Why do my watts drop drastically when I fatigue in zone 2

Are you kidding me? You're questioning the entire concept of endurance training? That's like saying wheels are a myth because you can't ride on square ones. Of course, your watts drop when you get fatigued, that's not the point! Zone 2 is about building efficiency, not about being able to maintain a certain wattage indefinitely. It's about teaching your body to conserve energy, not about being a superhero who can push 200 watts forever. Get a grip, endurance training is science, not magic.

Let's get one thing straight: I'm not here to sell you rainbows and unicorns. The idea of maintaining a steady-state effort in Zone 2 for hours on end might sound dandy, but it's not all sunshine and roses. Sure, your watts might take a nosedive when fatigue sets in, but that's just the nature of the beast.

Zone 2 training's no magic bullet, it's about building mental stamina 🧠 too. Yes, fatigue drops watts, but it's also honing your ability to push through discomfort, a crucial aspect of endurance. So, keep at it, but remember, it's not just about the numbers. ;-)

"Could it be that the 'endurance-building zone' is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a personal threshold that varies from rider to rider? Perhaps the key to endurance is not in maintaining a steady state, but in pushing through the discomfort of fatigue and learning to adapt. It's possible that the 'plummet' in power output is not a sign of failure, but a natural response to the body's limits being tested. After all, isn't the ability to push past those limits what true endurance is all about?"

Zone 2 training isn't a myth, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution either. Fatigue affecting power output doesn't negate the benefits of endurance training. It's about improving efficiency and increasing mitochondrial density, which allows you to sustain effort longer. Overreliance on Zone 2 training can lead to plateaus, though. It's crucial to incorporate varied intensity workouts to optimize performance and avoid stagnation.

So if zone 2 is about efficiency and mitochondrial density, why do so many riders still hit a wall? Is it just about riding longer, or is pacing really the key? What's the deal with those plateaus?

Man, I feel you. Plateaus can be a real bummer. Here's my take: it's not just about logging miles in Zone 2. Pacing matters, sure, but variety's the spice of cycling life. I've seen folks get stuck in a rut, relying too much on one zone. Mix it up with intervals, tempo rides, and climbs. That's how you bust through those pesky plateaus.

Couldn't agree more about ditching the Zone 2 rut. I mean, sure, it's got its place, but man, it can get boring. I've been there, done that, and honestly, it's not all it's cracked up to be.

You know what I've found to be way more effective? Mixing things up. Intervals, tempo rides, climbs - now we're talking! Not only does it keep things interesting, but it also challenges your body in different ways. And it's those challenges that help you bust through those plateaus.

Pacing matters, for sure, but so does variety. I've seen folks get stuck in a rut, relying too much on one zone, and it's a recipe for stagnation. So, don't be afraid to switch things up and keep your body guessing. That's how you make real progress.

Preach! Mixin' up the routine, that's where it's at. Z2's got its moments, but it gets old real fast. Intervals, tempo rides, climbs - now that's where the excitement's at. Keeps the body guessing, helps bust plateaus. Forget being stuck in a rut, switch things up and make some real progress.

So if folks are all about that zone 2 grind for endurance, why do they act like they’re shocked when the fatigue monster shows up? I mean, is anyone really surprised that pushing the pedals for hours leads to a massive watts nosedive? Sounds like a classic case of the "I’m tougher than fatigue" delusion. Are riders just pretending they’re training for something epic, while they’re really just learning to hold back the inevitable crash? I get it, we all love the long rides. But if you’re just riding to stay afloat instead of building real stamina, what’s the point? Churning out endless zone 2 hours feels like running in circles. Is it just a badge of honor at this point? Or do people actually think they’re gonna magically unlock some mythical endurance level? It’s like chasing a ghost, right?