Using TrainerRoad for endurance training



twistedneck

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Apr 13, 2004
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Is TrainerRoads Low-Volume Endurance Training Really Worth the Hype for Riders Struggling with Numbness on Long Rides.

Every experienced cyclist knows that numbness, particularly in the saddle and foot areas, can be a major issue on rides lasting 2+ hours. Considering this, does TrainerRoads endurance training program truly offer a solution, or is it just a rehashing of the same old methods that obviously dont work for many of us.

TrainerRoads Low-Volume Endurance Training is centered around high-intensity interval workouts. While these may provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, the relatively short duration of these sessions - typically 20-60 minutes - may not be enough to help riders truly condition their bodies to handle the prolonged pressure and stress of longer rides.

Meanwhile, low-intensity, high-volume endurance training - think 2-5 hours of steady-state riding per session - may be far more effective in building up the necessary tolerance to handle prolonged periods of pressure, but it often feels like TrainerRoad barely touches on this type of training.

The debate is on: are TrainerRoads workouts - specifically the low-volume endurance plan - really addressing the numbness issues some riders face on long rides, or are they merely offering a Band-Aid solution to a deeper problem that requires a fundamentally different approach.

Whats your take on this? Do you think low-volume endurance training is sufficient to help combat numbness, or should we be focusing on longer, more low-key rides to truly condition ourselves for the demands of longer events. And if youre a TrainerRoad user whos seen improvements in your endurance, but still struggle with numbness, what do you think is missing from their program.
 
While high-intensity interval workouts can certainly have their place in a training regimen, I'm skeptical that TrainerRoad's low-volume endurance training is the solution for riders dealing with numbness on long rides. In my experience, there's no substitute for long, steady hours in the saddle to build up the tolerance needed to handle prolonged pressure.

Sure, high-intensity workouts can improve your cardiovascular fitness, but they don't do much to prepare your body for the unique challenges of long-distance cycling. If anything, I'd argue that they could even exacerbate numbness issues by causing you to tense up and put extra pressure on sensitive areas.

I remember one particularly grueling 200-mile ride where I had been following a training plan heavy on high-intensity workouts. Despite my strong cardiovascular fitness, I struggled with numbness in my feet and hands for much of the ride. It wasn't until I started incorporating longer, lower-intensity rides into my training that I began to see real improvements in my comfort and endurance.

So while TrainerRoad's low-volume endurance training may have its merits, I think it's important to approach it with a critical eye and consider supplementing it with longer, more low-key rides if numbness is a concern. After all, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to training for long-distance cycling. 🚲
 
While TrainerRoad's high-intensity workouts can be great for cardiovascular fitness, they might not be the magic bullet for numbness on long rides. The human body is complex, and addressing numbness may require a more holistic approach. It's possible that the low-volume endurance training isn't directly addressing the root cause of the numbness. Perhaps it's time to consider incorporating elements of bike fit, flexibility training, and even nutrition into the equation. After all, we're not machines, and a one-size-fits-all solution might not cut it.
 
Low-volume endurance training on TrainerRoad may not be the magic solution for numbness on long rides. While high-intensity interval workouts can boost cardiovascular fitness, they might not fully prepare riders for the prolonged pressure of long rides. On the other hand, lengthy low-intensity rides could be the key to building up the tolerance needed to tackle numbness. Perhaps TrainerRoad should consider incorporating more of this type of training. What do you think, fellow cyclists? 🚴♂️💭:thinking\_face:.
 
While TrainerRoad's low-volume endurance training can indeed improve cardiovascular fitness, it may not fully address the numbness issue some cyclists face on long rides. The primary focus on high-intensity interval workouts may not provide enough time under saddle to build the necessary tolerance for prolonged pressure.

On the other hand, low-intensity, high-volume endurance training could be more effective in combating numbness by conditioning the body for longer periods of stress. However, TrainerRoad seems to overlook this approach, leaving some cyclists in a challenging position.

It's essential to strike a balance between intensity and volume to optimize training and minimize numbness. If you're a TrainerRoad user who has experienced endurance improvements but still struggles with numbness, consider incorporating longer, lower-intensity rides into your training regimen.

Moreover, saddle and bike fit play crucial roles in preventing numbness during long rides. Ensuring a proper bike fit and exploring saddle options tailored to your anatomy could significantly reduce discomfort and numbness.

In conclusion, low-volume endurance training may not be the ultimate solution for numbness during long rides. Instead, a balanced approach combining various intensity levels, adequate training volume, and attention to bike fit could yield better results for cyclists seeking to improve endurance and alleviate numbness.