I’m just coming off a 700 TSS week, looking at doing High Volume Traditional Base I, II, and III. I’m going to see a reduction in TSS from what I’m used to, but maybe the consistency and the low intensity will make up for this.
Am I right in thinking this? Does anyone have a similar experience? I know that not all TSS is equal.
Here’s my career chart for some idea. I’m not new to cycling this year, but it is my first year with a power meter. I unfortunately had my bike stolen last year and it led to some time off the bike.
For base work, I’ve been doing Z2 (top of range) rides 6 days a week, about 2 hours per day at my MAF heart rate (180 less your age +/- a few beats depending on how you feel that day). Generating 700 to 900 TSS per week. I’ve found this to be quite effective. I don’t follow a training plan. I just ride the same route on Zwift every weekday and mentally note my times against various waypoints along the route. On weekends I will find a Zwift endurance ride of 2+ hours at the W/kg that will keep me close to my target HR but the group always surges and this small bit of intensity adds to the variety and training effect.
I recently completed a 180 km fondo in under 6 hours and had no difficulty with the ride or recovery that day or the next. Legs did not feel stressed. I will follow the same informal plan next year. Very happy with the results.
Accelerating off lights, from junctions, going over the average power on short or longer climbs etc, results in a higher NP against average power resulting in a higher TSS for the same duration.
)