First I'd like to say that I have a tremendous respect for whatever magic you guys do here. I read tons of positive reviews and results from MAO.
I am a precious few weeks away from completing my current training plan and hopefully my first Ironman. So far, I have spent 2 season training, the first was self-coached and focused on just increasing volume by building to 100mpw cycling and 45mpw running. I felt that I made some good improvements in my first year with a BQ and a pair of sub-5 70.3s.
This season, I have used an intensity focused training plan to train for my upcoming Ironman. I have seen some healthy improvements including a 20' to 18.5' 5k drop and a 232-271w FTP increase. I have been very satisfied with my current program, but I understand that variety induces adaptation. I am fortunate enough to have more available time to train than the 15-16 hrs/wk limit of my current program.
I understand MAO is more of a LSD focused program with attention weighted on volume and aerobic training.
My question is concerning next season and hopefully an early season race. Should I stick with the intensity based program that is working for me now since I have been satisfied with my improvements or is it a good time to add variety and focus on a relatively untrained attribute by switching to the MAO coaching style of aerobic development?
Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.