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Test Results

Ralph MooreRalph Moore
in General Training Discussions

OK,

SO I have been using virtual power through Trainer Road and I have tested 3 times: 1/2way through OS, end of OS, and recently in wk 16 of the HIM plan. I am a little confused by the results and would appreciate some input.

Date                         NP                             HR                        Cadence

12/16/2013      VO2      261                       125                          80

               Threshold      217                       127                          77

1/30/2014        VO2     268                       126                           87

              Threshold      226                        131                          78

3/27/2014        VO2     255                       133                           76

              Threshold      220                       135                           74

 

So, here is my question: It seems like the NP for both my THreshold and VO2 incrased from mid OS to the end of OS and that both have lowered a bit as I have trained for my HIM. I can understand that but Why is my heart rate Higher? 

Comments

  • jalesliejaleslie

    Ralph...my interpretation of this would be that it is not all that unexpected.  In wk 16 of HIM plan, you have been subjecting your body to more volume and are more fatigued from longer rides/runs, than in the OS.  I haven't formally done the OS, but from what I've seen/heard, the intensity is really high, but you get 2 days off/week and the volume is much lower than in the heart of a HIM or IM plan.  Your HR is higher for the same reason, most likely.  FTP drop of only 6 watts at wk 16 of HIM plan is pretty good.  I'd be happy to just maintain my "fast" while building the "far".  The key is to know your HR zone/target for the HIM bike.  I can't really give you any advice on that, as you will be racing in a "recovered" state after a taper.  The key is your RR ride HR and how you feel/run on those 1hr bricks that follow the RR ride. Another factor, esp with respect to HR during an FTP test is how you rested/recovered for the test and whether it was just a "bad day".  Some days I just don't have it.  This is part of the issue with testing at wk 16....you will be more fatigued than during the OS.  Also, did you test the same way all three times (5/10/20)?   

    I'm sure some smarter folks will chime in.... 

  • Robert SaboRobert Sabo
    I would agree with Jeff's points. I assume all the tests were indoors on TR. Do you have AM heart rates to compare between these time periods to see if you have some over reaching and just need some rest? I am also concerned about your low cadence which has gotten even slower. Higher cadence with similar wattage might keep the HR lower?
  • tim cronktim cronk
    @Ralph
    Couple things.....
    One test does not make a trend....
    When using power ,real or virtual , disreguard HR there are too many variables for HR.... Do the best you can to test in similar conditions and settings... Compare power numbers...
    Another example would be your cadence was also lower on your last test....Usually lower cadence means lower HR....Not always but usually...

    HR is still data that you can collect and compare.... but again 1 test does not make a trend.... Wouldnt worry about it at all.... I'm probably one of the few but since using power have completely removed HR from the picture.... Never wear it anymore and I never look at cadence either... All I care about is the power numbers...
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    I have the same perspective as Robt and Jeff, with this observation: 3-5 weeks to go before an IM or HIM is the time when I notice the deepest levels of fatigue compared to any other time during a training cycle. Meaning that I seem to need more sleep, it's tough to keep my weight up, I'm feeling on the edge of exhaustion, etc. The slightly higher HR may be a reflection of that physical state … going deeply into the well for something like an FTP test or an Olympic distance race usually finds a little less in the reserves than at other times. I'd say it's a sign that your training is going well! Just make sure you let yourself be willing to take a day off or decrease workload for a short time if you get multiple signs of overtraining. Keeping your nutrition and fluids up during and after all workouts, as well as getting a flu night's sleep and any needed naps is the primary means of prevention.

  • Ralph MooreRalph Moore
    Thanks Guys,
    I posted this not because I was really worried but because I was trying to understand the fluctuation. I get that there will be an ebb and flow to power and all that and I just have never been in this place before and am trying to identify a pattern (possibly before there is one...).

    Overall, I am much stronger than last year and I have had no major issues with Race Rehersals so I feel pretty good at 3 weeks out from my race. But that last test seemed lots harder than the OS tests and it was not any better, I did find that disappointing.

    Clearly my power meter savings account needs to hurry up and increase so I can be more objective about the whole thing.
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