HR zone training max efforts...

[Bike Mob]

I typically spend about 10 hours in the saddle, of which 2-2.5 hours are in the 80-89% zone and about 1-1.5 hours above 90%

 

The rest is spend warming up or cooling down or coasting etc...

 

I would like to know if I'm actually gaining anything by riding so hard continually, or if I get more benefit in the 80% -90% zone...

 

Basically... am I beating myself up for nothing or is this the way to go?

 

 

[Dirtbreath]

Are you constantly tired or feel like you are not improving?

[Bike Mob]

 

Right now I feel like I'm in a low cycle, muscles are constantly tired and although I can compete decently, I burn out.

 

I never used to cramp and have done so on two race days that I have drank the usual amounts I have normally.

 

Improving...feel like I've gone backwards!

 

Tarmac-GSTR2009-01-27 08:51:42

[Guest colonel]

Weird you say that cause your race on Saturday was easy???

[Bike Mob]

I have been doing interval training twice a week, and mixing it with Killarney sessions. But i just feel like my legs arent charged up.

 

I'm training for Sani2C but mostly hard interval rides and tough MTB climbing. Including time trials to the mast etc...

 

Not  too much volume though. i think my base is OK.

 

[Dirtbreath]

I am no expert but I think it depends on what you are doing.

 

You cant continuously run your body at max rpm. You have to put in some decent and regular recovery into your training. The polar guys do a course on training programmes.

 

[Bike Mob]

I think i do need to recover but am waiting to taper into the Sani. Right now I just feel exhausted.

[Bike Mob]

 

 

Weird you say that cause your race on Saturday was easy???

 

I expected the pace to be much hotter and the bunch speed was very comfortable but frustrating, with the slow downhill speeds.

 

I went off the front and tired myself out, then got to hels and got smashed.

 

The week leading up I'd spent 47 mins over 90% and 1:50 between 80-90%.

 

My climbing felt horrendous.

Tarmac-GSTR2009-01-27 09:06:48

[John H]

 

Get a coach to do you a training program.

 

It worked for me - I started riding in Sept with the aim of doing the DC.

 

Had a ppa seeding of Q and am starting the Argus in B.

 

PM me if you need details

 

 

John H2009-01-27 09:08:00

[Dirtbreath]

 

I think i do need to recover but am waiting to taper into the Sani. Right now I just feel exhausted.

 

Errrr. So you are going to recover during Sani?

 

[Bike Mob]

Haha no..taper two weeks leading up

[milky4130]

Get a coach to do you a training program.

It worked for me - I started riding in Sept with the aim of doing the DC.

Had a ppa seeding of Q and am starting the Argus in B.

PM me if you need details

 

are your training rides alone or with the coach?

[John H]

 

Some with the coach,  some other groups and some alone

 

 

John H2009-01-27 09:12:03

[milky4130]

Some with the coach' date='  some other groups and some alone

[/quote']

 

What I'm really trying to figure out is, would you have been able to jump from Q to B with the guidance of your coach's program for you by just doing the training rides on your own?

[John H]

mmm - not sure. in my case, i guess that it's more the benefit of riding with a group (not necessarily the coaching group). that said, i do know quite a few guys who use a program riding entirely on their own.

 

 

 

[Bike Mob]

The guys i know use an online coach with designated rides and report backs. I have been training with them , but not entirely structured, and without periodisation...so I was wondering if it would be better to take the pain and keep up, or not.