The Problem with VO2max

There's a good chance you're using the term "VO2max" wrong... If you've ever heard cyclists comparing stats (we don't do that, do we?), or humble-bragging via Strava ride titles, then you've probably heard something like "My VO2max is 400 W". That statement is a bit nonsensical. In the constant effort to be more precise in how we … Continue reading The Problem with VO2max →

Optimized Aerobic Prescription

Most of the amateur bike racers I know are limited by time available to train. I think this is a relatable limitation to all of us... So wouldn't it be nice if an amateur endurance athlete could optimize the time they do have available to train, by establishing a minimum effective dose for eliciting adaptations. … Continue reading Optimized Aerobic Prescription →

2017 Season Review Part 4 – Tracking the Aerobic Engine

WKO4 is a data analytics engine from TrainingPeaks. I've used it for the past season to dig into my numbers and optimize my training. I find it invaluable in revealing gaps in my fitness, and quantifying where I can improve and how I should target that improvement. Here is some of the analysis I have done for … Continue reading 2017 Season Review Part 4 – Tracking the Aerobic Engine →

What is a Stamina Ride?

I wrote last year about targeting Aerobic Base training and trying to adapt my phenotype as a fast-twitch/ANaerobic predominant athlete more toward Aerobic endurance. I found that Aerobic Base training was highly effective at raising my baseline fitness to where I could further build toward a higher and more sustainable peak. In longer races I … Continue reading What is a Stamina Ride? →

2017 Season Review Part 2 – the Power Duration Curve