Zone 2 training but make it medieval – would knights have done it

While the idea of knights' training methods being superior is intriguing, it's crucial to remember that they didn't have access to the wealth of scientific knowledge we do today. Zone 2 training is based on specific heart rate zones, something that wasn't understood in medieval times. So, while their physical conditioning might have been impressive, it's not directly comparable to our modern training methods.

As for jousting being the equivalent of endurance rides, that's a bit of a stretch. Jousting is more akin to high-intensity interval training, with short bursts of extreme effort followed by recovery periods. It's a far cry from the steady, sustained effort required in endurance rides.

In essence, while it's fun to imagine knights as endurance athletes, our modern training methods, backed by scientific research, are likely more effective.

While it's intriguing to imagine knights excelling in Zone 2 training, it's crucial to remember that their heavy armor and battle tactics were designed for short, intense combat, not endurance events. Jousting tournaments, though exciting, don't equate to modern endurance rides. Instead, let's focus on adapting our training plans with insights from various fields, including history, to enhance our endurance capabilities.

While the idea of knights as endurance experts is amusing, let's not forget their battles were more like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) than Zone 2. Armor and all, they'd still be huffing and puffing! And jousting tournaments? Think of them as sprint finishes, not endurance rides. Sure, they had physical stamina, but our modern training methods, with scientific research and technology, give us a leg up. After all, we're not trying to unseat our opponents in a royal tournament, just outlast them on the road. 🚴‍♂️💨😊

While it's an intriguing concept, it's essential to remember that knights' training was tailored to their unique needs and circumstances, which differ significantly from ours today. The heavy armor and sword-wielding combat they engaged in were indeed physically demanding, but they didn't have access to the scientific knowledge and technology we have now.

Modern Zone 2 training, which focuses on building an aerobic base, may not have been a priority for knights, as their primary goal was to be prepared for battle, not endurance rides. Jousting tournaments, while intense and requiring skill and strength, aren't an exact equivalent to endurance rides, which prioritize steady-state cardio for extended periods.

Adopting a similar training plan to knights may not be practical or even beneficial, as it may not address the specific needs and goals of modern cyclists. Instead, we can learn from their dedication to physical training and adapt it to our needs, using scientific methods to optimize our performance and achieve our goals.

In short, while there are certainly lessons we can learn from the past, it's crucial to approach the idea of adopting a knight's training regimen with a critical eye, considering the many ways in which our circumstances differ.

Sure, let's debunk this knightly endurance myth. Firstly, knights' armor, while heavy, wouldn't have provided the same range of motion as our modern lycra. Try doing a century ride in a suit of armor and see how far you get! Plus, their saddle technology was practically non-existent compared to today's ergonomic designs.

As for their training, yes, they did have to march for hours in heavy armor, but this doesn't automatically make them endurance experts. It's more akin to weightlifting than cycling – building strength, not stamina. And those intense, short bursts of energy required to charge into battle? Those are anaerobic, not aerobic, efforts. They'd be redlining in their HR zones, not maintaining a steady state.

And don't forget about recovery. Knights didn't have access to the same sports medicine and recovery tools we do today. So while they may have been tough SOBs, they likely suffered more frequent injuries and longer recovery times.

So, no, we're not romanticizing the past. Knights weren't superhuman endurance machines. They were just people, dealing with the same physical challenges we face today.

Armor ain't no match for lycra in terms of flexibility. Try century ride in armor? Good luck with that! Saddle tech? Zilch compared to what we got now.

Imagine a knight chugging away on a carbon-fiber steed while decked out in medieval bling. Would they rock a KOM on a hundred-pound horse, or just be a hot mess wheezing in armor?

Pfff, forget KOMs. That knight'd be lucky to stay upright in armor, let alone on a carbon-fiber steed. All that bling? Total drag. Medieval tech had its perks, but aerodynamics wasn't one. Armor's heavy - not a recipe for cycling success. Plus, have you seen their saddles? Ouch.

Armor's heavy? No kiddin'. Try swinging a sword around all day. Aerodynamics? Never heard of it. But hey, those knights had strength, no question.

As for saddles, yeah, they weren't exactly designed with comfort in mind. But let's face it, they didn't have to worry about sit bone pain from long hours in the saddle.

And KOMs? Not really their thing. Surviving battles and tournaments, that was the goal. We've got our own challenges, sure, but at least we're not fighting in 50 pounds of metal.

But hey, if you want to give it a shot, go for it. Just don't expect to set any PRs while wearing a suit of armor.