As a relatively new-to-structured-training cyclist, I am curious to learn what the value of a workout like Ericsson +2 is compared to SS efforts that have longer intervals (albeit perhaps at lower % of FTP), when we take away the idea of cadence drills presented in the workout.
Since starting on on TrainerRoad early this year, I’ve been prescribed this workout at least once a month, and I am curious if I would be better off replacing with similar alternatives that spend more time in zone, or if you all think there’s value for the four minutes in each interval at a slightly higher percentage of FTP. I have seen a lot of discussion on time in zone, which makes me think an alternative like McGregor would be a good idea to try tackling.
Regarding the cadence drills, I tend to have a decently fast spin (around 95 on average during the workouts, sometimes much higher depending on zone), so I don’t think that’s something the AI is keying on specifically.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts. I know there have been some discussions on the forum, but not too much on the Ericsson workouts in particular.
Workouts like Ericsson are good low-level workouts for getting time in near FTP in a slightly less fatiguing way than longer intervals. They also serve well as a stepping stone toward those higher-level workouts.
Are you letting TR prescribe your training and FTP?
Hi Eddie, that’s correct. I went several months adhering as closely as I can to my FTP build plan. Just recently I started subbing things out to accommodate more group rides on the weekends.
FTP has been flat since March (I’ve been getting stronger, though), but it still comes up every month.
Less a criticism, just curious if it’s worth it to try alternatives with more TiZ but slightly less intensity.
You could always give another workout a shot to change things up if you’d like. There’s no harm in that. It’s totally your call.
If you’d like me to dig further into your career, just let me know, and I can take a look to see how you’re progressing. We could discuss that here in this thread or in private if you’d rather.
I’d say that you are probably likely to see repeat workouts like this a bit more often becuase you’re not doing Sweet Spot workouts every week, and your FTP hasn’t changed much recently, so you’re just kind of maintaining fitness, and doing a fair bit of unstructured riding.
In your case, Ericsson is probably still productive for you, but again, if you want to change it up, that’s what Workout Alternates are for.
