If FEMA had the bicycles, would it fund Hustler's manlet bib?
#5482
Tour de Franzia
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Republic of Dallas
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
Well, my season is fucked. This is sad. It was time for a new FTP test two weeks ago, did it, went form 265-275 (I'm pathetic). I've done four workouts since and can't get through them. Washington +4 and Fish -2. I'm melting down, getting the shakes 50% or 75% of the way through, then reduce power and cannot finish the workouts. Do I lower FTP arbitrarily or start over on the sustained power plan? I'm a little bewildered by this, really wanted to see 300w before CX season in Nfovember but now it's pretty clear that won't happen so I'm not racing CX nor road.
#5483
Elite Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Fucking Jersey
Posts: 3,890
Total Cats: 143
Have you done a MAP test?
If you can't even get through a workout using the new FTP numbers, then you either had fantastic form on the day of the test or your PM wasn't calibrated correctly. You can push your FTP up using a lower number for setting your workouts far more efficiently than you can pull it up using a number so high such that you can't even get through the workout. Gains are far higher if you can actually do the workouts you're supposed to without dying.
If you're shaking etc, then it sounds like you're bonking or going hypoglycemic. Have you been sick at all lately? How's your diet and sleep lately?
I know the low FTP feelz. When I used to race, my FTP was like 240-250. I had a 1350W 5 sec and 1430W jump though lol. I think I averaged 1000W for 30 secs when I was in flying form. Those were the days...
If you can't even get through a workout using the new FTP numbers, then you either had fantastic form on the day of the test or your PM wasn't calibrated correctly. You can push your FTP up using a lower number for setting your workouts far more efficiently than you can pull it up using a number so high such that you can't even get through the workout. Gains are far higher if you can actually do the workouts you're supposed to without dying.
If you're shaking etc, then it sounds like you're bonking or going hypoglycemic. Have you been sick at all lately? How's your diet and sleep lately?
I know the low FTP feelz. When I used to race, my FTP was like 240-250. I had a 1350W 5 sec and 1430W jump though lol. I think I averaged 1000W for 30 secs when I was in flying form. Those were the days...
#5484
Well, my season is fucked. This is sad. It was time for a new FTP test two weeks ago, did it, went form 265-275 (I'm pathetic). I've done four workouts since and can't get through them. Washington +4 and Fish -2. I'm melting down, getting the shakes 50% or 75% of the way through, then reduce power and cannot finish the workouts. Do I lower FTP arbitrarily or start over on the sustained power plan? I'm a little bewildered by this, really wanted to see 300w before CX season in Nfovember but now it's pretty clear that won't happen so I'm not racing CX nor road.
#5485
Tour de Franzia
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Republic of Dallas
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
Have you done a MAP test?
If you can't even get through a workout using the new FTP numbers, then you either had fantastic form on the day of the test or your PM wasn't calibrated correctly. You can push your FTP up using a lower number for setting your workouts far more efficiently than you can pull it up using a number so high such that you can't even get through the workout. Gains are far higher if you can actually do the workouts you're supposed to without dying.
If you're shaking etc, then it sounds like you're bonking or going hypoglycemic. Have you been sick at all lately? How's your diet and sleep lately?
If you can't even get through a workout using the new FTP numbers, then you either had fantastic form on the day of the test or your PM wasn't calibrated correctly. You can push your FTP up using a lower number for setting your workouts far more efficiently than you can pull it up using a number so high such that you can't even get through the workout. Gains are far higher if you can actually do the workouts you're supposed to without dying.
If you're shaking etc, then it sounds like you're bonking or going hypoglycemic. Have you been sick at all lately? How's your diet and sleep lately?
#5487
Elite Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Fucking Jersey
Posts: 3,890
Total Cats: 143
Ramp FTP test sounds like MAP test.
https://zwifthacks.com/app/map-ftp-calculator/
Protocol: https://online.thecyclinggym.com/art...training-zones
Basically, warm up for 15-20 mins then test.
Start at 80W. Ramp up by 20W/min till you can't hold power anymore and/or your cadence falls well below your normal range. Few places to calculate what that should be in FTP, but more importantly it's a good way to set your zones. Test is over pretty quickly and is less taxing than an FTP test. Besides, the zones matter far more than an exact number for FTP.
I remember going through and comparing results on the racing forum on bikeforums with this vs ftp tests with a bunch of the folks on there. I preferred to do MAP testing because FTP tests made me useless. I mostly raced crits and my goal was to hide and save myself so my FTP didn't ever really matter. I just needed to train in the right zones so I wasn't lollygagging during training rides.
https://zwifthacks.com/app/map-ftp-calculator/
Protocol: https://online.thecyclinggym.com/art...training-zones
Basically, warm up for 15-20 mins then test.
