Long Training Rides In Zone 2

This is my second time around on Fink's program.  I go above Z2 on hills (and sometimes in the crazy WIND we've been having in WI lately) but I always end up averaging in Z2 for the entire long ride.  It's impossible for me to stay in Z2 the whole time...but i'm sure as the season goes on, my HR on those hills will get lower and lower.   It's going to go up higher on your bike in the IM anyway with those hills, so this is good practice.

I'm doign the just finish plan and agree that it is near impossible to stay in zone 2 for hills. I just accept that my HRM will scold me and keep going.

More or less.

But here is my rub...  In a race, I tend to either be too hyped up, or push a little too hard, and have a hard time staying in Z2 for much of it.  It could be a case of poor race management.

HOWEVER, for my next go around, I think I want to push my long rides a little more.  More like race pace which usuallly averages high z2/z3.

I am following the Fink Intermediate plan and just assume that overall I will be Zone 2 when dealing with hills.  Think of the hills as interval work and training your upper zones.  Don't do these all the time otherwise it will deteriorate your efficiency at the lower rates.  If you feel the need to stay in zone 2 - get on a flatter course or on a trainer, doing so will help you realize what a consistent effort over the long haul is like and will help train your body to work efficiently at that aerobic zone.

Just my 2 cents from the little experience I've had so far (and what I've been told and read).

After doing 2 months of masters swimming I did the straight 2500 which became a bit tough after 25 minutes.  Once every 2-3 weeks I will do the straight swims the book has scheduled for me to remind my body that it needs to go long.

One more thing: the book suggests cadence for biking between 80-90 (uphills at 80, flats at 90).  I've been getting closer to the 80rpm on hills, but the IMWI course has some sections where it goes far below that.  Then I just keep my breathing in check.

Good luck!