I’ve been on TR twice, don’t remember much about the pre-Covid years, but since getting back on a couple of years ago I haven’t failed any workouts.
Does this mean TR isn’t planning hard enough workouts? Or does it mean AT has got it just about perfect?
To be clear, I generally find all three of my weekly workouts far from comfortable. I am often intimidated by them beforehand and reluctant to get going. I often don’t believe I will be able to complete them, and then - somehow - I surprise myself and get through.
I haven’t had to backpedal but I occasionally do some pedaling standing up during the rests to stretch my hip flexors out a bit.
I have heard that if you always achieve your goals in life, you’re not aiming high enough. Does this apply to never failing TR workouts too?
Sounds like TR is doing its job and giving you the right workout every time!
From what you are explaining about how the interval work feels, you are getting the right amount of intensity in the workout, so you can complete them with high quality.
The way TrainerRoad recommends workouts has also changed, as it looks beyond just Workout Levels, factoring in your fitness, recent training, and overall trends to pick the right workout for you that day. So when a workout seems too hard, like you’re describing, and you’re pleasantly surprised when you can complete it, it means it’s working!
I’ve also looked at your Calendar, and you’re rating your interval work as “Hard” or “Very Hard”, so this is what we want! I would be concerned if you were rating them “Easy”
Other indicators I can see are your Progression Levels and FTP increasing + being able to complete higher Workout Levels.
Other indicators I can’t see but you can assess yourself as @Helvellyn mentioned are feeling fitter/faster/stronger and recovering faster.
Thanks @Caro.Gomez-Villafane - I am impressed by how well TR can judge how far to push. It feels like a fine balance between going hard vs not being able to finish, and TR seems to know where the limit is. Kudos!
