Home› General Training Discussions

First test with Power ... soliciting opinions

jennifercolmanjennifercolman
in General Training Discussions

I am brand new to power (did my first ride with my new Powertap today) and will be doing my first bike test with power in the coming week or so. Question is ... what is the best approach to this first power test? I see two options:

Option 1: Watch the readings and chase a number that I think I could/should achieve based on my very few rides with power to date.

Option 2: Cover up the Garmin and do the ride based on RPE, only looking at power readings after the fact in my analysis.

Probably somewhat of a personal decision, but would love to know what you all have found successful.

Thanks in advance!

jc

Comments

  • Joe MatchetteJoe Matchette
    Jennifer,
    I just posted a question along similar lines, so I will be interested to see what sort of responses you get. For my first test last year, I just went on RPE and let the numbers fall where they were.
    There have been a number of good threads about testing strategies....I will look to see if I can find them and post links as a reply.
    Joe
  • Nate ParadyNate Parady
    I say you should look at the numbers because you need to start to understand the relationship between what you are doing on the bike and what the display is showing. I would also say for the first test you shouldn't really care what the numbers are but just go primarily off PRE. I've noticed in the last 30 dAys as a new power user my interval lines are becoming much more straight across. Meaning I can hold x watts for a 15'session within a reasona le range of say 10 watts. Not perfect but compared to 30 days ago I am a lot better. I spend most of my time with my eyes glued to the dial. This is the analysis you can do once you download your ride data. A whole new meaning to riding steady....
  • chris malonechris malone
    Option 2. Duct tape and rpe.

    Once you get an initial number, you can obsess about numbers from here on out. Which is fun. But right now you have no demonstrated ability from which to reference, so why look at the power meter? What's to chase? It's simply distracting. First, get a number. Then work from the numbers. You'll never want to leave them. image


  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    +1 on Chris' advice for the FIRST test: the number won't help you at this point. But a key is: go 10-15% EASIER than you think you should for the first 4-6 minutes, and be willing to work yourself blind for the last 5 minutes. That approach gives the best possible result. 

  • MattAaronsonMattAaronson
    Totally agree with Chris and Al. This is for the first ride only. Then you chase numbers ans play mental games!!
  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    I'd go with option 2 as well.  If you know that you can live with what ever numbers you are putting up then don't cover it up otherwise cover it up and just ride. 

    I did my first test 3 years ago in the OS as my first ride with at new PT.  I have a pretty good idea of my max HR so just used that and RPE to keep myself going.  I did look at the power numbers on occasion but just left it on HR for most of the test. 

    Gordon

  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    + another to Al, Chris and Matt.

    Have fun!

Sign In or Register to comment.