General Discussion Triathlon Talk » BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2012-08-21 6:58 PM


67
2525
Subject: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions

I just picked up a used PowerTap setup and am looking to jump into using it right away with Jorge/BT's Winter Cycling power-based plan.  I've read the first 4 chapters of the Allen and Coggan "Training and Racing with a Power Meter" book, but when trying to actually take the first steps in starting the program, I'm getting confused with all the abbreviations and lingo.

For example, I see this on the first day of the program:

10' @ 65-70%FT + 5' alternating 20" @ 110-115%FT

From my reading, I take it that FT(P) and CP can be used interchangeably as they should be close enough to each for purposes of this program, right?  I guess what throws me off is that later on in the program I see CP listed instead of FT:

MS: Maximal test 5' all out - After you finish the 5 min all out effort do: 5' @ 55-65% CP

I'm guessing CP is used because it's actually CP that is being measured since it's part of the test?

The other part that confused me was actually doing the few days before actually doing the CP test.  I didn't know how to ride at 65-70% of my FP since I didn't know what my FP was.  From re-reading the program instructions, that's kind of a guesstimate based on RPE until the first 5/20 minute CP tests are done, right?

I also have a subscription to TrainerRoad.  I see a couple of different 20 minute power tests on their site which I assume can be used for measuring CP.  I don't see a specific test for 5 minutes, but I do see this test that covers power at 30s, 2min, and 5min:

http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/workouts/5666

Can I use the above test in place of the BT 5 minute test to calculate my CP or will it not calculate my CP accurately since there are two other tests involved in the same workout?

Is the BT cycling plan available on TrainerRoad?

Thanks,

Steve



2012-08-21 10:25 PM
in reply to: #4374106

User image

Elite
6387
50001000100100100252525
Subject: RE: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions
jawgee - 2012-08-21 5:58 PM

I just picked up a used PowerTap setup and am looking to jump into using it right away with Jorge/BT's Winter Cycling power-based plan.  I've read the first 4 chapters of the Allen and Coggan "Training and Racing with a Power Meter" book, but when trying to actually take the first steps in starting the program, I'm getting confused with all the abbreviations and lingo.

For example, I see this on the first day of the program:

10' @ 65-70%FT + 5' alternating 20" @ 110-115%FT

From my reading, I take it that FT(P) and CP can be used interchangeably as they should be close enough to each for purposes of this program, right?  I guess what throws me off is that later on in the program I see CP listed instead of FT:

Yes, it's the same thing

MS: Maximal test 5' all out - After you finish the 5 min all out effort do: 5' @ 55-65% CP

I'm guessing CP is used because it's actually CP that is being measured since it's part of the test?

Functional threshold power and critical power are the same thing.

The other part that confused me was actually doing the few days before actually doing the CP test.  I didn't know how to ride at 65-70% of my FP since I didn't know what my FP was.  From re-reading the program instructions, that's kind of a guesstimate based on RPE until the first 5/20 minute CP tests are done, right?

Ya. 65-70% CP is pretty easy. Rather moderate. Perfectly comfortable for all day.

I also have a subscription to TrainerRoad.  I see a couple of different 20 minute power tests on their site which I assume can be used for measuring CP.  I don't see a specific test for 5 minutes, but I do see this test that covers power at 30s, 2min, and 5min:

http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/workouts/5666

They come out pretty close. I don't know if TR uses the 5' effort before the 20 min test to figure the CP. Jorge has you do a 5' test and then a 20 min test and plug it into his calculator. But from me doing both, they are very close. I don't have power though so I have to use TR virtual power. But even doing a 5' and 20' test and plugging it into Jorge's calculator, it was really close.


Can I use the above test in place of the BT 5 minute test to calculate my CP or will it not calculate my CP accurately since there are two other tests involved in the same workout?

Is the BT cycling plan available on TrainerRoad?

Thanks,

Steve

I just used TR 20' test for simplicity. The BT plan is not on TR.... it was discussed and Jorge actually made the plan for BT so he does not own it to put it on TR. He has put a plan on TR though to improve your FTP. It is not the full BT plan, but it has the key workouts in TR that you use for the first couple months to boost FTP. Once you start getting into Jorge's plan, you will get used to it and doing it in free ride on TR is not that big of a deal. But Jorge's infamous 6x4 workout is on TR so you can use that.

2012-08-22 8:12 AM
in reply to: #4374106


67
2525
Subject: RE: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions
Excellent!  Thank you for your most informative reply.  Time to get to work!!Smile
2012-08-22 8:22 AM
in reply to: #4374106

User image

Expert
1322
1000100100100
Savannah
Subject: RE: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions

With trainer road I find it easier to just follow jorge's plans that he has created there.  Good stuff.

2012-08-22 9:36 AM
in reply to: #4374640


67
2525
Subject: RE: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions
mktoson - 2012-08-22 9:22 AM

With trainer road I find it easier to just follow jorge's plans that he has created there.  Good stuff.

Is this the plan that you're referring to or are there others?

http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/plans/97

2012-08-22 12:11 PM
in reply to: #4374793

User image

Veteran
186
100252525
Subject: RE: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions
mktoson - 2012-08-22 9:22 AM
Is this the plan that you're referring to or are there others?
http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/plans/97

bingo.

I really hate Crag. And, it really helped me improve. There's probably some correlation there. -J



2012-08-22 12:25 PM
in reply to: #4375109

User image

Expert
4648
2000200050010025
Middle River, Maryland
Silver member
Subject: RE: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions
karlaj - 2012-08-22 1:11 PM
mktoson - 2012-08-22 9:22 AM
Is this the plan that you're referring to or are there others?
http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/plans/97

bingo.

I really hate Crag. And, it really helped me improve. There's probably some correlation there. -J

Ditto...it is evil.  Surprised

2012-08-22 12:33 PM
in reply to: #4375145

User image

Expert
1322
1000100100100
Savannah
Subject: RE: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions
jmhpsu93 - 2012-08-22 1:25 PM
karlaj - 2012-08-22 1:11 PM
mktoson - 2012-08-22 9:22 AM
Is this the plan that you're referring to or are there others?
http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/plans/97

bingo.

I really hate Crag. And, it really helped me improve. There's probably some correlation there. -J

Ditto...it is evil.  Surprised

Crag, followed by Sphinx a few days later makes baby Jesus cry!Cry

2012-08-22 1:32 PM
in reply to: #4374793

User image

Elite
6387
50001000100100100252525
Subject: RE: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions
jawgee - 2012-08-22 8:36 AM
mktoson - 2012-08-22 9:22 AM

With trainer road I find it easier to just follow jorge's plans that he has created there.  Good stuff.

Is this the plan that you're referring to or are there others?

http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/plans/97

Like they said... yes.

If you look at Jorge's plan here on BT... he starts it by improving FTP for the first 6 weeks or so. Then he goes on to other stuff and you are supposed to be getting in a long ride if you have long stuff coming up. You can maintain your FTP though by doing a "FTP" workout every week or two at the most. So he will sprinkle them in. So these workouts in TR are those types of workouts and you can just do them.

The 6x4 I really like.... I'm a little twisted.... But it is easy to do on TR seeing your targets then trying to increase 3-5 watts on the last one every week. Some of this stuff is discussed in his thread. I realize it is long and maybe not all pertains to you, but there is a ton of info in there from people asking questions and it is worth the read if you have the time.

2012-08-22 2:32 PM
in reply to: #4374106


67
2525
Subject: RE: BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions
Thanks for all the extra info and opinions on this.  I'm almost looking forward to getting my kicked!!Cool
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » BT (Jorge) cycling program & TrainerRoad questions Rss Feed