Hello letsrun,
Out of curiosity, would it be advantageous to do max effort swims or bike rides in order to build strength, improve vo2 max, and build mental toughness (2 sessions/week all year round)? Would this allow for the benefits of polarized training without the increased injury risk? Lets say every Friday and Sunday, I did an all out 20 minute effort on a bike, would this improve my chances of making it to NXN this fall (this is my end goal)? I am 17, male, and currently at 50mpw (want to hit 80 over the summer).
Many thanks!