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2012-12-04 10:57 AM

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Subject: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad

I'm in the second week of the Don Fink IM plan in preparation for IMCDA.  All my bike workouts will be on the trainer for a few months and I am using TrainerRoad, which prepared me well for my HIM last summer.

The problem is, all the Base phase workouts in Fink's plan are Z1-Z2 - but using the TrainerRoad workouts, I spend a lot of time in Z3 and Z4.  I could create custom plans or just do Free rides in TrainerRoad and keep my HR in Z2, but it just seems like easy spinning compared to the tough intervals.

I feel like I should be doing the tough workouts to increase my FTP and get prepared for all the hills that are coming at IMCDA, but Fink stresses the importance of Z2 training. 

Should I just stick to Z2 for the Base phase, and hold off on the Z4 intervals until I get to the Build phase - or would I be better off forgetting about HR and just concentrate on building FTP with TrainerRoad workouts?



2012-12-04 11:14 AM
in reply to: #4521126

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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad

There is a reason why Fink and other coaches stress the importance of Z2 training.  You are only in the base phase.  That is the purpose.  Build phases will have your intervals where you pound in the other zones.

Just do free rides in Trainer Road.

2012-12-04 11:35 AM
in reply to: #4521126

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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad

Interesting question to me, since I'll be in the same position at the start of the year when I start the Finke plan.  I intend to stick with the TrainerRoad program I'm on, so my Wed and Thursday rides will be interval workouts instead of the Z1 and Z2 stuff in Finke's plan.  My rationale is that bike intervals take a lot less out of you than running intervals, so I think I'll be OK and hopefully end up with a stronger ride than if I follow the Finke plan.  I wouldn't do it with running intervals that early.

For longer weekend rides where I'm not outside, I'm also planning on doing some of the longer TrainerRoad workouts on the trainer.  There are a decent amount of 3+ hour rides to choose from.

2012-12-04 11:49 AM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
GAUG3 - 2012-12-04 12:14 PM

There is a reason why Fink and other coaches stress the importance of Z2 training.  You are only in the base phase.  That is the purpose.  Build phases will have your intervals where you pound in the other zones.

Just do free rides in Trainer Road.

Check Jorge's/Endurance nation programs and check how much "base" they have...

IMHO Winter is the perfect time to get faster, don't waste with "base" miles

2012-12-04 12:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
camaleon - 2012-12-04 11:49 AM
GAUG3 - 2012-12-04 12:14 PM

There is a reason why Fink and other coaches stress the importance of Z2 training.  You are only in the base phase.  That is the purpose.  Build phases will have your intervals where you pound in the other zones.

Just do free rides in Trainer Road.

Check Jorge's/Endurance nation programs and check how much "base" they have...

IMHO Winter is the perfect time to get faster, don't waste with "base" miles

Agreed. It's not necessary to putter around doing easier rides. You can move to the tougher efforts sooner and more easily.

2012-12-04 1:55 PM
in reply to: #4521387

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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
brigby1 - 2012-12-04 10:36 AM
camaleon - 2012-12-04 11:49 AM

Check Jorge's/Endurance nation programs and check how much "base" they have...

IMHO Winter is the perfect time to get faster, don't waste with "base" miles

Agreed. It's not necessary to putter around doing easier rides. You can move to the tougher efforts sooner and more easily.

I agree, I have the inclination to ride hard to build strength, but my concern is that the purpose of the Z2 workouts are to teach your body to take fuel from fat rather than sugar - and I'll be missing that lesson if do the tough workouts.



2012-12-04 7:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad

 the purpose of the Z2 workouts are to teach your body to take fuel from fat rather than sugar

Not everyone agrees with the various theories regarding "teaching" the body to utilize more fat.  IMO, it is possible, so I will train with the hopes of doing just that.  But, the "adaptation" period is thought to be 4-6 weeks, so there is nothing really to be gained with that approach during the winter unless you have a very early spring HIM/IM. 

If your HIM/IM is late spring, summer or fall, it's way to early to be addressing the issue.  Better to do FTP work.

2012-12-05 8:42 PM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
PrivateIdaho - 2012-12-04 8:57 AM

I'm in the second week of the Don Fink IM plan in preparation for IMCDA.  All my bike workouts will be on the trainer for a few months and I am using TrainerRoad, which prepared me well for my HIM last summer.

The problem is, all the Base phase workouts in Fink's plan are Z1-Z2 - but using the TrainerRoad workouts, I spend a lot of time in Z3 and Z4.  I could create custom plans or just do Free rides in TrainerRoad and keep my HR in Z2, but it just seems like easy spinning compared to the tough intervals.

