First PowerMeter test - 8 weeks to go to my first IM

Catherine Jadot

Hi Coach, 

I'm week 12 of the Interm IM Plan (first IM is MD in Sept).

Just did my first test with Power on Tuesday and I feel the power zones don't really fit my HR zones I've been using so far for the last 3 years. 

Zone 2 using Power means like zone 1 in HR?

Does that make sense? Or should I re-test, or dump the PowerMeter, too close from the race? 

Not sure what pace to use for my long ride tomorrow Sat.

Thanks

Coach Patrick

Catherine...the zones aren't really a one for one. You basically need to ride with the power meter zones and "relearn" your heart rate. IOW, when I ride Z2 on the bike as power, I usually see an HR of "x", etc. It also takes riding for a few weeks to get used to power. It's VERY VALUABLE for race day, in terms of riding steady and having a great run. So you will probably need to test again in like 2 weeks, but for now every ride with a powermeter and trying to "define" the right zone for you based off of perceived exertion / your HR experience. But more importantly, I want you riding at like 140W and then hitting a hill and trying to stay between 140 and 154 (+10%) so you can get used to what it means to be steady .... And then ride that 140 on the downhill too....

David Leventhal

Catherine - FWIW I transitioned to a powermeter about 8 weeks before IMCDA this year. It has been the single best thing I've done in my training. It's totally changed (for the better) the way I train and race & over the course of about 3 weeks my bike IQ jumped considerably. Can't encourage you enough to stick with the PM for IMMD.

Catherine Jadot

thank you both for valuable input, great help! Will try today again to have steady power (was very successful yesterday) and observe my HR.
Will retest in 2 weeks and see how/if my zone changes.

Thanks!

Coach Patrick

I love it -- BikeIQ. BIQ. Every ride will make you smarter...fitness is a bonus at this point. Welcome to the power revolution!