I want to compliment you on the Classic Sweet Spot addition to the Coach Jack standard plans. I’m not sure when you came out with this, but I think this accomplishes what a lot of people are looking for.
The sweet spot blocks are quite manageable, say you start a 12 wk plan at level 5 and end with level 13. 4x6 at 84% building to 2x20 at 88%.
The VO2 max crunched are quite hard. I wouldn’t want to go beyond #9 to be honest. If you did the same 12 wk plan from level 1 to level 9, 3x1 at 110% to 6x3 at 115% with only 2 minute rests.
Do you like this or did you mostly just make it to appease the “more intensity” crowd?
Thank you. So nice to hear you like it. I would say after all the years and discussions we have had I have changed my perspective So it’s kind of 50/50, in that I think that many people want this.
My perspective has changed or at least sharpened the balance of importance that it is more important that you follow a plan you believe in then do what any specific person believes is text book perfect. Also I do believe some people do better with a plan like this and when it feels good it can be very fun…. I am having so much fun riding lately all my “zone 2” rides have a lot of zone 4 in them Weather is getting worse so picking back up running now but going to try to actually follow more of a minimal winter cycling plan too.
I’m kind of a nut (I think you already knew that). I remain on a self-coached plan right now to build to 105 straight minutes at 2 W/kg to climb Alpe du Zwift. For my current weight and FTP that looks to be about 84% FTP, so right in the middle of the tempo. I’m in week #6 of 23 right now.
My real life goal is to be a domestique type rider to eat up the wind, etc… If I can get really good at holding moderate aerobic efforts for a long time that will help a lot in that goal.
Maybe if I get a lot better, before winter is over I could climb Ven-Top (Mount Ventoux) too. That one would need more power and a longer duration.
None of these are very important goals, but gives something to build towards.
Goals are good. If they keep you going this is the main point from my perspective. 2w/kg is amazing… If I weighed your weight but had my power it would be much easier… I just need flat goals and I am good to go… My speed/power is going up lately, it’s addictive. You are no more nut then I am… Everyone around me knows I am a bit crazy/obsessive.
So it’s kind of 50/50, in that I think that many people want this.