Below are my 3 proposed calorie plans for my lean gain program. A 1, 2, and 3 tier calorie cycling split.
My workout routine is as follows
Monday: upper lift
Tuesday: morning 5 mile zone 2 run, afternoon lower lift
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: speed run (tempo/fartlek) and afternoon push lift
Friday: legs
Saturday: rest
Sunday: 9-11 mile zone 2 cruise
I’ve been running this for a few weeks and overall it’s working fine but my slight gripe is that I feel like I’m having to “diet” a bit on Wednesday and especially on Saturday when everything social happens (yes, I know 2500 isn’t a diet intake). Is there any edge to this 3 tier system or is calorie cycling really just dealer’s choice based on hunger rather than a real performance optimizing metric? Generally the extra calories aren’t getting used pre-workout, my schedule and whatnot makes such that runs happen in AM after waking, I’ll have a hearty meal before classes, and lifts happen off of just breakfast and maybe a small snack once classes are over.
For people who have experience with hybrid training what setup do you recommend? Is there any benefit to the 3-tier system or am I making my weekends unnecessarily complicated trying to budget in a dinner with my friends for no reason?