Detrained state and zone2 are distractions from the key point IMHO. Think back to the old ways, ramping from 10 to 30 hours/week of long steady distance. What did those old pros get? Huge amounts of aerobic power (“aerobic base”) and ability use it for 5 hour rides. Huge amounts of metabolic (leg muscle) fitness and cardiovascular fitness. Then they layered on interval work and racing.
Look, I’m not advocating anyone only ride in zone2.
Came across these on X this morning
need to pick up a copy.
Post:
https://x.com/johngetstrong/status/1793282100768195028
This one put a smile on my face:
because all of my training is aligned to improve those 3 things, along with FTP and Anaerobic Capacity.