Training Peaks.com
I've used the standard virtual coach plan for a few years with good results. I plan to continue using it. I don't follow the plans it spits out for me exactly, more as a guideline to structure my training.
Where are you reading your info? I'd like to see links. The Friel method is not 'old' and it is certainly one of the most highly regarded training philosophies out there. I think that there is plenty of intensity built into the plans. Base is good for you. If you want to do intervals during base do them and hope that you aren't burnt out by the time your A race comes around.
I use TrainingPeaks - I've used other plans and loaded them into it - and used the virtual coach more for off-season training. I've had good results and nice improvements. The last plan I used was Friel's and I PR'd by 65 minutes for an IM.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
I've used the standard virtual coach plan for a few years with good results. I plan to continue using it. I don't follow the plans it spits out for me exactly, more as a guideline to structure my training.Where are you reading your info? I'd like to see links. The Friel method is not 'old' and it is certainly one of the most highly regarded training philosophies out there. I think that there is plenty of intensity built into the plans. Base is good for you. If you want to do intervals during base do them and hope that you aren't burnt out by the time your A race comes around.
Hi catwood,
I based my argument on a lot of theory going on at cyclingforums.com. Basically, a bunch of roadies. They're arguing w/ some support that it's very beneficial to do threshold training in base (2X20, 3x15, etc). They're not arguing for anerobic endurance work in base (8x5, vo2 max work). I thought Friel once based his base workouts on the fact that your blood vessels would become damaged if you do too much hard work early on- this had been proved false.
I use TrainingPeaks - I've used other plans and loaded them into it - and used the virtual coach more for off-season training. I've had good results and nice improvements. The last plan I used was Friel's and I PR'd by 65 minutes for an IM.
Did you buy Friel's seporate plan on training peaks or just use the base 'free' plan, which I thought was also Friel's?
Thanks!
Did you buy Friel's seporate plan on training peaks or just use the base 'free' plan, which I thought was also Friel's?Thanks!
I bought his Intermediate Ironman plan.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
From what I've been reading the 'old' Friel method of only staying at aerobic HR (zone 2 or low zone 3) does not really make sense.
Its not like Friel knows what he is talking about or anything! I mean who is he? I don't think he has ever trained anyone successful in any endurance sports! :D LOL

Hi catwood,I thought Friel once based his base workouts on the fact that your blood vessels would become damaged if you do too much hard work early on- this had been proved false.
I'll check my training bible but don't recall ever seeing anything like that
proud and high or low and humble - many miles before I go
http://www.insidetri.com/portal/blogs/blog.asp?strSession=60050327224390...
I'll check my training bible but don't recall ever seeing anything like that
Here's an interesting thread on cyclingforums:
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t420332.html
"Friel uses a pretty old-school system of periodization, in which one works his or her way up to the build phase and then doing anaerobic intervals. This is based on the also old-school principal that you will ruin the base you build if you go too hard, somehow ruining the capillaries.... I don't think this was ever proven by research by the way...."
"I would recommend other resources for DIY periodization. I have found that reverse periodization works pretty well. You might want to do a search on Dave Morris.
You did make a very good observation about just putting in miles. I hope your coach is recommending more than just accumulating miles. Big miles without focus or purpose won't make you fast. Moderate weekly mileage at intensities targeting specific fitness adaptations can work wonders. Too many riders think in terms of weekly mileage and don't focus their efforts. If your coach isn't talking to you in terms of 10 to 30 minute steady efforts or 3 to 5 minute repeats with deep near maximal breathing then I'd surf these forums and do some research. Search these forums for info on Sweet Spot Training(SST), FTP, 2x20 interval training, V02 Max intervals(5x5s). Read Hunter and Coggan's book: http://www.amazon.com/Training-Raci...r/dp/1931382794 even if you don't anticipate buying a power meter. There's a lot of really important concepts in that book, especially those related to training specific energy delivery systems. It helps explain why a series of one to two minute make ya puke intervals won't do much for your ability to go fast for an hour or help you climb fast with the race leaders. "
RV- Was his intermediate plan much different than using the free plan?
RV- Was his intermediate plan much different than using the free plan?
I believe that the free plan is a watered down version - more of a plan to get you to finish. The Intermediate plan is geared for time and based upon experience at IM. It was a good plan - got a PR with it (65 min). Tho next year thinking of using a plan from Strauss' from his new site - endurance nation.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
I believe that the free plan is a watered down version - more of a plan to get you to finish. The Intermediate plan is geared for time and based upon experience at IM. It was a good plan - got a PR with it (65 min). Tho next year thinking of using a plan from Strauss' from his new site - endurance nation.
Thanks for the info. I'm looking for a plan to run a sub 5hr 1/2 ironman that can account for multiple races in a year... I was hoping the free one wasn't watered down as you say, but I guess that makes sense.


Hi all,
I was hoping for some opinions from those of you who have used training peaks. Have you just used the standard plan that comes with the monthly membership OR have you bought a seporate plan to use in training peaks? I'm worries there's not enough threshold work durring base periods in training peaks. From what I've been reading the 'old' Friel method of only staying at aerobic HR (zone 2 or low zone 3) does not really make sense.
I think I want a plan with a lot of 2x20 type threshold intervals. I just got the Garmin 305, so training peaks appeals to me in that it's compatible with the watch. Any suggestions on training plans, ways to use training peaks?
My A race will be a 70.3 race next year. I'll likely race 2 HIM and a few olympic distances. My goal HIM race is 4:40. I raced a 5:04 vineman this year w/ no HR based plan. Kind of used Friel's guidelines.
Thanks!