gains made in OS carry over?

lenahan10

I have been reading about all of the fantastic gains made by all in their OS - very impressive! This is my first time training with EN for an IM so my first time with this OS plan and wondering if these gains are in fact maintained over the entire season plan? 

benvanmarcke

For me they have been in previous years - in fact my FTP would continue to increase during the season. Ultimately, the OS is limited volume but high intensity, and with the HIM and IM plans that intensity doesn't go away but we add 'long' on top of this continuous 'fast', so training harder, which at least for me has resulted in continued FTP increase. Then again, I will also say I'm one of those people with high highs and very low lows, so keep that in mind.

GMAN 19030

In my experience, "most" of the gains carry over. My FTP is always at its peak before the first race of the season and usually goes down a little once I start racing.

MattAaronson

Posted By Bob McCallum on 26 Dec 2012 08:06 AM

In my experience, "most" of the gains carry over. My FTP is always at its peak before the first race of the season and usually goes down a little once I start racing.

That's my experience as well, although I say that a bit tentatively because I've never tested my FTP in-season. I think in 2011 my FTP went down for sure, but in 2012 I did a much better job of maintaining it. In both cases I raced successfully all season long using target numbers derived from my peak FTP.

Eric Rueppel

My FTP peaked right before taper started. I had gains during in-season but not as bid as in the OS.

ezellrh

At the end of my 2012 OS, I tested 279 (indoors) prior to starting my in-season plans. I did not test over the summer leading into either of my two races. Fast forward 2 separate 12 week builds and a three week lay off to recharge the batteries, I tested 299 (indoors) on a 2x20 test to start my pre-2013 NOS work. So for me, it would seem that I continued to get stronger over the summer. As Ben aludes to, the "work" stays in the plans for the in-season plans, the rides just get longer.

Tom Glynn

For me, top end power definitely drops a bit after OS, but you get really really good at holding 85% for long periods of time as you roll into IM training and just riding around outside with friends in the spring and summer. Wait to May or June and start watching for the forum posts on ditching your old slow friends and trying to find new fast friends. You just get that ability to push hard in the OS and once you have it, it's always there.