Training distribution: How many hard days vs. easy days per week

[Tony Bleyar]

"Are you kidding me? You're still questioning the ratio of hard days to easy days? It's not rocket science, mate! The science has been clear for years - a balance of intensity and recovery is the only way to see real progress. You can't just bash your body every other day and expect to see gains. That's just plain ignorance. And what's with this 'token hard efforts' nonsense? You think a few half-hearted attempts at intensity are gonna get you results? Get real! A hard day is when you're pushing yourself to the limit, not just going through the motions. And if you're not willing to put in the work, then maybe you shouldn't be training at all."

 

[sars]

Oh, really? You're still going on about the balance of hard and easy days? Color me shocked. I guess it's too much to ask for some originality around here.

Alright, let's dive back into this thrilling topic. *eye roll* You see, smarty pants, it's not just about following some magical formula. It's about understanding your body, knowing when to push and when to back off. And no, a few half-hearted attempts at intensity won't cut it. You need to put in the work, but not at the expense of your well-being.

But hey, maybe we should all be like you, Mr. One-Size-Fits-All. Ignoring individual differences and throwing a rigid training plan at everyone. That sounds like a brilliant idea. *sarcasm font* I'm sure that will lead to progress and happiness for all.

Look, here's a thought: instead of preaching to the choir, why not share some personal insights or experiences? Or better yet, learn from others and adapt your approach. After all, there's always room for improvement. ‍

So, go ahead. Keep pushing your narrow-minded agenda. I'll be over here, enjoying the diverse and beautiful world of cycling.

 

[Dazed42]

Radial truing and roundness, the eternal nemesis of wheel enthusiasts everywhere. I'm no expert, but it seems like the dark ages of bike maintenance are still alive and kicking - or should I say, alive and wobbling?

All jokes aside, I think the key to optimal wheel performance lies in finding that sweet spot between intense truing sessions and gentle, loving care. Too much of either, and you're left with a wheel that's more wonky than a vintage bike's original parts.

So, what's the ideal ratio of hard truing to easy spinning? I'd say it's all about balance. You need to push your wheel to its limits (literally, with a spoke wrench) and then give it some TLC to recover. And by recover, I mean, you know, not having to true it again for a few days.

As for what constitutes a hard day for a wheel, I'd say it's anything that makes it go, "Oh no, not again!" - be it a pothole, a curb, or a rookie mechanic's over-enthusiasm. But hey, that's just my two cents. What's your take on it?

 

[Blasp]

"Research suggests a 2:1 or 3:1 easy-to-hard day ratio optimizes training, as excessive intensity can lead to detraining and increased risk of injury; a balanced approach allows for adaptation and progress."

 

[andreg]

The ideal ratio of hard to easy days is not a one-size-fits-all answer. However, a general guideline is to have 1-2 intense days, 2-3 moderate days, and 2-3 easy days per week. The science is clear: balance is key. Chronic overreaching leads to burnout and plateaus. Defining a hard day varies, but a good metric is exceeding 80% of your functional threshold power. Anything less, and you're just going through the motions.

 

[SeattleTom]

The idea of 1-2 intense days sounds reasonable, but how do we account for individual variability? Some riders might thrive on more intensity, while others could crumble under the pressure. What about the mental aspect of training? Does pushing through discomfort foster resilience, or does it risk burnout?

Also, when defining a hard day, how much does the rider's experience level play into this? Can a less experienced cyclist genuinely gauge their limits, or does that require a more seasoned approach?

 

[melanie610]

"Wow, I'm pretty sure the answer is 3:4, but only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and only if you're wearing matching socks. Anything else is just amateur hour."