This may be followed by an intense period of interval training geared toward building muscle. As the season starts, the runner may train through early season races, meaning that they won't try and peak for the race but train right up to it and treat a race as another workout. You are now training specifically, but too intensely to peak. This is the runner's power-endurance phase . As the race approaches, they will need more rest so the training becomes specific and pointed toward the big race.
Training is intense but more time to recover between workouts is given.
This is a power phase . This is a rest phase which is geared toward peaking. Your body responds the same, whether you are a couch potato or an ultramarathoner. You wouldn't, and you shouldn't - you should train in phases.