Sea-Tee-El (Krah-nik Training Lohd)
Noun, Abbreviation
CTL (Chronic Training Load) is an average measure of intensity used to track a cyclist's training.
Example usage: My CTL score was high last week, so I'm taking it easy this week.
Most used in: Triathlon and endurance cycling events.
Most used by: Triathlon and endurance cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Fitness, Training Stress Score, Training Stress Balance, Training Load,
What is CTL (Chronic Training Load)?
CTL (Chronic Training Load) is a cycling metric which provides an estimate of the overall training load the rider has accumulated over a period of time. It is calculated by taking the average of the daily Training Stress Scores (TSS) over the last 42 days, with the most recent days given more weight in the average.
CTL is an important cycling metric for athletes because it provides an indication of their general fatigue levels. If CTL is too low, the rider may not be reaching their full potential; if CTL is too high, the rider may be at risk of burnout or overtraining. It is important to track CTL levels in order to ensure an optimal training program.
Studies have shown that riders with a higher CTL tend to perform better in races, with an average CTL of about 70-80 TSS points being optimal for most riders. Higher CTL levels can also help to reduce the risk of injury, as the body is better conditioned to withstand the stresses of training and racing.
In summary, CTL (Chronic Training Load) is an important metric for cyclists, providing an indication of their overall training load and fatigue levels. It is important to track CTL levels in order to ensure an optimal training program and reduce the risk of injury.
The Origin of the Cycling Term 'CTL (Chronic Training Load)'
The term 'CTL (Chronic Training Load)' was first used in the early 1990s in the United States. It was initially used to describe the amount of training that a cyclist had done over a period of time and was meant to help cyclists track their progress. The term was then adopted by other sports, and has since become a widely used term for tracking training progress.
The concept of CTL has been around since the early days of cycling, but the term itself was coined by Dr. Stephen Seiler, an American exercise physiologist, in the 1990s. Dr. Seiler was one of the first researchers to recognize the importance of long-term training load in cycling performance. He developed the concept of CTL to help athletes and coaches track the amount of training an athlete has done over a given period of time, and to better understand the training process.
Today, CTL is used by many cyclists and coaches to monitor training progress and performance. It is also used by athletes in other sports, such as running, swimming, and triathlon. The concept of CTL has been widely adopted and is now an essential tool for athletes and coaches to track training progress and performance.
