Fast Talk, ep. 54: Applying the polarized model, with Dr. Stephen Seiler

We received so many questions after we published episode 51, "Polarizing your training, with Dr. Stephen Seiler," we decided to take an even closer look at the polarized model of endurance training, to help listeners execute such a model in their training. Our discussion includes: - Why cycling is an aerobic sport - What is meant by the two thresholds — LT1 and LT2 — and how to determine yours, both in terms of power and heart rate. Dr. Seiler provides a test protocol to determine LT2, which may sound very similar to Neal Henderson's test that was described in episode 33, “Is FTP dead?” - Why it's important not to over-estimate LT1 or LT2, and how to use them to determine your zones in a three-zone model. - The specifics of zone 1 training: how long, how much, how easy? We take a deep dive into what zone 1 training is all about, why it's important to keep those rides easy, and the value of long rides. - Finally, we discuss the 80-20 principle of the polarized model and how to put it into practice to map out your week.