Originally posted by threadend
Proper recovery will make you faster.
Intervals tear down your muscles, literally ripping individual muscle cells apart, recovery allows them to heal, and they rebuild themselves stronger than they were before. The result is that it takes more exertion (faster more powerful intervals) to tear them down next time
Doing all the intervals in the world will only get you overtrained without recovery.
I agree on the recovery part. I suggest reading some of Ed Burke's research. Great article here:
http://www.outsidemag.com/magazine/2...0105body2.html
He helped formulate the Endurox and Accelerade recovery drinks. I've been using the Endurox religiously after rides and it definitely speeds my recovery. You can get the same benefits from eating regular foods the way he outlines in his article, just not quite as quick and convenient for me during and after rides.