Home› November ‘09 Outseason

Getting through your first set of tests

dhalligandhalligan
in November ‘09 Outseason

I've seen a few posts about folks struggling with their FTP tests and how to deal with the mental side of testing.  I thought I'd share some of my experiences and how I get through them, including last night's test in which I was very close to bailing 7 minutes into the second set.

In college, I rowed.  To make a boat, we had to do 5K erg (indoor rowing machine tests).  Depending on your level, these were 17-21 minute tests.  One thing that stuck in my head from my first test was my coach saying, 'whatever happens, don't stop.  Don't get off until you're done.  Above all, don't let a machine beat you.'

I had to think of that last night when my watts were plumetting.  I hung in there and tried to push harder at the top of each minute.  As much as I kept telling myself the pain was temporary and to make it hurt more to make it hurt less, I knew that I just had to stay on the bike.  I wasn't going to let a machine beat me.

I hope this might help a fellow EN'er who might be struggling with the mental aspect of getting it done.

Dave

Comments

  • Chris GChris G

     The tests are very hard mental exercise.  I can think of lots of reasons never to do one again.  About 5 minutes into a bike test I can always think of lots of reasons to stop.  What usually keeps me going is that I know it is not going to suck any less later.  The ability to keep going when it gets really hard is a useful skill.  Doing the tests help develop the skill.  It comes in handy at "the line" and really any time when you are racing.

    IIRC the quote from the 4 keys is about the "one thing" that will keep you moving "when the body debates the mind".  Well the body debates the mind pretty hard doing a 2x20 on a trainer.  Practicing winning that debate in your basement in November will be helpful when the body REALLY starts debating at mile 132.6 or so next summer 

  • Dan KerrDan Kerr

    Great points, fellas! Thanks.

  • David AmbroseDavid Ambrose
    For the newbie peeps.......I recall fondly from last year the level of discomfort on the 2x20's as well as certain other bike intervals during the OS. To add to what has already been stated very well....it is primarily a mental challenge rather than a physical challenge. Last year after a week or two of the OS, I realized the physical discomfort level was just that...a discomfort that got up to a certain level and then remained at that level. It was never actually painful...in a pain sense. Each session on the bike, my tolerance of and the duration I could handle the discomfort increased. At the same time time the OS is increasing your functional strength, it is also increasing your mental ability to handle a load of discomfort. Good luck everyone.
  • John StarkJohn Stark

    Good points from The Halligan, Mr. Gleason and Mr. Ambrose.  To add . . . .

    One thing you will learn after doing all the upcoming 3 x 8's, 2 x 12s, 2 x 15s, etc. @ FT is you start to "feel" what pushing at FT really is.  Kinda like Perceived Rate of Exertion (PRE).  You just feel it and you will "know."  It is all part of the mental game that occurs during the FT test.  Getting past how you have felt and the new feeling/discomfort above that.

    All this is learned and we all go through it.  Like Mr. Ambrose noted, you become more comfortable with handling the discomfort each time.  It's never easy.  Just a tad bit more manageable. 

  • Trent ProughTrent Prough

    Yes,  to add... the fast are fast because they know how to handle the pain easier.  That's what we are all learning to do... handle the pain a little easier at a time.

  • rpc733rpc733

    Thanks Guys!!!

    It took me most of this year to figure out that is doesn't get easier as you get faster and stronger - you just learn how to handle the pain better. It's not a matter of if its gonna hurt - just when and for how long! The mental strength aspect of all of this is HUGE and I have yet to learn to wrap my head around that completely.

    Your advice is greatly appreciated

  • mgraffeomgraffeo

    Good thought, Dave!  I was just thinking back on all the 5k tests I did back on the erg, and I'd have to say that my fastest test ever was also the one that hurt the least, as I had finally gotten over my fear of the machine.  Definitely a great line of thinking.

     

    Mike

     

Sign In or Register to comment.