I feel like O/U workouts are a “skill” or strength that has to be developed over time, similar to anaerobic efforts. As a long course triathlete, my overall training has basically been very focused on the threshold style workouts so I can push high wattage for 2-5 hours in aero, hence why when these O/U come up I can typically nail them. However, they still hurt. They hurt a lot. I have mild anxiety when I see them coming up in the schedule and even though they are a major strength for me, I have had my fair share of near bailouts mid workout.
Once of the biggest things I have done that helps is schedule my upcoming workouts around those hard O/U ones. For example, if I need to take an easy day the day before I will do so, especially for those hard SSB2 weekend rides. I will also skip or postpone those long 2h rides that come up the day after, as I can nail the O/U workout but will find myself too deep in fatigue to to a high long SS workout the next day. I also fuel and treat these workouts as mini “races” where I do race prep with race nutrition and a pseudo strategy. I pump tunes (I typically watch TV on all other workouts) and I have to keep myself “on it” the entire workout mentally. I can tell pretty quick if the workout will be really really rough or if it will be a breeze by “O/U” standards. Again, I feel like its more than just fitness; its nutrition, mental head space and sometimes, just how the day is. Perhaps pushing the O/U workout a day what you need to do, or sub it for an easier workout. Nothing wrong with doing an alternative workout, its better than skipping entirely.
I think you might need to work up into MA or O/U workouts and really try nailing threshold or high SS workouts specifically. I know I am pretty trash at anarobic workouts like Taylor, but as a long course athlete, I have to pick and choose my battles carefully. It is impossible to do high intensity day in day out in both running and riding and come out the other side in one piece.
@Achin
I’ll take your advice to heart. Also listening to up-tempo tunes instead of a Vegan cyclist video where he was complaining about some guys elitist attitude which bugged me all through interval 3
I’ve just done Mary Austin -1 today for the first time… it was super tough. somehow I’ve miraculously managed to complete it. had to dig really deep though. I’m 75-ish kg.
to get extra motivation I’ve entered a TT zwift race and had both TR and Zwift apps running… TR app was controlling my kickr, with ERG mode on. and zwift was just reading my power, cadence and HR. without any smart trainer.
Just finished this workout. I’m guessing it was easier than next week’s Spencer +2 is going to be. At this point my right calf seems to be my limiting factor.
Just want to complain a bit. I failed MA-1 yesterday. During the the second hilltop my HR was higher than expected and the legs where really feeling it, and I had do adjust down intensity. When starting at the 3. hilltop i could feel my legs where not quite there. When going to step 2 I had to give up. Tried again after a minute but it was no go.
After reading this thread, and the other, I realize i underestimated Mary. I am on a Low volume plan, and due to calendar issues I had stacked Darwin -4 and Mary on consecutive days. I am not used to doing hard workouts on consecutive days. Darwin -4 was shortened due to lack of time so I figured I still had it in me to complete MA. I will have a day off and plan to make sure everything is tip top before going again.
I usually find Leconte to be more manageable than Mary Austin. I’ve done SSBLV2 many times,. Mary Austin is doable, but everything has to be correct going into it (sleep, nutrition, music, mental attitude). Leconte, not so much. Still have to get amped up for it, but not like prior to Mary A.
