Quick question

[The Saint]

When training on an indoor trainer should you set the trainer to a difficulty level similar to what it feels like when you are riding on the road or  set it to a level that is slightly harder.

[mrmed]

I set mine to a level that is slightly easier. On an IDT there is no time to rest, so I rather increase my cadence during the intervals than increase the load. I find if I increase the load I don't want to exercise as long (could be a mental issue). I'm not sure this is the correct thing to do, it's just what I do. mrmed2007-11-11 10:58:20

[The Saint]

Thanks for the input...my problem is my Garmin, it has a virtual partner guy on it so I race this little bastard day in and day out . I just find that if I set it easier I beat the pants off him. I nailed him by 10km's today so I was thinking of setting it to a harder level to give him a chance but I am scared this could do more damage than good. The current level I ave the IDT set to feels exactly like I am riding on a flat road.

 

By the way the virtual partner goodie on the Garmin is a God send to alleviating the boredom of an indoor trainer.

 

[Windbreaker]

If you are trying to match the power that you would use on the road then set it so that it feels harder. If you had a power meter you would probably see that even though it feels much harder the power output is usually a lot lower.

 

So set it harder .... or maybe not if you don't want to end up throwing it out the window halfway thru the session.

 

[The Saint]

I think I will go one level up...thanks guys