Originally Posted by
terrymorse
It is interesting to see what Coggan says about VO2max training (level 5) and mitochondrial function, which I assume is based on data. From his "more checks are better" chart at each level:
Expected physiological/performance adaptations resulting from training at levels 1-7- no checks
- two checks
- three checks
- four checks
- two checks
- one check
- no check
So, according to Coggan, mitochondrial production is equally sub-optimal at zones 2 (endurance) and 5 (VO2max), and if your goal is to increase mitochondria, you should be doing more levels 3 and 4.
So, would that be on the basis of per unit time spent in that zone?
If so, then zone 2, with it's measly two checks would blow zone 3 and 4 away since you can spend so much more time riding there over the course of weeks and months without creating excess stress and recovery time.
Point is, you can't discount the time factor and what is sustainable vs. non-sustainable. So many people get burned out on sweet spot plans.