Originally Posted by
aplcr0331
Seiler, and others who study POL training mention a ratio of 80/5/15 from time to time as well. Specifically its' mentioned in this paper;
http://www.tradewindsports.net/wp-co...-polarized.pdf
I'm wondering if for that 5% you could use some Sweet Spot?
It's an intriguing idea (Polarized training) if for no other reason than its (apparent) simplicity. The above referenced paper had their study participants training under 10hr per week, which usually when you read about POL training it's usually upwards of 15-20 per week which is why a lot of people claim it won't work for average joes like us.
I mean, you can do whatever you want. Keep in mind that 80/20 has to do with workouts, though, and not a specific amount of time or something.
But anyways, that's not why people claim it doesn't work.
It doesn't work (as well, and the very talented will improve off of anything) because it neglects a whole lot of workouts that build both general and specific cycling fitness. Take a look at that chart again and note the adaptions that take place specifically in that zone that he suggests staying away from.
At the end of the day, you can make things as simple or complicated as you want. Your body reacts to a stimulus and you keep changing that stimulus to keep the body adapting. There are many ways to do that, but cutting out a big middle chunk of intensity doesn't make a whole lot of sense.