Mid season power test
Just blew up on a power test. I am a short course athlete and i finished an A race two weeks ago. I took one complete week off and did a transition week and felt great. I also swithched from a mag trainer to a fluid trainer. My last FTP was 239. The first 20 minutes felt great and I did not feel too bad and averaged about 240. Folowing my two minute rest I started up again an knew right away 240 was going to be tough to hold. Between 6 and 8 minutes my hr was through the roof and was breathing hard. After 8 minutes I was through. Overall the ride ended up at 229. My 3 races and Golden Cheeta confirm that 239 was a good number. I have a couple of questions. Did the layoff affect my performance? Is it normal mid season to see a drop off. Could the power meter change have any bearing. Should I just use 229 and move forward. Any and all advice is appreciated.
Comments
First, it is normal to have the results of tests varying — motivation isn't always the same. Sleep, fueling and just how you feel changes all the time. Also, remember the test is just a method of estimating your FTP — ie, the test result might change but that doesn't necessarily mean your FTP has changed.
Second, it is unlikely that your FTP will have changed that much in a couple of weeks — if you had an IF around 1.0 for a sprint or 0.9 for an Oly, you would expect to pick up some fitness from the last race, and the first part of the rest after that race would consolidate that bump.
You mention a change in power meter — if you have changed your power meter that could be another source of variation (but the source of resistance probably not — mag to a fluid trainer).
Power meter calibration might be an issue — did you zero before the races and all the tests?
You ask whether a mid-season drop-off is normal? Yes it is as fatigue builds up. Also, mental focus also becomes more difficult as you get deeper into your season. The cure is rest, and then reset — do something different. I go for a couple of coffee rides with some mates and just have fun.
At the end of the day, your estimated FTP is what you use for Z4 intervals. So if you are finding you can punch out your long Z4 intervals with a bit to spare, you can push a bit harder. Alternately, if you struggle consistently with your Z4 intervals, backoff a bit.
What Peter said. Recommend you use 239 from GC for training purposes.
Rich, given that should I just skip to week two of the go fast plan?