Big loss on FTP test after bike re-fit vs something else going on
Hi All - I have been sufferring through some sciatica/PF type problems of varying intensities for a couple of years, but last year when I finally HAD to replace my saddle (gel was leeking!) it got a lot worse, especially attempting to run off the bike, which required walking and stretching vs previously being able to hold low 7's for 5k /7:40 10k pace. So 2 weeks ago I went to a bike-fit specialist locally for an adjustment, the first since I bought the bike nearly 10 years ago, to see if he could tweak the position thinking that I had put my new seat on slightly differently which was aggregating my condition. He jacked the seat up and forwards on me quite a bit and said that it would probably take a little bit to get used to it. He also said to come back as often as needed if we need to tweak it and came highly recommended from local die-hards. So, in the meantime I did a duathlon and was ok, was able to run at my Z4 the second time, but otherwise my key training has been on the computrainer on my super old trek. But my FTP testing has been with my local tri group at a group computrainer session. Today I retested and the numbers were aweful. I just felt like I wasn't getting anything going but getting really tired really fast, hard to explain, but my last test 6 weeks ago was 188, today I was 171 for the first 20 then then second I couldn't even hold anywhere near that and had to back down, so total was 162, about where I was in November after a long break. The local tri club coach said that a big drop when changing set-up/position is normal and that I'll get it back within a few weeks, but I've also been feeling run-down, so am trying to make sense of it all. Anyone have any insights - do you lose that much power on a set-up change or am I maybe in need of a break? Am due to start putting in a lot more time outside (on the new-er bike) and am also considering using it more on the trainer for the longer sessons. Any thoughts if anyone has experienced something similar is much appreciated!')" unselectable="on" style="width: 20px; cursor: hand; height: 20px">" height="20" src="http://members.endurancenation.ushttp://members.endurancenation.us/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/unsure.gif" width="20" alt="" />
Comments
I had already read through Chris' recent similar thread and was doubting over-training vs change in position but in comparison my loss was pretty huge % wise. But did run w/o problems off the bike which is a welcome change. In the meantime I"ll need to adjust my trainer bike to be the same set-up to work the change consistently. I've got PowerCranks on my dedicated trainer bike which replaces my hip-flexor/glute PT exercises and that also seems to help with the Sciatic/PF issues.
@Linda, it does take a little time to get used to a new position. I'm right there with you with the sciatica! Remember, its sooo easy to get wrapped up in watts...I'm very guilty....BUT, nobody get a prize for the highest watts, its all about SPEED! Great job and keep pushing!
Friend of mine, and fellow EN'er, is belly-aching about lower watts than usual / he would like / he shoould be pushing, yadda, yadda, yadda, but he's faster than ever. Just set the 45-49 year old age group record at the Charlotte Motor Speedway TT bu 30+". My point...fast is fast whether its more watts or more aero. My daughter's Cross Country team's saying is the bomb..."Speed Kills!"
BTW...I'm talking about YOU, Jeff Brandenburg!
Re sciatic issues - I do think that the powercranks help a lot with the muscle imbalance issue that PT always has me working on with various exercises (hence dedicated trainer bike vs yet more time doing timeconsuming less sport specific exercises) They're independent crank arms so you HAVE to pull up to work on your pedal up-stroke. I don't know if they make you that much faster on the bike vs their claims, just that I'd have to bike or run less in order to have time to do those exercises instead, so faster for me:-)