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.
