I couldn't agree with you more regarding the combo of zone 2 training + strength training. I've been doing zone 2 training for the last +14 weeks and I am noticing a difference. Like you, less about getting to the top of the climb first, but more on the endurance side. One twist I've found is I find it near impossible (for me) to do zone 2 training while MTBing where I live. The terrain just doesn't allow for it. So as a result I do my zone 2 training indoors (zwift) and outdoors on a gravel bike. MTBing on single track, at least twice per week, gives me the higher intensity zone work, which is also important for overall MTB fitness.
That was a useful video. I've had the same results from Zone 2 training. I've suspected that I need to add resistance training for hips and legs, so it was good to hear of your experience. That is motivating. Something that I've always wondered is the effect on Zone 2 training when bursts of high intensity effort are interspersed. This would be typical of the easier MTB trails on my local mountain. Do the excursions nullify the subsequent Zone 2 periods? I've searched for an answer to this question, but not found it. Does the book, "Heart Rate Training" discuss this?
I had the same question and I couldn’t find an answer either. My experience is that it doesn’t have to be pure zone 2. I have built my endurance base with road biking and mtb, activities where you can’t keep zone pure.
I couldn't agree with you more regarding the combo of zone 2 training + strength training. I've been doing zone 2 training for the last +14 weeks and I am noticing a difference. Like you, less about getting to the top of the climb first, but more on the endurance side. One twist I've found is I find it near impossible (for me) to do zone 2 training while MTBing where I live. The terrain just doesn't allow for it. So as a result I do my zone 2 training indoors (zwift) and outdoors on a gravel bike. MTBing on single track, at least twice per week, gives me the higher intensity zone work, which is also important for overall MTB fitness.
This is excellent advice. Thank you!
I would include power exercises for power ( Olympic weightlifting) has definitely has helped uphills
That was a useful video. I've had the same results from Zone 2 training. I've suspected that I need to add resistance training for hips and legs, so it was good to hear of your experience. That is motivating.
Something that I've always wondered is the effect on Zone 2 training when bursts of high intensity effort are interspersed. This would be typical of the easier MTB trails on my local mountain. Do the excursions nullify the subsequent Zone 2 periods? I've searched for an answer to this question, but not found it. Does the book, "Heart Rate Training" discuss this?
I had the same question and I couldn’t find an answer either. My experience is that it doesn’t have to be pure zone 2. I have built my endurance base with road biking and mtb, activities where you can’t keep zone pure.
@@mtbmonk7076 Thanks.
180 minutes a week = 25.7 min a day. That’s a warm up.
Your absolutely correct, it’s a warmup for mountain biking
Took you long enough to make this video. 😂
It’s true :)
I’m motivated to ride tomorrow and try to ride zone 2 as much as possible
@GeraldGeronimo I’ll go with you