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Reviewing activities (for coaches)

Reviewing activities is not about analyzing every data point.
It’s about confirming intent, spotting patterns, and guiding decisions.

This guide explains how to review activities in VO2Coach efficiently and consistently.

What matters most when reviewing an activity​

When opening an activity, focus on three questions:

  1. Was the intent of the workout clear?
  2. Was the workout executed reasonably close to that intent?
  3. What does this tell me about the athlete right now?

If you can answer these, the review is usually sufficient.

Step 1: Start with the planned workout​

Before looking at the data:

  • Review the planned workout
  • Identify the intended intensity and structure
  • Note any specific coach instructions

This sets the context for everything else.

Step 2: Check execution at a high level​

At a glance, review:

  • Total duration
  • Overall intensity
  • Time in zones

You are not looking for perfection — only alignment.

Small deviations are expected and usually irrelevant.

Step 3: Look for meaningful signals​

Only dive deeper if something stands out.

Examples of meaningful signals:

  • Consistent time above or below target zones
  • Unusual fatigue or difficulty comments
  • Patterns repeating across multiple sessions

Avoid reacting to isolated anomalies.

Step 4: Review athlete feedback​

Athlete comments often explain the data.

Pay attention to:

  • Perceived effort
  • External factors (sleep, stress, weather)
  • Physical discomfort or pain

Context often matters more than metrics.

Step 5: Decide if action is needed​

After reviewing the activity, decide:

  • No action needed
    The workout served its purpose.

  • Minor guidance
    A short comment to clarify execution or reinforce good behavior.

  • Adjustment required
    Changes to upcoming workouts or training load.

Not every activity requires feedback.

Giving effective feedback​

Good feedback is:

  • Clear
  • Short
  • Actionable

Examples​

Good feedback

  • “Good control in the early part of the workout. Next time, try to keep the last interval slightly more relaxed.”
  • “Effort was right despite slower pace — terrain explains it.”

Poor feedback

  • “Zones were off.”
  • “Data doesn’t look great.”
  • Long, technical explanations without action.

Common pitfalls​

  • Overanalyzing individual sessions
  • Commenting on every metric
  • Giving feedback too often
  • Using data to criticize rather than guide

The goal is better training, not perfect charts.

Individual activities rarely tell the full story.

Regularly step back and review:

  • Weekly consistency
  • Intensity distribution
  • Response to training blocks

Trends drive decisions. Single sessions rarely should.

When to adjust training​

Consider adjustments when you see:

  • Repeated difficulty hitting intended intensity
  • Accumulating fatigue signals
  • Performance stagnation across multiple weeks

Avoid making changes based on one bad day.

Final reminder​

VO2Coach helps you see clearly, not see everything.

Use the platform to:

  • Save time
  • Focus on what matters
  • Coach with intention

Judgment and experience remain your most important tools.