Is workout TSS independent of cumulative stress?

Training
1

I am training for a triathlon and frequently estimate TSS for my runs, swims, and other non-bike workouts. For a given intensity, should I adjust my TSS based on my current fatigue level? Or should a workout’s TSS be independent of cumulative stress?

Scenario 1: Run workout at the start of a training plan
Scenario 2: Run workout at the end of a hard training week

Assuming this run is estimated to have a TSS of 30, and assuming I perform the run at the exact same intensity, should I adjust the estimated TSS under scenario 1 vs. scenario 2?

Hope my question makes sense. I ask this because the easy run I just did wasn’t as easy as I remembered it to be (felt like moderate intensity rather than recovery).

Appreciate everyone’s feedback on this. Thanks!

2

Independently. TSS is IF and duration. An estimate of glycogen used during the workout. This is why training with power for cycling is so eye opening to new users. A recovery ride after a hard week feels like a high RPE while the same ride fresh feels like a very low RPE. Same TSS.

3

Thanks @KorbenDallas! Truly is eye opening. Learning more each day.

1 Like
4

I’ve never heard of the glycogen link to TSS. Learn something every day here!

5

I forget where I read that but, I believe it was Joe Friel who wrote it either in one of his books or a Training Peaks article.