Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
I rather doubt that it's that simple. Experience says that it is not, at least in terms of endurance. When we have done climbs recently of up to 8 minutes in zone 5, it's been easier for me to hold the intensity than it has been in years. And for Nancy, it's now possible. I'm not sure that we're faster in zone 5, at least not yet, but we passed a relatively fit single on a 15% grade the other day.
Oh yeah, I really doubt it is that simple. Just as that polarised training is not the only--or best--way to train for each and evert individual.
A very good and informative site about the importance Zone 2 training can be found
here,
here and
here.
Especially the last one seems to make a lot of sense to me. With regards to Carmichael's idea of "pulling" from the VO2max side, I think it is important to "pull" and "push" from all zones occasionaly.
While I started out rather polarized this winter (80% Z2, 5% Z3 and 15% Z4/Z5) I found the lack of Z3 training holding me back. Although all the Z2 training did allow me to have a proper base, the next 2 months I will increasingly incorporate Z3 as well. Aiming for (70% Z2, 15% Z3 and 15% Z4+).
Mind you; I'm 28 y/o, been riding for just over a year again somewhat seriously and ride 4-7 hours on the trainer only during the winter. Once the spring comes I will probably start logging 8-10 hr/wk.
My goal this year is to increase my base significantly so that next year I might compete in Crit/Road Races and Cyclosportives here in Europe.
No real performance goals this year, just improving my Power at VT1 (or LT or AT) and Power at FTP (or MLSS or VT2). (I say power but I don't have a powermeter yet maybe next year, I ride by HR).