[velobob]

Can anyone give me some insight into why one would do intervals of different shape from a power vs duration perspective? I normally do mine with a constant power but I've seen suggestions for different patterns - eg a wedge shape starting low and ramping up or vice versa. Here's some other shapes:

http://www.cyclingpeakssoftware.com/screenshot.asp?f=/images/ergScreenShotShapes1.gif&fromurl=/erg

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[asgelle]

For VO2max intervals, It's been shown that total time at VO2max can be extended by doing 30-90 seconds at threshold power before moving up to VO2max intensity. The reason is that it takes 30-60 seconds to fully engage aerobic metabolism so hard work right away results in additional O2 deficit. By starting at a lower intensity, this early O2 deficit is avoided and the VO2max effort can be extended to fully use all O2 deficit at the higher intensity. The initial aerobic time, would not be counted as VO2max training.

[velobob]

that's very interesting - I'll try that. thanks!