- This topic has 6 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 2 months ago by
oldcyclist.
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AuthorPosts
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November 15, 2021 at 12:37 am #15259
oldcyclist
ParticipantI’ve been through the forum and have the 8020 book. I’ve read lots of posts from Coach Warden that state zone x is not really a good zone to be training in.
Yet I’ve just bought one of your new cycling plans and the weekend Endurance rides all seem to have a substantial period spent in zone x.
Now I’m confused!
Thanks
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This topic was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by
oldcyclist.
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This topic was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by
oldcyclist.
November 15, 2021 at 3:35 am #15266David Warden
KeymasterNothing wrong with Zone X for certain distances, and is actually the preferred intensity for many distances.
Zone X is not bad, it just has limited use. The danger of Zone X is that it’s the default moderate intensity that athletes adopt, and is the primary culprit of the moderate intensity rut” athletes fall into. But, for Marathon, Half Marathon, and many Cycling distances, that is the intensity you’ll race in and so you do want to add it to your training.
Think of Zone X as a prescription medication. If taken without guidance, it’s harmful. If taken in the correct dose, only as needed, it’s helpful. Like some prescriptions medications, Zone X is the most “abused” intensity, so it has a poor reputation. But, when used properly, it’s the right intensity for certain circumstances, including your cycling plan.
David
November 15, 2021 at 3:45 am #15267oldcyclist
ParticipantHi David,
Many thanks for the prompt reply.
As a 57 year old cyclist I find such long continuous periods at 83%+ very tough. I tend to do most of my outside rides at about 70% of ftp. I do not race but simply ride for fitness and pleasure doing the occasional long sportive and a few 100 milers throughout the year.
November 15, 2021 at 4:26 am #15269oldcyclist
ParticipantCan I reduce the zone x or will that negatively influence the workout?
Or would you have any other recommendations?
Thanks
November 15, 2021 at 9:44 pm #15288oldcyclist
ParticipantI’m still struggling to get my head around this. Seiler doesn’t recommend long periods in zone 2 in a 3 zone system but zone x is smack in the middle of zone 2. I was under the impression that the plan I purchased was a polarized (80/20) plan.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by
oldcyclist.
November 16, 2021 at 6:35 am #15292Matt Fitzgerald
KeymasterAs explained in the Endurance Ride workout description, the Zone X segment is an allowance, not a requirement. It is included to accommodate the reality that it can be difficult to stay in Zone 2 throughout long rides in many circumstances. Note that Stephen Seiler did not build our cycling plans and the word “polarized” is not used anywhere in describing them.
November 16, 2021 at 6:46 am #15294oldcyclist
ParticipantAh right, I understand now. Many thanks for the reply.
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