Converting power to lthr

Brad Marcus

 Again, just starting out as a EN member. I live in the NorthEast, and swore to myself that despite any "mild" temps, I'd dedicate more time to the trainer this year vs biking outdoors. I'm a believer that there are benefits. Anyway, I train with power on my indoor trainer, however, haven't made the jump to a power meter when riding outdoors. I know I'm a bit ahead of myself, it being January, but when the temps warm up, what is the best way to make the jump from training with power (FTP/Vo2) to heart rate (LTHR)? 

These are things that go through your mind while running the 20 min FTP test!

Thx!

russG

Hi Bradley - welcome! 

Best way is to get power  but that does come at a significant cost and I assume you're asking because it's not an investment you want to make right now, esp if you have wheels you like.  I got a very good deal on a year-old PT - there are deals to be found - but I only put it out there in case you want to entertain the possibility, which you may not.  The main benefit for you of indoor training will probably be training with power.

If you wear your HRM when you do TR, then you will have your LTHR as a result of your TR power tests.  You will be able to track your LTHR over the course of the outseason and subsequent training plans.  It's basically your AHR over your 20m test intervals; there are other ways to figure it out from your aggregate TR files.

That said... outdoor can differ significantly from indoor... I know this is true for power, and I'm fairly certain it's true for HR. 

Best way?  I would recommend that you re-test when you formally transition and pack up the indoor equipment for the summer.

Coach Patrick

You could also do your Interval work on the trainer (Wed) so at least part of your week is dialed in. And as Coach Rich will tell you, your will become ACUTELY familiar with effort over the next 14 weeks...and you will know what's "right" by the time you get outside (if not well enough, certainly better than ever before!) .