There's your answer, as in year singular.


If you're new to training, you're going to get faster by just riding more, and riding with fast groups. After you've been doing it awhile and you've picked all the low hanging fruit, a more calibrated approach is needed to keep improving.


Your approach for starting out is quite appropriate. You're still just developing a base and learning how your own body responds.


In fact many coaches who understand the science, encourage people to just a ride a lot when they first start out, and not get too structured.


There will be a time and place for structured training. You may not be there yet.