Starting Season Statistics

Ok, weekend goals completed.

To determine my season starting threshold power (FTP) I used the TrainerRoad.com 8-minute test workout.  It's pretty simple, two 8 minute all out efforts.  You take the average power from the two efforts and 90% of that number is your estimated FTP.  The TrainerRoad system calculates everything for you.  On a side note, the TrainerRoad program has been really helpful for me.  I've enjoyed it and find it useful.  I have a couple of screen shots of the test below.

During the first 8 minutes I averaged 309W and the second 312W.  I feel like I paced my efforts pretty well and I was happy about that.  At some point I'll do the twenty minute test and see how it compares.  The test results are that my FTP is currently at 279W.  It could be a little higher if I'd done this outdoors but I'm just looking for a reproducible test result and this should be close enough.

Also, my body weight was 180 lbs.  Again, not too bad.  Races that I've performed well at have been when my weight was closer to 175 or a little lower.  Hopefully this base season will allow me time to burn some of those calories and shed a few pounds.

Tis the Season

Ok, it’s time to get a little more serious and start mapping out and preparing for the 2014 season.  It’s time to begin getting in some longer base miles, not that I haven’t been riding a little, but now it’s time to get a little more formal about it.  Time to analyze those workouts to a greater degree and make sure things are progressing.

This is the latest I’ve ever started my season, I typically try to start those base miles in early January.  With the cold weather and snow we've had this year, I’m glad I haven’t been on the trainer as much as that would have required.  My plan is to kick everything off with a power test this weekend and a body weight measurement.  I can’t say I’m look forward to either of these but it needs to be done.  This will be my starting point.

Once my power numbers are identified I’ll use them to target my endurance power zones and begin ticking off the miles.  The goal will be getting to body adapted to consistently riding and building up my aerobic engine to get it ready for the season.  I'll post on the results this weekend.