I’ve been cycling a long time but am pretty new to Zwift. I’m looking to at starting a training plan (never done that before either) in order to meet some big endurance mtb goals I have for later summer. I’m looking at “Active Offseason” because of the higher volume. However, it seems that if I successfully complete this plan I will have little space for doing group rides and/or the occasional race. Is this correct? (I’m not just talking about my calendar, though there are limits there, too. I’m referring more to the ability to add in/swap out other events and activities).
I’d much rather do a three hour group ride than simply go solo with the training plan while staring at the instructions at the screen. So–is there anyway to switch this up? Can I just do an appropriately paced group ride and then click “completed outside”? Or do a race if I feel like it instead of an interval ride? (Not sure what happens if I miss a workout) Or would I be better of switching plans to something with lighter volume (build me up? Gran Fondo?) and then just adding in longer rides where I desire? Or maybe working my way through the workouts listed in the under Winter Training?
Probably no one perfect answer, but input is appreciated.