Nevada City Classic +2. Couldn’t make it through the last 9 “laps” of this race sim. Really thinking that I should drop my FTP because the last several weeks of workouts I have done, I have not been able to match the power very well. I’d rather make it all the way through each workout than fail to reach the end each time.
Like today, I couldn’t even push endurance watts to fill the rest of the time. My heart and legs just said NOPE. Lots of variables to weigh in this one but ultimately I think it is more over reaching than anything else if my body is just telling me no so emphatically.
Suppose to be Z2 ride but I wanted to check the legs and that turned into FTP test. New FTP - 312 W. Could hold it longer but honestly I was not prepared for the test today
3 hours of lower aerobic endurance work. Endurance is improving but rising temps and lack of riding caused me to reduce power in 2nd half. North wind started blowing smoke, reduced power even more at end to keep respiration low and avoid breathing the air. Over 9.5 hours completed this week, another 1+ on calendar for tomorrow.
2x25 at 90% on the calendar today. Climbed the Alpe on Zwift to start ticking off more trips for my masochist badge, and maybe one day not get the the f%*#ing gloves…
The plan was to just cruise to the top after both intervals, but baby did not nap as long as anticipated (like she does when I want to ride!), so I just kept going at SS pace to get it done faster. Ended up doing 1x25 and 1x42min and didn’t even feel too challenging. Breathing wasn’t labored, legs didn’t feel heavy!
Of course, I’m continuing to sing the praises of the TTE test
This was an attempt to ‘push through’ my current malaise, as this workout again tends to ‘break me in’ so I feel ready for some work. Sadly, it was grim… was ready to quit after 20 mins, and that didn’t change til 120 mins. Despite that, completing it is a good sign, as most people would probably agree it’s not an easy workout.
1x60 at 90% on tap for today. Pushed it to 67 minutes to climb the Alpe again and get the helmet this time I want the wheels! I think I could have done 90 minutes without much trouble from my breathing or legs. But could feel some saddle discomfort and decided there is no reason to push it at this time. The little one did nap the entire time I rode this time, so that was nice!
Fri: Petit. With some extra power work added in towards the end as I tried to finish out a Zwift segment before a work call and Zwift/TR started fighting for control of trainer.
Well, that’s one way to test a new FTP. Felt good through the first 4 blocks despite a slightly elevated HR. Last block was a slog though. Had to take quite a few back pedals but made it to the end. After barely being on the bike for 2 weeks and getting sick a week ago though I’m not too disappointed in this one.
Climbing AdZ in sub-60 to get the Lift Off Badge probably helped with that!
After a morning of walking (and bathing) the dog, washing windows, and taking down a rotting tree, I wasn’t really up for the regularly scheduled 2 hour session of sweet spot intervals, so I opted for Tray Mountain -2 instead and followed it up with some free riding on Zwift where I completed the Bigger Loop route.
I set a bunch of new virtual PR’s on the Epic climb, so there’s that.
Very upset with myself – just before I hit the arch at the top of the climb I noticed that the KOM panel on the left side of the screen suddenly said “Repack Ridge” and I thought I had accidentally quit the event! Sat up and tried to figure it out. Took me a few seconds to realize it was some sort of glitch and that I was still in the race. That few seconds cost me a higher place (in the Ds, but still).
Sunday did the Dempsey Challenge 20k version as a Z1/Z2 ride.
Today was Shortoff -1. Short VO2max intervals – still not sure what’s going on with the trainer, you can see the power drop off at the start of each rest interval and it immediately feels like I am spun out. I tried to make sure I kept the cadence steady but it still takes a minute at least to stabilize. I am sure I am doing something wrong, it’s just like when I finish a hard interval on the road and shift to an easier cog to hit the rest interval but inertia keeps my speed up.
Plan Builder has me tapering for an event on the weekend of the 10th/11th but this year it’s a bit different and we can do the ride whenever we want during October so it’s a case of waiting for a weather window. It means that the tapering and recovery weeks are a bit flexible.
Galena +3. whoooo boy. 4x20min is hard. And WTF is up with the coaching in the last interval on this one? The first 15 mins of it was basically telling me that it’s okay to stop and I could be hurting myself if I am pushing too hard. That’s NOT what I need to hear when I am trying to push myself to finish.
@cali I agree. I need to be told stuff like “you can do this! It’s just a little bit more than what you’ve done before.” “You got this.” “You are definitely strong enough for this.”
The ramp test text bothered me today. Thanks for reminding me to figure out how to turn it off for the ramp test.
I want the wheels! I think I could have done 90 minutes without much trouble from my breathing or legs. But could feel some saddle discomfort and decided there is no reason to push it at this time. The little one did nap the entire time I rode this time, so that was nice!
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