I’m setting up my training plan from now through the first half of ‘26 and looking for recommendations on the best way to set up the plan using TrainerRoad. In recent years, I haven’t been doing any more than 4,500 on a ride, whether group or organized. I’m planning a 70 miles/7k gran fondo in April, a 64 miles/5k in May, and the A ride, a Gran Fondo of 100 miles/7.5k in June.
What are the best options for me when setting up the plan builder? Climbing road race, gran fondo, or something else? I’ll top out at 5k miles this year, with an FTP of 222, and I’m 63, if that helps.
Is there are reason you don’t just use plan builder? You put in your events (A, B, C on importance), tell it for each race what it is, for example climbing road race or Fondo, and let it do its magic. I have already put in my 2026 race calendar and plan builder has it all mapped out. Use the masters which limits the high intensity to twice a week.
Thanks for the response, Mike. The concern I have with the Plan Builder is that when I input the A, B, and C races and estimate a finish time, the TSS appears low compared to the distance/elevation, and I wonder if the plan generated will undershoot the effort required for those key rides.
With adaptive training it adjusts so much that looking at the future TSS isn’t an accurate view.
Make sure to adjust the slider for your level, go more aggressive if you want more volume/days per week.
Also adjust your daily limit to the time you have available. This specifically IMHO helps with the weekend long ride and if you want a few longer rides midweek.
I think once you get those all set plan builder rules.
Which option you select, Gran Fondo or Climbing Road Race, comes down to two things really, what are the climbs on the event like and which workouts do you prefer? I’ve looked at both and personally like the look of climbing road race more, some of the workouts in the Gran Fondo speciality look a bit weird.
The events you’re doing in the build up to the 100m event sound really good, they’ll allow you to test gear, bike fit and nutrition and will give you an insight into whether your training is going well. There are numerous threads on here with people speculating as to whether the plans have enough volume. My own thoughts are that they are a little light on volume, but it’s easy enough (time permitting) to add extra endurance riding in to your week.
I’ve tried a couple of other platforms over the last few months and in the end I’ve settled on TR to prepare for a Super Randonneur attempt next summer, I did so knowing that I’ll have to tweek the stock plans a bit and give the system a nudge now and then, but at least Plan Builder gives you a decent starting point to begin with.
Huh not sure I’ve seen anything with it changing plan based on the specifics of a race. Often times people complain hey don’t think that the training matches the race they input so I’m not certain this is a thing.
I’d definitely recommend using Plan Builder to get a plan in place for your training.
Don’t worry about TSS estimations. We don’t base your training volume on the estimated TSS. It’s more about what’s most productive for you right now. You can also have us re-check your volume recommendations on the fly as you’re getting into training.
In terms of which discipline you should pick for your events, the Climbing Road Race plan is designed just for that – racing. If you’re going to be attacking/following moves up steep climbs, then the CRR plan will help prepare you for that. If you’re going to be riding hard up the climbs with a more steady, paced effort, the Gran Fondo plan is better for those types of efforts.
I’d set up your events as best as possible and see what Plan Builder generates for you. Keep in mind that you can make modifications as you see fit.