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Why Does Block #3 of OS Not Have Much 2 X 20s?

Looks like the first three weeks of Block #3 are intervals of 8, 10, 12, 15, etc.  Not a lot (or any that I could see) 20s.  Why?

I'm just curious.  Not challenging the logic here.  Just curious. 

 

 

Comments

  • Down with you, evil naysayer!!! image

    Actually that's a rich thing....I think there is a point of no return that late in the OS, but we'll see what he says!
  • This reminds me of the kid who raises his hand and asks for more math homework.
  • Posted By Kevin Walter on 25 Jan 2012 07:59 PM

    This reminds me of the kid who raises his hand and asks for more math homework.



    That kid in my 9th grade class (they just gave him the 10th and 11 grade books to work on on his own) went on to MIT. 

    As to the question at hand ... in swimming and running, we don't do intervals at that level of intensity for any longer than 6-8 min (400 swimming) and 10-12 (1.5 mi running). So I never feel guilty even when the program asks for 2 x 20 @ 100% FTP in doing something more 4 x 10 or 3 x 15ish on 2-4' recovery. I save the 2 x 20' for when I feel REALLY good. Certainly no more than once a week on the trainer, and when out on the road on Saturdays, I have to live with the intervals the route gives me.

  • In my experience, there's nothing magical about 2 x 20'. With my own training, I like to get in 30-60' of FTP work as intervals of ~8-20' in length.

    With the plans, I'm just trying to mix it up so I don't create a bunch of bored, pissed off triathletes staring down the barrel of the same 2 x 20' workout week after week

  • Who us? Pissed? Nah...LOL

  • Great, now there's a barrel to worry about.  Don't remember seeing that when I signed up.

  • I must be reading too much over on ST.  This is more of a curiosity thing for me. 

     

    I don't like 2 X 20s inside...at all.  But if you're interested in feedback, I find that the 8,10,12,10 is a great set.  Very challenging due to the little amount of rest in between.  Also, provides shorter sets to really dial in pacing.  

     

  • Interestingly the OS Adv plan last year had a ton of 2x20's in the third block. Every Tuesday, and some Thursdays (and when the Thursday wasn't 2x20 it was 3x15). I haven't looked ahead at this year's plan but if it isn't full of 2x20's I'll be super excited!!
  • You'll be happy.  Looks like it's 40' of FTP work on Tues/Thurs broken up.  I like it.  Especially for the trainer.  2 X 20' just bums me out when I am inside.  

  • Agree with Jim not as many 2x20's but lots of 15,12,10,8...etc in the wko's. I have finished up the OS for the year and recall one wko with almost 50 minutes of FTP.
    Remember the wko's RnP provide are guidelines meaning add a few more minutes to each or just plain make up your own.
    I did one called the EN step down from hell.
    15 min WU- then
    20, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, and 2. I really felt it but just wanted to see if it was possible. There was 4 min rest after the 20, 3 after the 15 and the rest were 2 minutes.
    Just my two cents.
  • Posted By Jim Moss on 30 Jan 2012 11:10 AM

    You'll be happy.  Looks like it's 40' of FTP work on Tues/Thurs broken up.  I like it.  Especially for the trainer.  2 X 20' just bums me out when I am inside.  

     

    Yep...that's why I did a variety of intervals, to keep my peeps sane

  • K - Gotta ask...we gettin the same bene from the 40' broken up vs. 2 X 20'?  Meaning if we do the broken stuff right and to the letter will we still see fitness improve?  Or, is this more of a "maintenance" program?  Curious.

  • Posted By Jim Moss on 30 Jan 2012 04:45 PM

    K - Gotta ask...we gettin the same bene from the 40' broken up vs. 2 X 20'?  Meaning if we do the broken stuff right and to the letter will we still see fitness improve?  Or, is this more of a "maintenance" program?  Curious.

     

    Yes, it's the same or similar benefit. You're, of course, free to do all the 2 x 20's you can stand

  • Just my 2 cents worth, but I find 2 x 20s good for my metal six pack, particularly helping me really suffer on my FTP tests.
    That said, I don't think I would want to do them three time a week over a longish period.
  • I've done nothing but 2 x 20' in January, along with a day of 15' of VO2 work thrown in there. Dare I say I am starting to enjoy them?
  • I agree with Peter, I'm not so sure that 2x20's really do anything extra super special in terms of physiological response, but the indoor variety does seem to have a pretty tangible benefit on toughening me up mentally.

    I wouldn't say I ever grow to like them but I certainly grow to dread them less, and almost as a result when I'm heading into a shorter interval I'll mentally be thinking something like "Oh only 12', this is nothing" and am more likely to push harder without fear of running out of steam partway through.
  • I'd come to fear 2x20's so much that I've decided to do them every Tuesday in Block 3 until I get over it. I underachieved on the bike last year and this seems a good way to get better at sustaining a hard effort.
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