within

After reading the thread “Off season myths” by Doggus, I am pondering a plan with much more sub threshold work vs. LSD rides as training time is becoming more limited. However, sub threshold work at anaerobic threshold (AnT) is much different than doing the same rides with respect to lactate threshold heart rate (LTHR).

Do those of you who train with a HR monitor set your zones with respect to an AnT or lactate threshold heart rate and why? Just wondering if I have the ability to train with respect to LTHR which is about 15 beats higher than AnT. Currently 40...

w-

DrWJODonnell

I used to train (and still do in some instances, even with a Power Meter) based off of Friel's HR zones which I think were from LTHR, and felt/feel that that is a great way to go, though I used to also train via percentages of measured MHR (which corresponded QUITE WELL to Friel's zones). I don't think there is a good reason to go based on the much lower AnT, as most power based programs are done by FTP values (more closely corresponding to the LTHR).

Of course I am not a cardiologist or an exercise physiologist, so take it with a grain of salt. Hell, two grains.

TrippleB

There are some new theories on lactic acid buildup:
https://cbass.com/Lacticacid.htm (not the best of sites....report is on target with NY times article I read a while back, but I am not a fan of the site)

Val23708

AnT and lactic are just zones. your zones vary depending on your fitness, time of day, what you've eaten, etc. its really all about feel.

SE -> LE -> ME -> AnTf/AnTc -> Lactic

within

That's interesting. I'll have to do some more research, as val23708 points out, zones are quite variable for many reasons. I think going by feel would be a very bad thing for me as I am interested in raising threshold HR/power. From my experience, working sub threshold is difficult in that my HR can get out (above or below) the zone quicker than doing work in other zones. Hense the reason for looking at a number.

Thanks trippleB.

NomadVW 

You don't raise threshold HR (at least not in any significance). You raise power produced @ threshold HR. Training with HR zones your zones will not change by any significant number, ever.

rizz

Without power it's really the only thing you've got. Some will say to use RPE (a ``how hard was it'' rider perception scale) but that's just as variable as heart rate.

within

I agree. Again, training with ref to LT is a difference of approx 15 beats for me. I am interested in raising power for sure and from the Dr's post training with power more closely resembles training with ref to LT.

I am doing a lot of long rides at low HR's and would like to be as efficient with my time as possible. Maybe a trial month training with respect to LT is in order.

kensuf

I'm no expert, but my suggestion is to ditch the junk miles and do intervals.