General Discussion Triathlon Talk » power...POWER... Rss Feed  
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2012-01-12 11:34 PM

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Subject: power...POWER...
its been a couple weeks and ive had 5 rides so far with my new power meter. so far just riding ive established some rough power zones. question being is riding at different intensities a good way to start coming up with my power zones before im able to start testing?


2012-01-13 5:27 AM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: power...POWER...
I think it's a good way to come up with a rough target to shoot for when you start testing.  I don't think it will help you set zones per se though.  Ride a bunch with various length intervals and intensities to give you an idea of what you can do for a 20' and 5' test and then join us doing Jorge's program!
2012-01-13 7:12 AM
in reply to: #3987725

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Subject: RE: power...POWER...
Yes, it sounds like a very good way to get a sense of how the different intensities feel to you. You can do the tests and crank out the numbers based on that, but it's useful to also have an intuitive feel of what those target numbers mean.
2012-01-13 7:16 AM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: power...POWER...
What are you using to analyze your power files? If you are using Golden Cheetah, as you input your files it will build a Critical Power curve based on the sum of the data - it won't be perfect but it should give you a good idea as a starting point.

Shane
2012-01-13 10:56 AM
in reply to: #3987725

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Subject: RE: power...POWER...
so far im using the poweragent software to log my rides
2012-01-13 11:00 AM
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Subject: RE: power...POWER...
evb4mvp - 2012-01-13 12:56 PM

so far im using the poweragent software to log my rides


In that case I would highly recommend Golden Cheetah - its free, very robust and will give you pretty much anything you can find in other power analysis software.

Shane


2012-01-13 11:01 AM
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Subject: RE: power...POWER...

if you have been riding a couple weeks, what is stopping you from testing to get your critical power?

I know this doesn't answer your original question.  To the original question, I would say, no, it's not a great way to get zones.  Like other's have said, it's always good to see how hard you have to push to see certain watts. 

I also use goldencheetah and it's simple and does a pretty good job giving me way too much data to analyze. Half the time I have no idea what the dang thing means.



Edited by jgerbodegrant 2012-01-13 11:04 AM
2012-01-13 11:05 AM
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Subject: RE: power...POWER...

jgerbodegrant - 2012-01-13 12:01 PM if you have been riding a couple weeks, what is stopping you from testing to get your critical power?

I'll second this.  Two weeks of riding and if you feel some fitness coming back.  Get the power test done and get your zones set up.  Don't over think it.  The test is a tough one, just get it done! Good luck.  I'll be testing next week myself.  Gotta get my FTP back to a respectable level. 

2012-01-13 12:09 PM
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Subject: RE: power...POWER...
gadzooks - 2012-01-13 11:05 AM

jgerbodegrant - 2012-01-13 12:01 PM if you have been riding a couple weeks, what is stopping you from testing to get your critical power?

I'll second this.  Two weeks of riding and if you feel some fitness coming back.  Get the power test done and get your zones set up.  Don't over think it.  The test is a tough one, just get it done! Good luck.  I'll be testing next week myself.  Gotta get my FTP back to a respectable level. 

And another Go For It. The worst that will happen is you get a solid workout. You can test again if you don't like the data (and should do so regularly anyway). This is not a one-time or be-all thing.

2012-01-13 12:55 PM
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Subject: RE: power...POWER...

I agree, you should test.

That being said, you can get a decent idea of your FTP by looking at the amount of time you spend in the different power zones. Coggan has a section about it in his book, and I think Endurance Nation also has some good info in their materials (not sure it is part of the free stuff though).

2012-01-13 1:03 PM
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Subject: RE: power...POWER...
brigby1 - 2012-01-13 1:09 PM
gadzooks - 2012-01-13 11:05 AM

jgerbodegrant - 2012-01-13 12:01 PM if you have been riding a couple weeks, what is stopping you from testing to get your critical power?

I'll second this.  Two weeks of riding and if you feel some fitness coming back.  Get the power test done and get your zones set up.  Don't over think it.  The test is a tough one, just get it done! Good luck.  I'll be testing next week myself.  Gotta get my FTP back to a respectable level. 

And another Go For It. The worst that will happen is you get a solid workout. You can test again if you don't like the data (and should do so regularly anyway). This is not a one-time or be-all thing.

Bring a bucket, open the windows, and turn the fans on high. Did my first one three weeks ago and it's an experience. Numbers were terrible but three weeks later I can already see some improvement.

Given how things break at the worst possible times, I like the idea of knowing how different power zones feel. I predict some day I'm going to be setting up for a race and it's not going to work right.



2012-01-13 1:19 PM
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Subject: RE: power...POWER...

You are going to test a lot of times throughout the year. Might as well get one done and see how you do.

I bet your levels change quit a bit throughout the year as two things will happen...1. you will get more fit  and 2. you will get better at riding and testing with a power meter. Testing in and of itself is a learned skill that takes some experience to get right.

Also remember, don't hang your hat on any one test....especially for racing. It's the totality of your data that matters. Over time, your zones really present themselves....

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