Start at 80W. Ramp up by 20W/min till you can't hold power anymore and/or your cadence falls well below your normal range. Few places to calculate what that should be in FTP, but more importantly it's a good way to set your zones. Test is over pretty quickly and is less taxing than an FTP test. Besides, the zones matter far more than an exact number for FTP.
I remember going through and comparing results on the racing forum on bikeforums with this vs ftp tests with a bunch of the folks on there. I preferred to do MAP testing because FTP tests made me useless. I mostly raced crits and my goal was to hide and save myself so my FTP didn't ever really matter. I just needed to train in the right zones so I wasn't lollygagging during training rides.
#5488
Tour de Franzia
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Republic of Dallas
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
Ramp FTP test sounds like MAP test.
https://zwifthacks.com/app/map-ftp-calculator/
Protocol: https://online.thecyclinggym.com/art...training-zones
Basically, warm up for 15-20 mins then test.
Start at 80W. Ramp up by 20W/min till you can't hold power anymore and/or your cadence falls well below your normal range. Few places to calculate what that should be in FTP, but more importantly it's a good way to set your zones. Test is over pretty quickly and is less taxing than an FTP test. Besides, the zones matter far more than an exact number for FTP.
https://zwifthacks.com/app/map-ftp-calculator/
Protocol: https://online.thecyclinggym.com/art...training-zones
Basically, warm up for 15-20 mins then test.
Start at 80W. Ramp up by 20W/min till you can't hold power anymore and/or your cadence falls well below your normal range. Few places to calculate what that should be in FTP, but more importantly it's a good way to set your zones. Test is over pretty quickly and is less taxing than an FTP test. Besides, the zones matter far more than an exact number for FTP.
#5489
Elite Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Fucking Jersey
Posts: 3,890
Total Cats: 143
Because you hate yourself and like to suffer?
That's why I used to ride a lot anyway...
Don't be so numbers driven. It's hard not to be, but there are a lot more metrics to it than just that. Races aren't won on FTP alone....especially crits (if that's what you're into).
That's why I used to ride a lot anyway...
Don't be so numbers driven. It's hard not to be, but there are a lot more metrics to it than just that. Races aren't won on FTP alone....especially crits (if that's what you're into).
#5490
Tour de Franzia
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Republic of Dallas
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
Because you hate yourself and like to suffer?
That's why I used to ride a lot anyway...
Don't be so numbers driven. It's hard not to be, but there are a lot more metrics to it than just that. Races aren't won on FTP alone....especially crits (if that's what you're into).
That's why I used to ride a lot anyway...
Don't be so numbers driven. It's hard not to be, but there are a lot more metrics to it than just that. Races aren't won on FTP alone....especially crits (if that's what you're into).
#5492
Is it solely so you can get on the podium?
Or is it primarily because you just plain love racing your bike?
If it's the former, you will burn out, if you haven't already. You have to love riding, training and racing your bike. Results are just motivation to push harder and suffer more. It's cat 4 for CX, no elite state championships. You are taking yourself too seriously. That always leads to
an unhappy bike racer. Take your racing seriously, but have a constant sense of humor about yourself as a racer. It's a bicycle race. A source of joy, a distraction from the pressures of everyday life and work. It keeps you fit and allows you to eat more, drink more beer.
A cool tribe to belong to.
Any misgivings you may have about inequality in the races yo choose to participate must be brief, not the sole focus of your training. Brush it off, focus on the work you need to to do to improve. Race your best. Enjoy that. Results need to be secondary, particularly when you are a ways from your ultimate athletic potential, still a few upgrades from your best. The work is the reward.
__________________
#5493
I don't know if you want my perspective, but I am a numbers guy as well so I figured I would offer it. Numbers are numbers, they don't line up perfectly with results. Numbers are no guarantee of success (with a few exceptions), and hitting them only serves to move your expectation to the next level. My experience, from the other side of the spectrum, is that hitting your threshold targets and sucking in the race feels just as bad.
With that out of the way, there is no way to diagnose your workout over a forum but one thing to think about are allergies. I have really bad allergies and when they act up, I might as well be asthmatic and overtrained and just pack it up for the day. The difference in power is like >20% on a bad day, and if it is windy in spring- it may just be a bad week. Don't look at one week as decisive. Freshness and fitness go together, and I would rather perform when it counts than hit some TSS.
