Bike FTP testing during Week 12 of Advanced IM plan
Hey RnP-
I'm following the Advanced IM plan in prep for IMAZ. Per my Season Road Map and the instructions in loading up the IM plan, I'm on Week 12 of 20. I did a HIM on 9/7, then loaded the plan the following Monday (9/9) and have been following it. Did BDP last weekend. I was scheduled to do the Bike FTP testing this week, which I did yesterday. I was disappointed with the results; no improvement. I am attributing this to the fact that my legs are still pretty fatigued from the HIM on 9/7, then hammering a week's worth of workouts, then doing the BDP (essentially another HIM+), then doing the testing.
Questions:
1. Is it expected that legs should be fatigued during the testing, especially coming off the BDP day (and, in my case, a HIM the week prior)?
2. If yes to #1, then what is the rationale here? Is it so I have numbers that will be accurate to what they might be on race day? I thought perhaps getting numbers on (fairly) rested legs would be good, but not sure here.
3. My FTP stayed the same as when I tested in August (Current FTP = 292. Goal = 300+ by IMAZ). When do I (or should/can I) test again?
No hurry on any of this.
Thanks,
Wolf
Comments
@Wolf, yes your results are due to the fatigue. IOW, a similar test result on legs that are even more tired / with more fatigue "technically" means improved fitness.
The rationale here for testing isn't _just_ to chronicle improvement, but rather to make sure that your bike sessions are completed at the proper level of intensity -- some folks peak FTP in the OutSeason and, despite fatigue during the season, will stick with that higher number leading to even MORE fatigue and reduced race day performance. In your case, I suggest that you work in a week with a bit more rest, such as:
Keep me posted!