Today I did a scheduled VO2Max session of 6 x 9 x 30 / 30 with 3 min recoveries between sets. This is the most number of sets and intervals I’ve done for this workout. I completed it, but my workout reserve said I had more in the tank. Is this because I’ve done the 30s on intervals at higher power (previously), albeit with fewer sets and intervals or is it comparing my average power over the entire session duration against my six week rolling average power for that duration?
Interesting. The workout reserve is specific for the time frame of the effort. The intuition is correct, if you did 30-sec bouts at higher power outputs, it is likely that those are the time ranges where you got closer to your max. Doing more sets and reps overall increase the slow rolling averages (overall workout reserve trending down), but apparently this was not high enough to get close to your previous max in those time ranges.
@andreazignoli It may be psychological. Because of my recent events in close proximity; I’ve been alternating between taper or recovery weeks for a few weeks. That means VO2 max have either been 2 x 7 x 30 / 30 or 3 x 7 x 30 / 30. Thus when I saw 6 x 9 x 30 / 30 I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to complete it, and almost opted to do 5 x 7 x 30 / 30, which I’ve done before. In these situations I will try and work lower down the power ranges suggested by Athletica , to ensure I complete the workout. Once I have a workout under my belt and know I can do it, I’ll likely try for higher power on the “on” intervals next time I see it scheduled. Being able to complete a workout is important to me. I don’t want to start at too high a power and burn out, before the end, with nothing in the tank.
@phil I think your mindset is best practice... the most important session is the next session and such a mindset expressed allows you to realize that...