Hi Rudi,
1) Correct there is no VO2max specific intervals in the Base training plan. VO2 max is stimulated in the Base phase from the bottom up during aerobic and tempo work. You will find specific VO2max intervals in the Build, Peak and Race plan designed to follow on after the Base training plan. LW Coaching MTB training plans are periodized to develop an athlete over the season and peak at race time.
2) To stay in energy balance, when you add a session from another sport, remove a session of equal demand from that week of the training plan.
3) I recommend replacing one of the weekend rides with a ski, rather than moving the plan forward.
4) If you are adapted to running and can run at a recovery pace in HR zone 1 that works. If running adds fatigue you cannot count it as a recovery activity. Running as a warm-up prior to strength training is a better place in your schedule to add running. Keep recovery sessions truly at recovery pace or miss them out in favor of passive rest.
5) No I couldn’t make sense of that. Please re-write it connecting training plan week and calendar date. What week of the plan and calendar date are your backcountry trips? The plan is 12 weeks so I don’t follow a week 13 in your description. Please clarify what week 13 is.
Coach Lynda