Originally Posted by
WonderMonkey
I think my strategy will be similar. For my weekday exercise rides my "go as hard as I can" will probably "how many all-out intervals can I do in the time I have to do them". I know if I just warmup and go as hard as I can the ride will be short (by comparison) but if I do bursts of "all out" followed by a recovery and then more "all out" I may be able to do more.
And like you I am basically wanting to extend my distance on my weekend rides but again again like you I will always try to beat my previous time on the same route.
I've been doing intervals for a while since I was told by an exercise physiologist that it is best for your heart.. Like with any other exercise, the more I do intervals, the longer the bursts get and the less time for recovery is needed. My issue is when I do intervals for a long period, the standing on the pedals seems to take its toll on my knees. So I have taken to about 30 minutes of intervals and the rest of the time steady state at a heart rate of between 125 and 140.
Either way, it is better than sitting on my ass.