I feel like I should be doing the tough workouts to increase my FTP and get prepared for all the hills that are coming at IMCDA, but Fink stresses the importance of Z2 training. 

Should I just stick to Z2 for the Base phase, and hold off on the Z4 intervals until I get to the Build phase - or would I be better off forgetting about HR and just concentrate on building FTP with TrainerRoad workouts?



You could also use our workout creator (in beta) to create some z2/z3 rides.

It's at the bottom of this page:
www.trainerroad.com/install
2012-12-06 6:37 AM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
PrivateIdaho - 2012-12-04 1:55 PM
brigby1 - 2012-12-04 10:36 AM
camaleon - 2012-12-04 11:49 AM

Check Jorge's/Endurance nation programs and check how much "base" they have...

IMHO Winter is the perfect time to get faster, don't waste with "base" miles

Agreed. It's not necessary to putter around doing easier rides. You can move to the tougher efforts sooner and more easily.

I agree, I have the inclination to ride hard to build strength, but my concern is that the purpose of the Z2 workouts are to teach your body to take fuel from fat rather than sugar - and I'll be missing that lesson if do the tough workouts.

Your primary goal with training is to build power, so focus on doing that. Develop as much power as you can by putting in a solid training load. As someone else stated, it's not really agreed upon that teaching the body what fuel source to use is that trainable or really necessary. At least not at this point. Even if there is some merit to it, that is a much lower priority than power development.

2012-12-11 8:39 PM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
Trainer road is how I primarily trained for IMTX last year. Choose plans close to what fink calls for and you will be good. Do not make the mistake that I did and not wear your helmet enough. I did not ride with a helmet enough and I was in pain hitting mile 80 and ended up with a 5:24 compared to a 5:12 from the previous year. The previous year I road mostly outdoors. I feel I was better prepared for last year, but the neck was a huge issue for me.
2012-12-11 11:29 PM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
TriPatrick - 2012-12-11 6:39 PM

Trainer road is how I primarily trained for IMTX last year. Choose plans close to what fink calls for and you will be good. Do not make the mistake that I did and not wear your helmet enough. I did not ride with a helmet enough and I was in pain hitting mile 80 and ended up with a 5:24 compared to a 5:12 from the previous year. The previous year I road mostly outdoors. I feel I was better prepared for last year, but the neck was a huge issue for me.


Yes! I was thinking of wearing my helmet indoors with a weight attached to it. My thinking was I would have a super strong neck come race day.

My only mistake was posting this idea on the internet. I was viciously mocked. Last time I make that mistake!

Oh wait...


2012-12-11 11:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad

npearson99 - 2012-12-11 9:29 PM
TriPatrick - 2012-12-11 6:39 PM Trainer road is how I primarily trained for IMTX last year. Choose plans close to what fink calls for and you will be good. Do not make the mistake that I did and not wear your helmet enough. I did not ride with a helmet enough and I was in pain hitting mile 80 and ended up with a 5:24 compared to a 5:12 from the previous year. The previous year I road mostly outdoors. I feel I was better prepared for last year, but the neck was a huge issue for me.
Yes! I was thinking of wearing my helmet indoors with a weight attached to it. My thinking was I would have a super strong neck come race day. My only mistake was posting this idea on the internet. I was viciously mocked. Last time I make that mistake! Oh wait...

I never thought of that.  Last year, I mostly did trainer work and thought that just looking up at the TV would strengthen my neck.  When I finally went out on the roads, I was surprised how sore I was after relatively short rides.

Didn't think the helmet made that much of a difference, but I'm sure you're right... thanks for the tip!!!  Now my wife is gonna really think I'm a total dork - helmet on the trainer Cool

2012-12-11 11:50 PM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
Helmet + can of green beans duct taped to the top of said helmet.
2012-12-12 9:38 AM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad

npearson99 - 2012-12-12 12:50 AM Helmet + can of green beans duct taped to the top of said helmet.

Nate, I'm sure this would be beneficial, but the imagery of this is too funny.  I mean I'm used to walking around in spandex and looking like a goofball, but sitting on my trainer with a helmet and a can of green beans attached may be too much even for me.  I can't imagine the abuse I'd get from my wife and kids!

By way, I'm a recent convert to TR and love the product.



Edited by Patrick E 2012-12-12 9:39 AM
2012-12-12 1:56 PM
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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
Greatest idea ever.
2012-12-15 2:13 PM
in reply to: #4521126

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Subject: RE: Fink Plan and TrainerRoad
To the OP...
You can also adjust the intensity of an existing workout. Bottom
left corner after you open up a workout. When you open a
workout, its at 100% FTP, you can adjust that % down to adjust
the workout to your liking.


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