TrainNow vs Plan Builder - latest status?

Training
1

A short while ago there was a comment related to updates to TrainNow that seemed to give “the perfect” suggested workout every time.

I guess there are subtleties that plan builder can build specific base/build phases etc, but apart from that - are we getting to the point where plan builder isn’t needed, and TrainNow could just be used all time?

I’m comparing here to say Xert which doesn’t need to build a plan, but gives you a suggested workout each day.

2
  • I’d have to read that comment and know who said it, but I find that a bold and unlikely claim. “Perfect” implies a level of intelligence and tailoring that TR just doesn’t offer. It offers a “good” option and one that can even vary when using the “shuffle” button, at least in prior and some current implementations of TN. There are likely more than one possible workout that would suit a rider on any given day, especially when we consider that TN is simply picking based upon your recent history with not forward looking goal or objective. Without that context, perfect is not possible IMO.
  • Depends… Per above and current TN state, it is only looking at history and offering something to do right now. That has no pending consideration for any goal or progression, which are all part of an actual PB plan.
  • For those just looking to do a more “random” training process, TN is potentially good.
  • For those that have actual events on the calendar, or a particular training focus in mind, PB is superior to TN.
3

hehe my memory is clearly a bit optimistic, I found the original post in the ‘Missing reload button in TrainNow’ thread.

1 Like
4

That (good) makes a whole lot more sense.

1 Like
5

While TrainNow has had some great updates lately, we’d still recommend using Plan Builder over TrainNow on its own if you’re preparing for an event or training for an extended period of time.

The big difference between the two is that TrainNow looks at what you’ve done recently to recommend a single workout for today, while Plan Builder looks at your recent training while also considering your future workouts and goals/events. Plan Builder is more comprehensive in giving you a schedule to follow so you can progress your fitness in a more structured/ordered manner over time into the future based on your fitness goals/the demands of a target event.

TrainNow, conversely, is meant to be more “standalone” – it’s excellent at giving you a good workout for a given day based on what you’ve done lately, but it doesn’t look into the future as of now.

As such, we recommend TrainNow for athletes who mostly ride unstructured but still like to do some interval workouts every once in a while, or for athletes who have a day off/free time between training plans and want to fill in those “holes” by using TrainNow. Plan Builder is still our recommended route for athletes preparing for races/events or focusing on a specific fitness goal.

5 Likes
6

Does TN also factor non-bike workouts into its recommendations? If I’ve done a hard or long run the previous day, will it select a bike workout reflective of that?

7

At the moment, TN factors in rides and runs. Other sport types will be incorporated via Red Light Green Light. If, for example, an athlete did a big ski day and got a yellow or red day, TN would only recommend an easy Z1/2 workout (on a yellow day) or a rest day (on a red day).

So, yes, doing a hard or long run the day prior will indeed have an impact on your TN recommendations.

1 Like