First post here, brief history late 40’s male with a running background. Due to an injury last year started cycling to supplement fitness, started on dumb trainer/outside riding purchased smart trainer at the start of 2019 and began on Zwift. Started with structured training there, FTP builder etc. Did the Zwift “thing” group rides/races and really enjoyed it. Been using TR and Zwift concurrently for the past 6 weeks-ish, just finishing up the first round of the low volume SSB while keeping close eye on TSS.
The TR ramp test put my FTP about 10% lower than what Zwift had it which was fine and I rolled with it. My question/concern is the “feel” of the structured training (ERG mode) seems to be more difficult than if I was attempting to keep the same watts while doing a Zwift ride. Currently my only power meter is via the trainer so for now can’t make a comparison to outside riding. Looking at a group ride in Zwift vs a structured workout, the group rides seem to be easier to maintain wattage as well as my hr at that wattage does not quite mesh with that same wattage in a structured workout (it’s not far off however). I understand the wattage on these rides is an average and I’m getting breaks so to speak vs. having to maintain the wattage while in ERG mode which I’m certain adds an additional level of difficulty.
I’ve tried the small ring, big ring, power smoothing off/on etc. and it seems to not make a difference in ERG which I guess it shouldn’t. I’m not looking to make these workouts any easier, I’m just trying to understand why the feel is different and want to be certain I’m gaining the anticipated results from the structured training. I’ve been able to finish all of the workouts, unfortunately I have had to lower the percentage a tad on some of the workouts with the longer intervals towards the end of those intervals however at times my hr is reaching threshold or above which from what I’ve read maybe should not be the case for SST.
Being a complete noob at this, I’m sure some of this is just ignorance on my part. I hesitated posting this, but from what I can tell there are several valuable resources on this forum. I certainly appreciate any feedback, thanks a bunch…