8x8 Threshold Session

Lionel Sanders
Lionel SandersJun 8, 2026

Why It Matters

Consistent threshold work paired with precise fueling and equipment tweaks directly boosts endurance capacity while minimizing burnout, offering competitive cyclists and triathletes clear performance gains.

Key Takeaways

  • Consistency is core principle; aim for weekly threshold sessions.
  • Consume 75‑150 g carbs per hour, matching intensity and oxidation.
  • Use power, heart rate, and feel to gauge threshold intensity.
  • Run lower tire PSI for improved handling, despite old high‑pressure habit.
  • Hydrate 1.5‑1.8 L per hour at ~250‑300 W effort to maintain performance.

Summary

The video is a candid discussion about executing a threshold training session, blending personal anecdotes with practical advice for cyclists and endurance athletes.

The speaker stresses that consistency—doing at least one, preferably two, threshold workouts per week—is the foundation of long‑term performance. He recommends carbohydrate intake of 75 g/h during easy zones and up to 150 g/h when riding at 220 W, using power, heart‑rate and perceived effort to stay near threshold. He also advises lowering tire PSI for better grip, contrary to traditional high‑pressure preferences.

Real‑world data are shared: a 64‑minute effort averaged 350 W with a 130 bpm heart rate, and a subsequent 82‑minute ride demonstrated the need for longer trainer sessions to mimic outdoor torque variability. Sweat rate was measured at 1.77 L/h at 257 W, leading to a hydration target of roughly 1.5‑1.8 L per hour.

Applying these metrics helps athletes avoid overtraining, maintain energy balance, and improve bike handling, ultimately translating into more reliable endurance performance and reduced injury risk.

Original Description

After Ironman Texas, the focus hasn’t changed.
Consistency is still king.
In this video I talk about training by feel, learning from Texas, why outdoor riding is different than trainer riding, hydration, fueling, and why everything has to be filtered through one simple principle:
Keep stacking days.
The goal isn’t one great workout.
The goal is being healthy enough, disciplined enough, and consistent enough to put together months of good training.
That’s what we’re working toward.
#Triathlon #Ironman #LionelSanders #EnduranceTraining #TriathlonTraining
Support Lionel’s training setup
Get $40 annual credit at The Feed (Lionel’s nutrition, hydration, and supplements):
Monitor recovery, blood markers, and performance trends with Rythm Health:
Video by Talbot Cox

Comments

Want to join the conversation?

Loading comments...