FTP test
I have had my power meter for 6 months now but just did my first FTP test exactly as prescribed. Outdoors is was always impossibile to find a route where I could 'go' for 20 minutes without slowing for something. So I approximated it. For those who have been to AZIM, Two weeks ago I rode the AZ Beeline and finally, had uninterrupted 20 min intervals. I started at the gas station, warmed up then did the test. I had about 150 ft change in incline. For the second part, I turned around and came back, going downhill. My question is, would it be more accurate to do the second 20 minutes, going uphill towards shea? My average power was definitely 5 more going up and I was trying my hardest going back. I am asking, because it feels low in my workouts. I reread the info on this and Rich describes doing his 20 min tests on his hill repeats
Comments
On that route I think the direction out/back for an FTP test would be irrelevant. Starting from the gas station, the incline averages no more than 1% for the first 7 miles, about what it takes for 20 minutes. When Rich is talking about hills, it's 5-8% steady, an entirely different animal. I have no trouble pushing big watts "down" the Beeline. The only thing to consider is to do the 2 minute recovery interval as a continuation of the uphill leg, then turn around; or do the first two miles uphill as a warm-up, then start the test, then ride minutes, then turn around, to give yourself enough room to do the whole 20 minutes for the second leg.
Betsy,
I understand the candence preference part but were you actully spinning out or is this just a need to shift in to a harder gear? Now if you are spinning out of gears this is a good problem to have.
I know I have an tendency to back down in a situation like this as well but it's good mental focus to keep the bike in the right gear and pushing watts.
Gordon