision to redo a workout is never as simple as just going faster. Here is the four-question framework that takes the guesswork out of it.
This is the golden question that every athlete comes to their coach with. Whether it’s the open, an international qualifier or a local comp qualifier.
There is a very simple question-focused structure that I use as a coach to come up with the answer with my athletes.
Is there something you can change that would speed you up?
This can’t be answered with “go faster” because you would have if you could have the first time. Now if they say “I didn’t go as hard as I could have.” That’s another issue entirely, which we will cover below.
This should be a rep/set change, a pacing change or a change in a style of movement used. Kipping when they did strict before or something along those lines.
Did you give this 100% effort?
The reality is life happens, and sometimes we show up with our minds still on the argument we got into or the barista you flirted with that morning. Both positive and negative stress can cause athletes to show up at less than 100%.
As a coach, if their reason is valid and you can tell they weren’t in it. Then this would be a time to take another swing at it.
Was there equipment or judging failure?
I’m not generally one that supports blaming outside factors, but if your GHD exploded or your rower monitor died, then this makes completing that workout to your best ability difficult.
When it comes to judging, make sure that you find a judge you can trust. A judge that knows how to count, knows the workout and knows the standards. We don’t want them out to lunch. If anything, during a double under workout your judge should be more locked in than the athlete.
Are you a couple places out of qualifying, and this workout could make or break qualifying it?
Motivation can drastically affect the outcome of a workout. So if you are coming down on the submission window and dropping :05 off a time or adding 3lbs could make or break your spot to a goal competition.
Let Er Rip Tater Chip!
Just make it count!
So if any of these 4 questions can be answered and there is room for change, then go for the redo. Never go off “I’ll just go faster.” This can waste training time and throw off an entire week of prep.
Train With Structure. Compete With Confidence.
The decisions you make in training determine how you SHOW UP on competition day. HWPO programs are built to prepare you for exactly that, with structured programming, expert coaching and a clear plan every day.