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Bike Test Training Zone Dilemma

Leslie KnightLeslie Knight
in General Training Discussions

So- you may recall that I've been goofing off since last Oct- working out, but not really training.  Started a training plan for a HIM in Nov last month.  After a month of being able to do the plan and push the (old) zones as prescribed on the bike, I tested today.  Well- not surprisingly, my NP for the 20 min test was 14 pts lower than 14 mo ago (yes- 14mo- don't judge!).  My NP for the 5 min test was only 1 point lower.  

So- here's the dilemma- if I'm meeting my old zones, why would I lower them?  Should I?  I think this was a pretty good test today- a new course (because I've moved)- relatively flat, but there are a few stop lights and I turned the Garmin off during the slow down, stop and speed up for them.  

Comments

  • Robert SaboRobert Sabo
    I agree with you. If your meeting your zones in training and are feeling okay, would not change the zones on one test. I would try to find a better place to test next though.
  • ezellrhezellrh
    Agree with you and Robert. All the tests do is give us 'good enough' numbers to train by. If you are already demonstrating that you can train at your 'old' zones, then stick with them.
  • Nate ParadyNate Parady
    There is some skill at testing that you may have lost over the past year. Its almost an event in itself. If you are hitting your zone 4 numbers during the training I would say keep what you got. If you are only hitting your zone 3 zones for a HIM training plan you may want to back off just a bit or at least ask your self how hard are you pushing to get through a zone 4 workout. should be hard, but not crazy.

    this past winter I did the bike focus plan where you do zone 4 sessions 4 days a week. I did this for 11 weeks. I found that starting at an "easier" level of FTP actually helped me improve my overall success. Went from FTP 208 up to 240. it was humbling to enter in a lower number but then it quickly went up. Allowed for that process of "train"--"recover"--"train" to take effect which ultimately made me stronger and raise the FTP.
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