Need some advice on Power testing

Keith Shireman

I just got my Garmin power meter and computer this week and I'm in the process of setting this up so I can test. My question is can I test on the trainer or do I need to be outside to test? Yes I'm probably asking a dumb question but I'm new to this and want to gain as much knowledge about power so I can be better prepared for Ironman Texas in April. I just want to do things right. Thanks for your time everyone. 

Shaughn Simmons

There are no dumb questions.

Given you will most likely spend your winter time on the trainer, test on the trainer to get a valid baseline against which to accurately measure your progress over the winter every 4-5 weeks.

By the way, the trainer is also an excellent tool to drive fitness for a flat course like IMTX.

I use PT pedals so that I can measure consistent power whether I am outside or inside.  That said, testing on the trainer will generally yield a number that is 3-5% lower that testing outside using the same power meter tool.  There are lots of reasons for this but don't get distracted.

Set that baseline on trainer. Follow the OS wkos over the winter.  Get faster and lose all of your outside riding buddies by spring time given no one will want to ride with the new you!

SS

scott dinhofer

what ^^he^^ said
keep in mind that your first few power tests will likely result in wide discrepancies(and have huge improvements). Learning to ride hard for the time a power test takes and mentally pushing yourself takes training and practice. especially on a trainer where you are going at truly even power as opposed to outdoors where you have variations in terrain, road surface, etc.. 

stick with it and ask often. I don't have time to search now, but there are a lot of threads in the haus on this, excellent topic and probably worth getting more opinions in here since it IS that time of year, and there are lots of new people in the haus!

keep asking the questions

Al Truscott

The general rule is: test in the conditions in which you will be training, and racing. Shaughn is 100% spot on for your current testing: on the trainer, same bike you'll be using on the trainer (meaning, no need to use a TT bike if you don't want.) If/when your training moves outdoors, and/or you switch from one bike (road) to another (TT), re-setting your FTP is needed. As Scott says, numbers can vary, not only with the success of structured training, but also in different situations. There are no absolute rules, but most people find their FTP on a TT bike outdoors will be different than on a road bike on the trainer, or a road bike outdoors. Some are higher, some are lower, but most of us do NOT have the same FTP in all situations. So when it comes time to be planing your race (say, starting early March), you'll want to know what your FTP is on the equipment you'll be using in the race.

A thought: focus on your effort, not your numbers. Work as hard as you can given the parameters of that days workout, and your numbers will take care of themselves.

Keith Shireman

Thanks guys for all the help and advice! I want to do well at IMTX and this a great start! Thank you!

John Withrow

@Keith Shireman there are certainly no dumb questions, so ask away.   And the answers aren't just for you, you never know what lurkers might also get value out of the discussions that start with any question/comment.

I'm pretty sure the other folks above already nailed your actual question above...

But if you want bit of direction as you peer down into the Power training rabbit hole.  I started the below post ~5 yrs ago now, but if you're new to Power Training it still might be a good thread/resource to read to orient you with much of the basic stuff on what you should be thinking about/focusing on as a new power meter user... 

https://endurancenation.vanillacommunities.com/discussion/10477/power-for-dummies/p1

Keith Shireman

Thank you @John Withrow , that is very helpful information. I did try a 2 hr 15 min ride yesterday testing out the computer/powermeter with a result of 147 watts. Of course I didn't feel rested due to work but will be doing a test on Tuesday to get some numbers to start with. I know I have a long way to go but thankfully I have plenty of time to make the appropriate increases.