Junk Miles in Cycling Training: They Aren't What You Think They Are

[@Avianthro]

Suggestion: Junk miles are any miles you ride without being properly recovered. Their intensity may be high, medium, or low. The main problem that so many of us have is not remembering/not being able to discipline ourselves that training = progressive overload + sufficient recovery to be ready for the next session, be it an overload or not. Recovery, recovery, recovery!

[@pawelnajdzion7283]

Great material - really like the way how the topic was captured 👏

[@JNorth87]

Cycling is 25% what you do on the bike and 75% everything else.. People are all focusing on the wrong thing.

[@djbattledmv]

I should be a case study cyclist for science or a coach. Late 40s, work 50+ hours a week, family man, and generally riding 8 through 12 hours a week. I'm sure I have junk miles in there. As you said, all miles matter. Great video here

[@erlendsteren9466]

Thanks, I really like your video! I think junk miles are the miles in heavy trafic, polluted by road-dust and exhaust and dangerous car-drivers. I also agree that junkmiles are the miles that is overtraining.

[@suisinghoraceho2403]

This is a very important topic to revisit. I have two questions, the first is how do we count intensity when we push the duration of an easy ride. For arguments’ sake, say 2 hours Z2 rides is usually an easy day for me. Would pushing to 4 or even 6 hours at the same Watts still counts as an easy day? Or should those rides be counted as a hard day instead? Also, what is the minimum effective duration of an easy aerobic ride? I understand LSD needs to be long, but sometimes I just can’t find the time every week. Let’s say I have done my 3 days of high intensity rides in the week. Would riding 60 minutes of z2 on the other 2 or 3 days help? Or am I better off resting on those days? Thanks again for your excellent pods. Thanks again for

[@PerryScanlon]

In running I've heard it referred to as running too slow. 50% of max HR might not be a good way to train unless fasted.

[@saskhiker3935]

Just came here to say, i like your hat.

[@SteakandChains]

Question: do race days count as training? I recently did a 10 day day race and improved my FTP by about 30 points and my five minute power by about 50 watts. generally I keep my schedule set with three virtual races a week and in between longer slower rides. Over all my fitness this year has improved significantly as my FTP has gone up about 80 points.