How Should VO2 Max Feel?

[mcalista]

@tanzbodeli

@jarsson

Taylor -2 has nothing to do with vo2 max. It is rather leg primer that has to accustom you with harder efforts over FTP. Basically everyone thinks its easy. You are not wierd, this workout is wierd and if it is not first year of training it is also pretty useless in terms of adaptations. In my opinion proper vo2 max starts with Spencer +2.

I completely disagree with pretty much all of that. 30 sec at 120% is definitely VO2max work, particularly with such short rest in between intervals. It may not be at the upper end of difficulty, but so what, it’s definitely VO2max. I think it’s also odd to say that it’s useless in terms of adaptations. I’m sure I’m not alone (as a person relatively new to structured interval training) in thinking it has been very useful. And more to that point, I doubt Chad et al. would keep it in one of the marquee training plans if it didn’t have any benefit.

You can read Coach Chad’s thoughts on VO2Max progression (and Taylor specifically) at Short intense period before starting base? Chad's short FTP boost plan - #5 by chad