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Fatigue??

JeremyBehlerJeremyBehler
in General Training Discussions

I seem to have misplaced about 15 watts.  If anyone finds them can you please let me know.

Through the spring I've been testing and training with an FTP between 270-275.  I did the Blue Ridge Camp in Mid May and shelled my legs.  Two weeks later, I had a huge breakthrough power-wise and had a 3+ hour ride with pNorm of 285.  I was excited about the bump in fitness. Fast forward to June...Tested around 270 again, and now I'm having trouble even holding the top end wattage for any period.  This morning I had a 10', 15', 20' FTP session with 4' rest between.  The first two I was a good 15 watts short of my FTP.  I decided to swap it out for the last set and do 1' on 1' off VO2 to show myself I could still generate the power.  I was able to put out 320 watts +/- for those intervals.

So...it this fatigue or something more?   My long rides on the weekend have the same issue holding FTP, but no issue on the Z3 work and I don't feel winded/sore after those either (meaning I think I'd be able to run effectively off the bike with that effort).

Thoughts?  Suggestions?

Comments

  • cgres123cgres123
    My 2 cent is that it's the heat and or humidity. This is about as close to summer and as far away from spring as it is going to get today image I would expect the same thing in your running too.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    You've answered you're own question:

    My long rides on the weekend have the same issue holding FTP, but no issue on the Z3 work and I don't feel winded/sore after those either (meaning I think I'd be able to run effectively off the bike with that effort)....

    Youre building far on your fast now for IM Moo. Race day will be about Z1&2, so how you perform in training @ Z2&3 is most critical now. Sounds like training is having the correct effect.
  • JeremyBehlerJeremyBehler
    David - this morning it was low 60s and low humidity so I don't think that had a major impact. I did wonder that, however, on my previous rides in heat/humidity.

    Al - good thought, and certainly makes logical sense. My only question then...is this the intent...that it's difficult to hit your Z4 numbers in weeks 8+ of an IM plan? I find it hard to imagine that, so wondering if others have the same issues or this is all by design to make us feel weak and feeble to push harder image
  • Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
    @Jeremy- if its of any consolation, I've been experiencing the same exact thing. FTP and Vo2 down from 2 months ago, more so the FTP. Had problems yesterday holding and reaching my targets with 20,15,12 min FTP workout on the trainer. What Al says makes sense and I hadn't thought of it that way, since my zone2 and 3 are no problems to ride in for extended time. Although for me, fatigue is playing some role for sure!
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    I dont know if its by design, but its certainly what I experience as I get more miles and fatigue in my legs... Longer gets easier, harder gets harder.
  • MattAaronsonMattAaronson
    Totally agree with Al. I have the exact same experience.
    I get worried that replacing "far" with "fast" so far from a goal race (IMWI) is suboptimal. Last year I managed to keep my FTP up at a good level until that same weekend in September but it required bike work beyond the plan including some really epic weekends and a bike vacation that looked like a "BBW".
  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    I hate to just say "same here", so I'm adding this prolog, with respect to Al's remarks.

    Same here.
  • morpheusmorpheus
    And, don't forget that R & P don't expect us to climb the FTP ladder in a linear fashion all year long.

    biggest gains are made in spurts. sounds like those recent gains are very real, don't panic, focus on recovering. don't get desparate and start ignoring signals for recovery which will negate the gains made from the hard work.

    by the time I start an HIM or IM build, say the last 12 - 16 weeks or so, I'm pretty much done trying to improve my FTP for the year.

    as P told me once, work on improving your FTP during those other months and start learning how to race with your FTP in these weeks leading up to your race.
  • morpheusmorpheus
    and to add...

    I believe these plans are uniquely flexible.

    Meaning, if you need a few extra days to spin/run ez to recharge the legs, then do it. It's not a FAIL. It's your individuality that you have to remember to factor into the plan. And, now's the perfect time to do it, with 12 weeks left to IMMoo.
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