I also came to TrainerRoad after Zwift and doing a couple of the training programs. Sweetspot Base (SSB) is a lot different from what you did there. And SSB is far from easy. SSB1 has McAdie and much harder, though you’ll progress your way up to them. And SSB2 takes it to a whole new level. The SSB workouts also include a lot of instruction and drills (e.g., cadence, pedal stroke, aero position) that aren’t so much in the Build and Specialty programs. You’ll feel like a new cyclist after completing SSB1 and 2.
Looking farther down the road, here’s a common progression you’ll find recommended in the forum for building up endurance and FTP:
Having tried both Zwift and TR, what I find is that the training schedule I followed on ZWIFT (TT Tune up) was great as most workouts were 1hr or less. Whereas TR my plan has very few shorter sessions, most are 1:15—2:00.
That said, as a training tool I find TR far better for data and no distractions. I found the Gamification of training on Zwift distracting.
Most of the Low Volume training plans are based largely on 60 minute workouts. They do also include about 1/3 of the workouts at 75-90 minutes.
Then consider that there are over 1200 workouts less than 90 minutes long. Over 250 of those are less than one hour. Considering that the entire TR workout catalog is about 2000 total, that is over half of the workouts at less than 90 minutes long.
Point being that there are more than enough workouts and training plans in TR that are under 90 minutes long.
And most workouts include a “minus” version, so even it the one on the training plan schedule is longer, you can likely find a similar one that is 60 minutes. Making that substitution is common and often recommended by TR reps as well.
I’m just speaking from my personal experience, which isn’t inaccurate. I agree there are tonnes of sub-1hr rides, but the pre-built plans are surely the main attraction for TR. That’s why I’m a convert anyway.
Having used both platforms, I believe i’m on general build which suggest 7hrs/week over 5 days, in contrast my ZWIFT training plan (also ~7hrs/week) had almost all sessions ranging between 50-72mins. Which was great, of course some weeks weren’t 7hrs. And some workouts were optional. TR on the other hand mainly comprises of 75mins +..
Don’t get me wrong, I love TR, maybe I haven’t found the right plan for me yet. I also like that ZWIFT allows you to skip workout sections, not sure if you can do that on TR. I’d make for a great update for those who are time-poor.
The TR plans, applied to the Calendar, are massively open to adjustment. You can juggle workouts, delete them, add them and so much more. The setup dwarfs Zwift’s relatively strict and linear plans (that don’t allow near the adjustments that can be done in TR).
Skipping a workout is as simple as not doing it. It will automatically show as “Skipped” the day after it was scheduled, assuming that you just don’t do it.
You can also just delete it if you want, but I like leaving it as “skipped” unless you are actively adjusting the calendar ahead of time.
I suggest some reading to take the most from the options you have in TR. It is really much more malleable and possible to make just as you need.
Just to add on to this, I followed (all low volume) SSB1/2 into Sustain Build. Now I’m in Climbing Road Race Speciality, and after a couple of months of following the plan pretty much verbatim, am now comfortable moving things around a bit and planning my outside rides around the TR calendar too.
So while yes, the structured plans are really good to follow to a T, life happens and really, we’re really only riding indoors to better enjoy our outdoor rides. I’ve come to appreciate the ability to move things around while still being ‘on plan’.