How integrate longer rides and training camps to Trainerroad?

Training
1

Hello cyclists!

I thought about how to best integrate a training camp or longer rides over the summer into my training plan with TrainerRoad.

My problem is the following: I have been training with TrainerRoad since the beginning of the year and have made quite good progress overall. I’m currently at an FTP of around 4 watts per kilo, but the duration of my training sessions is not realy increasing. I’m still doing only 3 intensive sessions each week lasting about one hour to a maximum of one hour and a half. So per Week less then 4 hours.

Now, of course, with summer coming and the weather improving, I’d like to increase my training volume and do longer outdoor rides at a comfortable pace, like traditional endurance rides. I understand that TrainerRoad is deliberately designed to achieve maximum results in the shortest possible time, which I don’t think is a bad thing at all—especially in winter when it’s nice not to spend hours on the indoor trainer.

But as I said, now when weather is getting warmer, longer outdoor rides are exactly what i want to enjoy, not only starring at the watts at my sweet spot intervalls. And specifically, when I have vacation and one or two weeks to train with significantly higher volume, I would like to take advantage of that instead of just riding 4 hours per week and spending the rest of the time idle.

How do you think this can best be integrated? Can I adjust something in the settings, use the TrainNow function, or should I simply go ahead and let the AI adapt the plan accordingly?

How could i integrate this rides without harming the training process?

2

Probably not the best answer but I’d put the vacation in the calendar and just ride. Use it as a mental break from structure and just enjoy being “unplugged.” Yeah, you’ll probably be tired but it’s good for the soul. Just be sure to recover after and don’t worry about the first few workouts if you feel rusty or tired.

I know some people stress about the following the plan perfectly (I don’t know if that’s you) but it’s not that deep. Im a big believer in that you need to do what “fills your cup.” You’ll be better off in the long run.

LiamC93 3

Add in a stage race to your plan amounting the time you’re probably going to spend on the bike that week e.g 5x 3hr stages = 15hrs for week.

I did this a couple of weeks ago and the plan adapted around it and will be doing it again in another couple of weeks.

Works very well.

4 Likes
4

Add solo/group rides to your calendar and include the duration and intensity.

Caro.Gomez-Villafane 5

Here is how to add multi-day events (training camps): How to Add Multi-Day Events to Your Calendar

For any single day you want to take your ride outside and enjoy, I would change the scheduled workout to a Solo/Group Ride and you’ll get instructions on how to tackle the ride :slight_smile:

6

Did this too totally the way to go.