Training Load and Fatigue

Stride tracks two key numbers that help you understand how your training is going: Load and Fatigue. These are visible in the stat cards at the top of your dashboard and as dedicated graphs below.

What is Load?#

Load represents your cumulative training load - how much training stress you have built up over recent weeks. It is calculated as a weighted average of your training score over the past 42 days, giving more weight to recent sessions.

A higher load means you have been training consistently and building volume. A lower load means you have been training less. Load changes gradually because it reflects a longer window of training.

On the dashboard, your current load is compared against your load from 7 days ago, so you can see whether you are building or tapering.

What is Fatigue?#

Fatigue represents your short-term balance of fatigue versus load. It is calculated as a weighted average of your training score over the past 7 days compared against your longer-term load. This tells you whether your recent training has been harder or easier than your body is accustomed to.

The fatigue value is colour-coded on both the stat card and the fatigue graph:

• Amber — You are not training enough relative to your longer-term load, or you are tapering. You may be losing form or peaking for a race.
• Green — The target zone for most training. Your recent training is well balanced relative to your longer-term load.
• Red — Your recent training has been very high relative to your longer-term load. You may be overtraining and should consider extra recovery.

On the dashboard, your current fatigue is compared against yesterday so you can see daily changes.

Training Score#

Both Load and Fatigue are built from your training score. Every activity you complete is assigned a training score based on the duration, intensity, and type of session. Harder and longer sessions produce higher training scores. These scores feed into the Load and Fatigue calculations automatically.

The Load Graph#

The Load graph on your dashboard plots your cumulative training load as a smooth line over time. Hover over any point to see the exact load and fatigue values for that day, plus any activities you completed. If you have planned training in the future, the projected load is shown as a dashed line.

The Fatigue Graph#

The Fatigue graph shows your fatigue balance over time with the same colour coding described above. This is useful for spotting patterns - for example, you might notice that you hit red during heavy training blocks, then return to green during recovery weeks.

How to Use Load and Fatigue#

• Building load - Consistent training over weeks will gradually increase your load. This is a good thing and shows you are building a training base.
• Managing fatigue — If your fatigue stays red for too long, you may be overreaching. Plan recovery days or easier weeks to let fatigue drop back to green.
• Tapering - Before a target event, you want to keep load high while letting fatigue drop. This combination means you are fit but fresh.
• Returning from a break - If you have taken time off, your load will have dropped. Build back gradually to avoid a sudden spike in fatigue.