I’m a big fan of the NRC guided runs, and have been using them for a few years now. However, I’ve hurt my knee, so I am switching to cycling indoors to stay active.
I really like the guided runs because it adds a huge variety to my workouts, and I get to learn about running and learn about my body while staying active. I like something similar with cycling workouts. Does anybody know of anything?
Perhaps Zwift? It has lots of workouts available for you, some that are just one-offs and some that are in a series.
Management Summary of indoor tech. Zwift gets expensive and frankly can be a bit wanky… sold as this online happy family. Most of the time you’re just in the hurt locker anyway. Try IndieVelo as an alternative. Actively under development, GREAT anti-cheat feature and it’s free (for now). Graphics is a bit dated, but you get over it. Also may I suggest investing in TrainingPeaks as this is the go-to app for people that train (there is a free version with limitations) . Strava is the Facebook of cycling and ads little value other than 'Look at my ride". TrainerRoad is for hardcore trainers that have solid goals. Boring as bat shit so you’ll likely pair it with something like indieVelo or Zwift anyway to beat the boredom. They do have AI FTP, which has pro’s and con’s. (Research is suggesting that FTP is not as good a reflection of Functional Threshold and some coaches only work off Critical Power and Max Aerobic Power) There are many other apps, but I guess these are probably the main one’s. Also most of the value come from Power Meters and trainers. GPLama and DC Rainmaker are the authority on accuracy on this stuff. Research Power Meters and Indoor Trainers on their websites as there are lots of snake oil manufacturers.
Now go and be awesome…
I’d recommend Trainer Road paired with one of the cycling platforms – you can do the workouts while “riding” on group rides or solo on a virtual cycling platform, e.g. Zwift (pay), IndieVelo (free), or MyWhoosh (free.) Zwift has more “carrots” and many, many more people and groups than other platforms.
I use IndieVelo, because I tired of Zwift’s worlds and my favorite type of group rides went away. I found the routes, worlds, and real people quite engaging for a long time. I suspect you’d find Zwift more engaging than other platforms. Zwift has training plans for all sorts of goals.
IndieVelo is mostly bots, but there are some real people, and the bots are more like real riders than on other platforms. The interface is much more intuitive and easy to use than MyWhoosh (horrible interface) or Zwift.
The nice thing about Trainer Road is that it will give you a plan and change the plan and workouts as you go along. That auto-customizing felt good to me, and I made some fitness gains. Using Training Peaks requires that you add a training plan from someplace – a coach or some free one you find. I didn’t use a coach and felt like it was dull and clumsy. Other people love it.
