Dear (soon to be) Dr. Storoschok,
... blablabla ....
I've just read your recently published paper, regarding the much talked about zone 2 training.
While i've enjoyed reading it, some questions have emerged and as you've stated yourself,
in your discussion and conclusion, you're questioning the current status quo
in high performance endurance sports.
I would be grateful, if you could shed some light onto the situation.
1. Zone 2 typically refers to the norwegian 5 zone model. (
https://olt-skala.nif.no/olt_2024_en.pdf)
It categorises zone 2 into the range of 72-82% of HRmax (or 1-2mmol/L lactate)
In some passages, for example regarding source 80, you write, that the participants of
the study were at 60% of HRmax, indicating zone 2. But refering to the Olmypiatoppen scale,
that intensity falls into the zone 1 range. (Even though i know, that training zone are arbitrary constructs.)
2. Stephen Seiler observed, that all the pros have a intensity distribution of about 20% hard (z5)
and 80% easy (zone 1-2). And he often proclaims that too much of the hard stuff or in the
- how he calls it - grey zone (z 3+5) and too little of easy training, leads to stagnation and injury
in amateurs.
3. There's studies showing, that the greatest predictor for endurance performance is not
intensity distribution or anything, but overall training volume. I think that lines up with Seilers
conclusions, because one can do more easy than hard training, especially in running,
where the strain on the active and passive movement system increases overproportionally
with the running speed.
4. The idea behind polarised training is to prevend the accumulation of too much lactate and the performance-
inhibiting metabolites. Therefore the endurance athlete needs a broad aerobic base,
which is - according to for example san-millan (2022) - achieved with training at fatmax.
6. What do you personally think - after your conclusions - is the purpose of zone 2 training,
for elite and recreational athletes? And why do coaches and sport scientists prescribe it?
What are your recommendations for recreational atheletes? Maybe with time constrains.
Should they deviate form the 80/20 rule? If yes, how?
I'm looking forward to your answers and opinions!
Yours sincerely
labil
