Originally Posted by
Jughed
Weight lifting should be done to failure.
What about intervals?
asking because I just failed miserably on my second 20 min Z4 interval and feel like it was a waste… but in weight lifting it’s what should be done.
I don't even do strength training to failure...but anyway, context matters in your failed zone 4 interval. Assuming you're fresh enough to be attempting zone 4 intervals, are you riding to a newly established FTP? Have you built your interval times up to 20 minutes?
I don't do FTP tests anymore, but rather just train off of the estimated FTP from Intervals.ICU. When it gives me an FTP increase I'll do my zone 4 intervals at that new power, but at a shorter duration. I'll start out with 3x10's, gradually increasing the interval duration until I'm doing 2x20's or 30's. Once I'm comfortable with those interval durations in shorter rides or indoor sessions, I'll train them deep into a longer 4+hour ride. All that being said, sometimes I just have bad days and struggle to do intervals at my normal power.