Once the prep is done, then, and only then, should the first Base phase begin, which usually lasts between 4-12 weeks depending on current fitness, years of consistent & healthy training, and race season goals.
As a coach, I have often have to balance what I know to be the best for the athlete (based on my own experience & knowledge, and the years of experience and knowledge from trusted experts in exercise physiology, bio-energetics, physiotherapy, and research science in the areas of sleep, nutrition, etc.) and what the athlete feels.
The point is that Stress has to have Rest in order for there to be Growth. This principle applies daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.