Finally back to training- next training plan?

Hello- Long time user first time poster.

Numbers
FTP 257
Weight 139 pounds ( +7 from thanksgiving oucccchhhh)
WPK 4.08

History
37 y/o male- I started training about 5-6 years ago before kids and then took a 3 year break but I am finally back to a point where sleep is semi consistent and I can start getting serious about training (3AM start times). i’ve been riding 1-2X a week for the last 9 months but I finally ramped up training and just finished the SSB MV 2 feeling strong. FTP went from 248 > 257.

My goal is get back to my peak power at 270 and 130 pounds by start of next season. I am trying to get faster for group rides and a couple gravel races in the spring. This last summer I found I can keep with the fast local group for a short period but obviously I lack the base miles (2k total for the year and most of the riders in the group averaging 6-8k+) so I fade over a 2.5-4 hr ride. I think consistently hitting all my workouts over a winter will help but I am curious about the fondo plan vs maybe a general build or road race. I am semi nervous to move off what I know produces results since I’ve always done well with SS and general but I am sure both the road race/fondo plans will also produce results. Thoughts on this schedule?

Notes- I have a hard time pushing beyond mid volume plans or 5-6 hours a week. All of my workouts start at 3AM then its get kids ready and work all day so I don’t have anymore time beyond mid volume plans.

Nov- SSB Mid Volume 2- DONE
Dec-Jan. Fondo Mid Volume?
Feb- SSB Mid Volume 3
March- General Build- Mid Volume?

Numbers
FTP 257
Weight 139 pounds ( +7 from thanksgiving oucccchhhh)
WPK 4.08

Thanks for the help here!

Matt

Doesn’t sound like you are far off where you want to be, pick any Plan Builder Plan a get started heading towards it. Customise it the best you can for durations and training days and masters plans are good development IMO to help manage the intensity. If you’ve not got an A race just make up an artificial one (that’s what I’ve done for next season) and let the system do the thinking (initially at least, don’t be afraid to change things when life gets in the way). Good luck!

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As @HLaB said, it sounds like you’re on the right track already!

Using Plan Builder will take out a lot of the guesswork for you.

If you have a specific goal race/event you’re targeting, we’d suggest thinking about what kind of power you’ll need to produce to be most successful. Then, pick the plan that would most closely align with the type of effort you’ll have to bang out. As an example, if you wanted to crush a 20+ minute climb, then the Climbing RR plan would be a good fit for that.

Hopefully this helps as a starting point – and feel free to let us know if you have any additional questions!

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