Do I need a VO2 Block?

[jgthomas59]

@Darce87

I’m wondering if I do a block of VO2 work, can I raise that ceiling, to where my FTP would be around 60-65%, and then grow it back towards 80%?

It might be a slightly different context, but Coach Chad has condoned a short VO2 block. See post below and all the threads that link to it. If you’re motivated to try it, then go for it and let us know how it works out!

If you want to target longer efforts like 5 min power, check out the VO2 progression in the back half of Century Specialty → Monadnock +2, Shortoff +2, Old Rag +6.

Short intense period before starting base? Chad's short FTP boost plan

There isn’t a plan for this, but it’s a pretty easy thing to slap together if you comb the workout catalog’s VO2max offerings. Personally, I like starting short (30-second repeats) and growing the durations over a block as short as a single week to as long as 3 weeks depending on when my progress and/or motivation starts to stall. It never fails to surprise me how much more manageable 3-minute VO2max repeats are if I start short and work my way up to these longer jobbers, even if I do it over t…