Graph Z2/Z3 free-ride outside

Hi Robert, in Strava this is a TSS focused chart. While there is some truth in this model, it’s also very misleading at times. TSS focused charts push you one of two directions more intensity or more time. More intensity has been proven to be counter productive in many cases so generically recommending more intensity is a bad idea. Riding more, especially outdoors is the best way to improve your performance.

See similar discussion here

Basically anytime one of these charts tells someone they are going down hill they just start pushing harder. During a base period and early build that is very typical. So I would say there was a time that maximizing TSS was the the focus but when Polarized training busted that myth things started to change but the software platforms are slow to catching up.

Here is a video where I partially go into the importance of volume.

A Simple Cycling Training Plan: The Four Pillars of Performance

I would say during your indoor season, let that chart go down and then slowly build up your duration and intensity as the outdoor season starts.

Sadily as I am sure you know spin bike classes are the classic example of all out efforts all year round, but obviously that is not how performance cyclists get it top shape. :slight_smile:

Now all that said, a simple change is just to increase the intensity slider and that might be enough to get you closer to your immediate goals.

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