My A event is the Michigan Coast to Coast gravel race. It’s a 200mi gravel race across the state so obviously i put it in as a gravel event in plan builder.
But, I’ve noticed this resulted in my planned workouts heading heavily into VO2 and Anaerobic zone workouts as the event draws closer. Definitely not relevant to the event.
So, just what does plan builder mean by “gravel” anyways and is there a description of what each choice will get you somewhere? The workouts i see don’t seem relevant to midwestern gravel and now I’m experimenting putting the event as different disciplines to get the sustained power intervals that will be relevant.
Just a guess here as someone who’s done a few gravel events, but I’d think it’s something like “very very hard start as the masses set out and jockey for position and grouping followed by the ability to go long to complete the event; possibly with a sprint at the finish”.
” For athletes who are targeting long gravel races, gran fondos, or spirited multi-hour group rides, the Gran Fondo plans are the ideal choice. These specialty blocks primarily focus on muscular endurance, equipping you to pedal powerfully for hours on end over widely-varied terrain. But they also include some higher-intensity VO2 max efforts, so you’ll have the fitness you need to stay at the front when the pace rises.”
I did Coast 2 Coast this past June and followed TR plans to get ready, including plenty of higher intensity stuff. While the day is certainly endurance pace I found the broad, diverse fitness I gained helped me ride strong throughout and finish ahead of my goal time. It’s a great event! Save plenty in the tank for sandy sections at the 150mi mark. And eat/drink constantly
I’d think it’s something like “very very hard start as the masses set out and jockey for position and grouping followed by the ability to go long to complete the event; possibly with a sprint at the finish”.
Eh, isn’t that every race except for TT? Actually, of the 100+mi gravel races I’ve done so far, the start is usually pretty chill. Nobody is worried about jockeying for position when there’s so much road ahead. Sprint finish of course if there’s anyone near you. I’m properly warmed up by then and what else would you do!
Yup, I really agree with a lot of this, especially the long intervals. I really feel like my body responds to those sort of intervals and it’s almost like TR is allergic to prescribing them unless you are very high in the level progressions.
I did Coast 2 Coast this past June and followed TR plans to get ready, including plenty of higher intensity stuff. While the day is certainly endurance pace I found the broad, diverse fitness I gained helped me ride strong throughout and finish ahead of my goal time. It’s a great event! Save plenty in the tank for sandy sections at the 150mi mark. And eat/drink constantly
Cool, I was racing with you also, somewhere out there! Yeah, that sand sucked.
TBH, I’ve been using TR for some time but came out of the season disappointed. This was the first year I used plan builder and stuck with a structured training plan all year instead of just using TR to keep active in the winter. Yet, my power curve really looks no better than in 2022 when I rode with no structure during the summer and rode 25% fewer hours. My only improvement in power this year was at the far end of the curve I feel due to taking many more long rides in 2023 than in years past. For all the work and structure, I was always frustrated that AI FTP detection had my FTP steady +/- no more than 5 watts all through 2023. Lately I’ve really been trying to reevaluate what I need and respond to in terms of training stimulus which is why I was really questioning what plan builder was laying out since it just doesn’t seem to align for me.