Q:  I really like the structured rides that the Squad program offers, but wonder why you don’t build all the runs and swims as also structured?  Is there any way of upgrading to structured sessions across the board?

A:  Thanks so much for the question, and I appreciate the feedback.  I have a few areas to follow up on regarding “structured” workouts.  

If you are reading this and do not understand what these workouts are, they are simply a mapping of a specific workout coding to allow the prescribed training to link to a third-party device such as Zwift and take the athlete “through” the workout.  Minute by minute, you receive coaching cues, while the trainer is automatically set for your personal intensity relative to prescribed effort.

These sessions are highly efficient, as well as fun, and do take much of the thinking out of the equation.  While we do have plans to expand these sessions, there are a few sessions in which a “structured” format makes no sense at all from a performance standpoint:

1.  Swim workouts in the pool:  In a controlled environment, with feedback from the pace clock, it is really important to not be reliant on the watch, not prescribed by a specific “zone.”  The last thing I want is a swimmer constantly looking down at the wrist or trying to hit a certain pace/100 on the watch.  
2. Track sessions:  Every running track session should help develop a “sense” of pacing and awareness, so we don’t want the watch being the king.  
3. Most outdoor rides:  With so many athletes, having different terrain, conditions, and situations to ride (such as 15 minutes of stoplights before hitting good riding); I do not have any luck with “structured” outdoor rides.  I much prefer simple prescriptions with a main set that can be ticked off in most suitable terrain.
4. Most variable terrain endurance runs and trail runs:   With variable terrain, sticking to a set pace of heart rate doesn’t make sense.  It is smarter to have feelings and zones, then gain feedback from the information.

With this said, we are looking to do three specific changes to the Squad over the coming weeks:

• Simplify the sessions:  We are going to make all of the supporting sessions much shorter prescriptions and easier to remember and apply.  The swims are the swims, but look for the bikes and runs to be easier in prescription (unless structured).
• Clean up the presentation:  We have requested Today’s Plan provide a feature in which we can toggle display for time-starved and time-rich.  This allows the eager and ambitious, who have time, to see all the sessions available, but most athletes will only ever see one single session daily.
• Begin structured runs:  When it makes sense and fits within the methodology, we wil, likely,l begin this in Q4.  I am going to make the decision myself on structured versus unstructured, so you can argue with me if you don’t agree! 

I hope that helps.  Lots of fun changes coming.

Matt