Originally Posted by
TimothyH
Easy weeks are done for recovery. They should be timed when recovery is needed and most beneficial based on the amount of fatigue one is carrying from the past several weeks.
For most people 3 and 1 works very well but in the absence of actual training data it is at best a guess.
A free subscription to Training Peaks will provide a certain degree of accuracy. TP uses a number called "Training Stress Balance" or TSB which indicates the balance between stress and fatigue. When it gets too low and stays there then it indicates that some recovery is needed.
-Tim-
This is what I go by. It does a pretty good job of tracking fatigue, if you're honest about setting your numbers and logging all your workouts.
I have an easy 4mile bike commute so even on my off weeks, I'm not totally off my bike. Just a super mellow ride to work and back is better than total rest, at least for me.