I have been using TR since December and I think something is wrong with the VO2 Max workouts. For a while I thought it was because my FTP had not updated but I finally got my 10 training rides in and once it updated they still don’t seem very VO2 Max.
For example this week I have one threshold workout that has me doing some sets at 115% and 110% of my FTP while the VO2 max work out has me doing 106% of my FTP. That to me does not seem very VO2 Max.
My only guess is that VO2 Max workouts are just prioritizing time above my FTP power over how high above that power its going but just seems odd to me. I would think VO2 max workouts at a minimum would be 110% and up. I remember creating my VO2 Max workouts and they would be in the 114% to 125% range and the time would vary depending on the percent.
Just wondering why TR AI is taking this approach and what other think. Maybe I had it wrong? Is TR AI just building me up slowly?
Whats your VO2 max PL? If thats low AI will just be progressing that from the minimum 106% or it could be your training plan is concentrating in expanding time in the VO2 max zone, staying at 106% is useful there too.
If you haven’t had a few weeks for AT to ramp up your V02 Max difficulty, remember that TR starts your V02 max sessions at very low PLs, which can be comically easy if you have your FTP set correctly.
It will help to know what workouts we’re talking about. 115% at any real threshold interval length is going to be pretty unusual once you get your PL’s up unless we’re talking about O/U. Similarly, low level VO2 PL’s are really pretty easy. 115-120 is indeed in the ball park I’d expect for a “VO2 max” interval. You could just turn erg off for those and push high cadence in the hardest gear you can maintain for the interval duration and not worry about power targets.
If you really want to do them in erg and they seem too easy, mark it as such and let the system move your PL’s up or go into train now and do the suggested VO2 max workout. I find it will often suggest big swings upward.
All that to say, if you’re real new just keep being consistent and watch how the software changes things week to week.
V02max is a zone in the 7 zone model, but it’s also the name of a point at the top of the zone. This is the usual cause of confusion. You are doing a workout in the zone according to the 7 zone model but it’s not at V02max the physiological point : which is usually at around 100W above FTP depending on the person and should be pretty close to your best 6-8 mins power.
Thanks everyone for the responses. I’m new so I’m not certain but I’m going to assume PL is the Progression Levels screen in TR which I have posted below.
It looks like its at 4.5 which I’m not sure if its low or not but its the second highest stat in the progression level screen. My main goal is to get my FTP up and to increase my sprint.
I will say that I seem to struggle with ERG mode with indoor workouts specifically with the TR app. I have used Zwift and MyWhoosh before and ERG on TR has given me the hardest time. I use assioma pedals so I was pretty consistent with the other apps but maybe not TR. I say all that because the last VO2 Max workout I did was indoor and I struggled so I answered with “hard” response.
Anyway again thanks for all the responses, I mainly do outside workouts so I’ll try and hit all the High end marks on the VO2Max workouts and hopefully I will find them easy.
I agree with a lot of what’s been said already in this thread.
There are many different types of VO2 Max workouts, each with their own discipline and end goals. As you work through plans from Base to Build and Specialty, you’ll likely see some different styles of workouts that will work together to best prep you for your event, or the discipline of your goal-based plan.
Each of our plans also take a different approach, so, again, there are many ways you can go here.
You’re currently on a very short plan, and based on your post-workout survey response from your VO2 workout last week (McMicken), I think that this week’s workout looks appropriate for you.
Stay in touch and let me know how tomorrow’s workout goes, and if at any point you have any issues with the workouts not being challenging enough over time, I’d be happy to take another look.
