Power vs speed and cadence

[Imtb]

Thanks Bruce this is a real learning curve, but worth every Watt I put into it!

[bruce]

Thanks Bruce this is a real learning curve' date=' but worth every Watt I put into it![/quote']

 

[Imtb]

Apologies, one more question - lets say over time the average HR is 80% of max for my threshold and then drops to 75% after a couple of months of training - would that still not be an indication that if I did a time trial my threshold would probably come out higher and then I would train at a higher threshold and average HR? Sorry to harp on about HR...just want to get this clear in my head.

[bruce]

Apologies' date=' one more question - lets say over time the average HR is 80% of max for my threshold and then drops to 75% after a couple of months of training - would that still not be an indication that if I did a time trial my threshold would probably come out higher and then I would train at a higher threshold and average HR? Sorry to harp on about HR...just want to get this clear in my head.[/quote']

 

The best indication would be a 20min TT done periodically, that way there is no guessing - just do the TT and see what your threshold is.

 

With a power meter, training is testing and testing is training.  So, part of your training program would include threshold rides.  Then, if you are finding that they feel easier, go harder - you don't need your HR to tell you that you are going easy, the pain in your legs will let you know!

 

You should be re-assessing yourself every 4 to 6 weeks anyway during off-season.  During the season you will be racing and going as hard as you can - that data will tell you whether your threshold power has improved or not.

[Imtb]

 I get the message, forget about my heart rate and concentrate on power!

[BikeMax]

 

Thanks Bruce and Peter' date=' I understand what you are saying.

 

My threshold has been posted at 240 - 280 W but in my last training session someone mentioned this...

 

I have a feelling that the intensity for the L4 work may be slightly low ( based on your HR)

For the one session that you got pretty spot on in terms of power,  average HR was 158 for both intervals from what I can see ? so 83% of your max HR

You probably should be closer to 90% of Max HR

Would this indicate that my threshold could be higher?

[/quote']

 

I think he is saying that FTP "might" be higher, given that your response to the session he is talking about was a little lower than might be expected for this sort of intensity. In other words - all things being equal, most athletes would be nearer to 90% MHR ave for a 2 x 20 @ 100FTP than 83% MHR.

 

The best way to find out is to test it and see..

 

[Imtb]

Thanks Peter, its all beginning to make sense Will probably be doing a TT in next couple of weeks. am finding training with a Power meter very rewarding - it seems to make a training session that much more precise/accurate. It also utilises the time I have more efficiently.