Training Plan Query - Length of longest session has me thinking

Training
1

Hey All,

I’ve setup a custom plan using the builder based around my future cycling events. I’ve selected the Mid volume plan on default selections - this being 5 workouts a week with 1 hour sessions mid week and longer on weekend up to max 2 hours.

The volume of work fits perfectly around my job so can do the 1 hour sessions quite happily during the week.

My next event is 12 weeks away and consists of 150km of rolling hills with 2 slightly longer climbs with around 2000m elevation.

I’m just slightly questioning the training in respect to how max 2 hour weekend rides will get me ready to take on my events which will range between 5 to 10 hours in the saddle.

Look forward to hear back from everyone and thanks in advanced.

2

Kinda feel like you’re missing out on a lot of possible learning by keeping your long rides to 2hrs.

Things such as fuelling, when and where things rub, learning to be on a bike for long periods in terms of your arms, neck et. …

There is a lot to be gained by doing longer rides outside of the physical adaptions that will be required.

My advice would be to seriously consider aiming to get your long ride up to at a minimum half distance over the next twelve weeks. If not more.

If you could I think your race day experience will be much improved.

Whichever way you go, good luck and I hope you have a great event

3

Just to add… in the past ive kept my weekend rides 70%-80% of the event diatance and elevation.

Now that ive joined TR recently im keen to follow a plan fairly religiously but i agree longer rides needed for fueling and just conditioning to event comditions.

Found it strange the plan builder would just suggest 2 hour rides…

1 Like
4

Have you added the expected time in your event that you added into the calendar? Also, you do need to tweak plan builder so it more closely aligns with your goal event.

I’m in the process of doing something similar, however, my event is 8 months away so I have plenty of time to build up.

Good luck

5

Yep i put my goal times for both events in my planner. Going to have to figure out the plan and amend it somehow.

My main event is March next year so same have time. My October Event is a tune up event to gauge fitness.

1 Like
6

When setting up your training in plan builder did you set your weekend rides to a specific duration? I believe you can set up outdoor endurance rides up to 5 hours and can now specify if it will be a group or solo ride.

1 Like
7

I used TrainerRoad when I was preparing for a 200 mile ride. I tried following the low volume plan as closely as possible but I did add an outside ride once a month that gradually increased time/distance. The aim was to get my body used to the position it would be in for multiple hours and getting used to fuelling, as mentioned above by others. That worked really well for me.

I think one winter weekend I joined a Zwift ride (BMTR I think) that was going 100k which helped time fly by.

Best of luck with your ride.

8

Thanks Everyone.

One last silly question… Do I need to delete plan to change it? There doesn’t seem to be a edit plan function.

When selecting my training plan under Career it only allows me to either edit the name of my plan or delete the plan all together.

image
image1142×384 29.2 KB

9

Hey there,

Sounds like you’re looking to add in some more time on your weekends – that shouldn’t be a problem! Just make sure to keep it in Zone 1/2 if you’re already doing 2-3 interval sessions per week so you don’t overdo the intensity. This article has some good tips if you’re interested:

As @Jolyzara said, you can change your plan’s workout durations to better suit what you’re looking for. This next article should help you out with that:

Hope that helps you with your adjustments to your plan – feel free to let me know if you have any additional questions!

1 Like
10

Thanks :slight_smile:

Big reason i joiner TR was for the community and its confirmed my decision was the right one. Appreciate the help

1 Like