How far are your normal rollerski sessions?
I was just out last night with the dog and 20km just seemed to fly by.
It seems to be about my 'zone' where I feel satisfied at the end and not craving more.
(Nice rolling terrain, mostly double poling - Classic)
So, what are your workouts like?
It depends on the goal of the workout. For an OD type session, I usually do between 20-30 miles, depending on the time I'm shooting for. Usually, I don't bother with the mileage and focus on the time and intensity of the session.
I do my training plan on time and heart rate zones, and only occasionally record distance in the log.
This time of year, a week might have two 90 minute z1 runs, a two hour z1 bike ride, and a one hour z1 rollerski. I try to do some speed about every third week in June, most often a 20 minute race pace interval or 3x4(4) intervals. Pretty low on intensity and time compared to the elite skiers, but it seems to work for this very non-elite master.
The big months are October and November, with more hours and two high intensity workouts a week. May is getting fit to train, June and July are building up, August and September are slowly increasing intensity. By September, about 60% of the time is on rollerskis.
Training is personal, and depends on your circumstances, history, and targets for the next season. Probably the most critical element in training for non-elite skiers is having fun :-)
NordicSpy, your question can have both a fitness & an enjoyment answer & probably others. We have some terrific off street paved paths here along rivers & lakes so it is a wonderful place to train. Fitness theory is that OD workouts should be over 1.5 hrs long for best zone 1 results. With places like these and the new big wheels roller skies, it is a joy to RS 2-4 hrs. (at least some days). The question about whether long Z1 training improves fitness in already trained athletes apparently can not be proved. One theory about why such long-low intensity training might produce improved performance over many years is improved economy of movement. Long workouts on the new narrow wheel RS have certainly improved my skiing both skate & classic & since I live 75 mi. from snow, more hrs RSing is better. Long Z1 bouts off-street easily get me in the "grove" or as Barowski calls it "the pleasure zone". ( BTW, Barowski is not a believer in doing lots of Z1 skiing.) For me, a 25 mi. RS on good pavement along a mountain lake or river w/ a Bald Eagle flying above will always be one of life's best. So the answer to your question depends a lot on what's important to YOU.
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