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How to effectively use TR for FTP Workouts

thekidduxcthekidduxc
in General Training Discussions

Okay, made the purchase of TR last night thanks to Tom Glynn, Al Truscott, and attila Matyas combined input. It was great advice and a great purchase.

 

While I have only used it once, I struggled with it a bit. I used it in "freeride."

 

My usage led to some questions regarding how people use TR for FTP 2x20' workouts:

 

What is the difference between Slope/ERG mode? I felt like slope was a major adjustment while ETG mode (% of effort) was minimal.

Al - you mentioned you several FTP style workouts. You also mentioned you adjust them to fit your needs. A lot of the workouts do not have 20' efforts or are 3 repeat efforts (still not 20'), how do you make the adjustment to work for you?

 

Comments

  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    2 x20 = Hell Hath No Fury!

    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/workouts/hell-hath-no-fury

    Sounds like you have a Computrainer. Definetely use the Erg Mode. Set your TR profile up with FT so that Erg reads this and sets the power levels on your trainer. You just pedal or stop, nothing in between. If you need to dial it down (and you will!), TR has a section on the screen that says 100%. If you hit the "-" key on the CT handle bar, it will lower the number until you feel comfortable. Slope mode simply means you set the power levels by switching gears. If you want to ride easier, shift to an easier gear. Use this for FT testing and nothing else!
  • Joseph LombardiJoseph Lombardi

     I used TrainerRoad all winter and really found it useful;  There are a couple of workouts already set for 2x20 test....one is called 2x20 Test and it follows the EN protocol...it is a one hour workout...heres mine..http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/44759

     

    I have also used a workout call Relay - this is a 45 min. version with very short warmup....http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/50983

     

    and of course as you have noted you can use free ride...but it isn't as good as having the visuals in place.......

     

    Good Luck

  • TH3 FRBTH3 FRB
    I always use a free ride and do my own thing following the EN plan workouts. It's more of a novelty I guess but nice to have the large heads-up display in front of me.
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I like Angels and He'll Hath No Fury with the sinc'd videos.
  • Woody FreeseWoody Freese
    One of what may be a handful of TR questions... I looked under Worekouts and found the 20 min test and the 8 min test - Where does one go for Free Ride?
    This looks like a great training tool - can't believe CT missed the boat on this!
  • tuckermtuckerm
    TR just released 2 new workouts today, 2x20' and 3x15' at threshold.
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    @Woody, use the search function for rides and type in "free". You'll get 30/60/90 + minute rides. Just pick the one you want.

    If you follow them on Facebook you will be able to see what they are up to.
  • Woody FreeseWoody Freese
    Thanks very much Tom!! It appears that they also have 120, 180 and 240 minute free rides - if one is sick enought to put 4 hours on a CT...
  • Woody FreeseWoody Freese
    Ok - something isn't right... Used Trainer Road and my Computrainer today, for the first time. Started out planning to do 4 hours. First hour was tough - next 40 mins, I was blown to smithereens! Couldn't manage more than 160 watts and my HR was in the 150's - a few times, I was looking at the screen and HR was higher than watts! Was using erg mode - w/ 100% in the upper right corner, while adjusting the /- key. Legs were totally cooked - what was I doing wrong???
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    could be a calibration issue. Are you doing a 10-15 warm-up and then pushing the calibration button? My tension definitely changes after calibration. Also, why the +/- buttons? Why not just reduce the workout from 100% to something lower for a while? Isn't that the cool think about using a CT?
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