A recent Reddit discussion sparked curiosity among endurance athletes regarding the efficacy of training at Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS). User dmhrpr initiated the conversation by referencing a research study that suggests training at this intensity may enhance VO2 max and threshold pace. However, the user struggled to find firsthand experiences from others in their own training journeys. They specifically inquired if sustained 1-hour sessions at MLSS on equipment like a stairmaster could be beneficial for overall performance. A variety of responses poured in, showcasing both excitement and skepticism around this training style, highlighting the diverse approaches athletes take based on their goals, training time, and personal experiences.
Summary
- Athletes share varied opinions on the utility of MLSS training sessions, with some endorsing the method and others suggesting alternatives.
- Many respondents relate MLSS training to popular methodologies, like the Norwegian style, emphasizing sustained efforts over time.
- While some view MLSS training as valuable, others caution against its sustainability and recommend a more holistic training approach.
- The community highlights personal success stories mixed with word of caution about the intensity and frequency of threshold training.
The Allure of MLSS Training
MLSS has gained traction as a sought-after training intensity for serious endurance athletes. Users in the subreddit discussed how MMSS can effectively enhance performance by allowing athletes to train at the edge of their ability. One commenter, minceShowercap, likened this endurance strategy to the trendy Norwegian methods, which focus on maintaining paces just below a threshold to maximize duration in that intensity zone. This comparison showcases how athletes are always on the lookout for innovative training styles that promise peak performance while still being effective at the same time. However, the challenge remains that while the concept of MLSS seems enticing, it raises questions about its broader applicability. Would merely focusing on time at this specific heart rate lead to effective long-term adaptations? The debate continues to provoke thoughtful discussions among users.
A Personal Touch: Variety in Training
Amid the divided opinions, various users mentioned how personal training experiences shaped their views on the MLSS approach. ScaryBee argued, “Threshold sessions give more beneficial adaptations than Z1/2/3/Sweet Spot.” They reflected on how while traditional plans might allocate 2×20-minutes at threshold once a week, an entire hour of effort could push an athlete’s limits significantly. The idea of embarking on such a taxing regime is understandably intimidating to many, and the mental hurdles of sustaining focus and effort for a whole hour at threshold can dissuade some from considering it as a viable option. laurenskz shared how they achieved remarkable streaks in their speed by dedicating hours to maintaining their MLSS, stating, “I’ve increased my MLSS speed by 20 percent in four months.” This experience illustrated that although treacherously hard, with proper execution, one could find rewards—even if personal experiences vary wildly.
The Polarized vs. Pyramidal Debate
The conversation further delved into the nuances between different training philosophies. Some users vehemently defended polarized training approaches, as highlighted by feltriderZ. They described their experience as more enjoyable and less stressful, emphasizing the integration of diverse training sessions without overexerting. They suggest that too much middle-intensity stress could risk plateauing, playing a careful balancing game with volume and intensity. This distinction between polarized and threshold/sweet spot-centric methods highlights how one athlete’s method could significantly diverge from another’s based on individual training philosophies and long-term goals. The uniqueness of each runner’s journey illuminates diverse pathways to success, prompting many to ask where their true strengths lie.
The Practicalities of Implementation
For many athletes, having a structured training plan is critical, and figuring out how to incorporate MLSS into one’s routine often comes up. User Ok_Broccoli_7610 inquired about the structure surrounding training intensity—queries centered around whether maximizing threshold running is more beneficial for shorter distances like 5K and 10K races. The insight hinted at an interesting intersection: the balance between intensity and volume required to reach one’s competitive potential. Moreover, bear in mind, pursuing higher intensity with limited overall training time requires careful consideration of recovery. Not every athlete will thrive under the same training structure, as some may find that sufficient time at lower intensities leads to greater cumulative fitness gains in the long run. The emphasis appears to rest on finding a nuanced strategy that aligns an athlete’s unique physiology with their competitive aspirations.
Whether one subscribes to the pulsating energy of MLSS training or adheres to a more mixed approach, the excitement lies in digging deeper into training styles and strategically crafting an athlete’s journey. The Reddit community certainly reflects a microcosm of broader trends within the endurance community, as athletes continually search for the strategies that keep them thriving, improving, and engaged with their respective passions. No strategy is universally foolproof, and the key lies in exploration, adaptation, and the willingness to customize a training regimen that’s as unique as the athletes themselves.