With that out of the way, there is no way to diagnose your workout over a forum but one thing to think about are allergies. I have really bad allergies and when they act up, I might as well be asthmatic and overtrained and just pack it up for the day. The difference in power is like >20% on a bad day, and if it is windy in spring- it may just be a bad week. Don't look at one week as decisive. Freshness and fitness go together, and I would rather perform when it counts than hit some TSS.
#5494
Tour de Franzia
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Republic of Dallas
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
Step back and look at why you race.
Is it solely so you can get on the podium?
Or is it primarily because you just plain love racing your bike?
If it's the former, you will burn out, if you haven't already. You have to love riding, training and racing your bike. Results are just motivation to push harder and suffer more. It's cat 4 for CX, no elite state championships. You are taking yourself too seriously. That always leads to
an unhappy bike racer. Take your racing seriously, but have a constant sense of humor about yourself as a racer. It's a bicycle race. A source of joy, a distraction from the pressures of everyday life and work. It keeps you fit and allows you to eat more, drink more beer.
A cool tribe to belong to.
Any misgivings you may have about inequality in the races yo choose to participate must be brief, not the sole focus of your training. Brush it off, focus on the work you need to to do to improve. Race your best. Enjoy that. Results need to be secondary, particularly when you are a ways from your ultimate athletic potential, still a few upgrades from your best. The work is the reward.
Is it solely so you can get on the podium?
Or is it primarily because you just plain love racing your bike?
If it's the former, you will burn out, if you haven't already. You have to love riding, training and racing your bike. Results are just motivation to push harder and suffer more. It's cat 4 for CX, no elite state championships. You are taking yourself too seriously. That always leads to
an unhappy bike racer. Take your racing seriously, but have a constant sense of humor about yourself as a racer. It's a bicycle race. A source of joy, a distraction from the pressures of everyday life and work. It keeps you fit and allows you to eat more, drink more beer.
A cool tribe to belong to.
Any misgivings you may have about inequality in the races yo choose to participate must be brief, not the sole focus of your training. Brush it off, focus on the work you need to to do to improve. Race your best. Enjoy that. Results need to be secondary, particularly when you are a ways from your ultimate athletic potential, still a few upgrades from your best. The work is the reward.
I think I just answered my own question, think this might be over.
#5495
Tour de Franzia
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Republic of Dallas
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
I don't know if you want my perspective, but I am a numbers guy as well so I figured I would offer it. Numbers are numbers, they don't line up perfectly with results. Numbers are no guarantee of success (with a few exceptions), and hitting them only serves to move your expectation to the next level. My experience, from the other side of the spectrum, is that hitting your threshold targets and sucking in the race feels just as bad.
With that out of the way, there is no way to diagnose your workout over a forum but one thing to think about are allergies. I have really bad allergies and when they act up, I might as well be asthmatic and overtrained and just pack it up for the day. The difference in power is like >20% on a bad day, and if it is windy in spring- it may just be a bad week. Don't look at one week as decisive. Freshness and fitness go together, and I would rather perform when it counts than hit some TSS.
With that out of the way, there is no way to diagnose your workout over a forum but one thing to think about are allergies. I have really bad allergies and when they act up, I might as well be asthmatic and overtrained and just pack it up for the day. The difference in power is like >20% on a bad day, and if it is windy in spring- it may just be a bad week. Don't look at one week as decisive. Freshness and fitness go together, and I would rather perform when it counts than hit some TSS.
#5497
Elite Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Fucking Jersey
Posts: 3,890
Total Cats: 143
Sadly I'm free and clear of allergies. I know what you mean by hitting numbers, but those are tickets to the show. It's like when I did group rides, which I don't anymore, and you're the guy that gets shoved into the grass, dirt, or curb because you're in the way? I don't want to be that guy anymore.
You can still be a Fred and hang.
Also, it sounds like a lot of your issues have to do with positioning. Have you watched any of the sprinterdelacasa videos on YT?
#5499
Tour de Franzia
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Republic of Dallas
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
That last gravel race I did was scary. It was cool to get third but it wasn't exactly an A-race since anyone with an ounce of fitness was racing Dirty Kanza the same day.
#5500
the reason to race mountain bikes is that even if you don't place well, it's a blast. it sounds like you're just taking things too seriously. Racing (all racing) is just 95% disappointment with 5% pure joy. If you're not enjoying the journey, you're in it for the wrong reasons. the 5% joy isn't enough to full fill anyone doing it.