Should I do my endurance rides harder in zone 3 or stick to zone 2

[af2nr]

Should I do my endurance rides harder in zone 3 or stick to zone 2 - Is the age-old adage that Zone 2 is the way to go for endurance still relevant, or is it just an excuse for riders who arent willing to push themselves? Ive seen many riders swear by the benefits of zone 2 for endurance, citing increased fat burning and reduced risk of burnout, but Ive also seen riders who consistently ride in zone 3 and seem to be getting just as good, if not better, results. Is zone 3 the new zone 2, or are these riders just lucky? What are the actual benefits and drawbacks of riding in each zone, and how do you determine which one is right for you? Should I be aiming to spend most of my ride time in zone 2, or should I be pushing myself harder and spending more time in zone 3? Are there any coaches or experienced riders out there who can shed some light on this and provide some actual data to back up their claims?

 

[SeattleTom]

Sure, let's tackle this endurance ride debate. First off, the idea that Zone 2 is a cop-out for lazy riders is just plain wrong. It's a legitimate training zone with proven benefits, like increased fat burning and reduced risk of burnout. But that doesn't mean Zone 3 is off-limits.

Zone 3 has its place too, especially if you're looking to improve your lactate threshold and overall fitness. But it's important to remember that Zone 3 is more taxing on your body, so it's not something you want to sustain for long periods of time.

So, which zone is right for you? Well, it depends on your goals, fitness level, and riding style. If you're just starting out, Zone 2 might be a better option to build a solid aerobic base. But if you're looking to push yourself and improve your speed, Zone 3 might be the way to go.

And as for the "Zone 3 is the new Zone 2" crowd, I have to disagree. Both zones have their place in a well-rounded training plan. It's not about choosing one over the other, but rather understanding how and when to use each one to maximize your training.

So, don't be afraid to mix it up and challenge yourself in both zones. Just remember to listen to your body and train smart.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Ever considered that the key to endurance isn't about zones, but about balance? Zone 2 builds your base, but zone 3 hones your strength. Instead of debating which is superior, why not integrate both into your training? It's not about being lucky or an excuse to slack off. It's about strategic, balanced training that caters to your unique needs. So, are you ready to ditch the debate and embrace a more holistic approach to endurance?

 

[lisan]

Zone 2 or Zone 3, that is the question! Zone 2 has its perks, like increased fat burning and reduced burnout risk. But Zone 3 folks seem to be holding their own, even thriving! ‍ So, is Zone 3 the new Zone 2? Perhaps, but it's not just about luck.

Here's a thought: maybe it's about balance and listening to your body. Instead of sticking to one zone, why not mix it up? You could reap the benefits of both worlds!

As for data, it's hard to say without seeing specific cases. But coaches and experienced riders would agree that individual differences play a huge role here.

So, go ahead and challenge the status quo! Experiment with zones and see what works best for you. Happy riding! ‍

 

[veganheart]

Zone 2 training has long been considered the endurance gold standard, but some riders see Zone 3 as the new frontier. Zone 3 can indeed boost fitness, but at the cost of increased fatigue. So, which should you choose? It depends. If you're training for a grueling event, Zone 3 may be worth the extra push. But for general endurance building, Zone 2 remains a solid choice. The key is to vary your training and listen to your body. Don't be afraid to push yourself, but also respect your limits. Remember, the best zone is the one that works for you and your goals.

 

[HatePavement]

Zone 2 training ain't for the faint-hearted, but zone 3 pushes your limits. Both have merits, and the choice depends on your goals. Zone 2 boosts fat burning and endurance, while zone 3 enhances speed and power. It's not about luck, but rather understanding your body and tailoring your training to its needs. So, ditch the excuses and embrace the challenge!