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Re: Increasing FTP and Building IM Bike Distance [big slow mover]
big slow mover wrote:
packetloss wrote:

Now that isn't exactly true - although I would agree that your 28:32 minute power would be close enough. Training is a balance between overloading the proper systems and recovery. What is "special" about FTP is that it's at a high enough level to promote maximal adaption to the aerobic system, without requiring massive recovery time. You could train in the subthreshold zone and get good improvements too. With that said if you exclusively work at FTP or below, you won't be able to do repetitive 200% surges such are what is needed in Crits or road races.


Isn't it funny, that the maximal adaptation to the aerobic system occurs at ONE HOUR threshold? What if someone once decided our day had 12 hours instead of 24? Do you think we would give the same meaning to that "one hour" threshold power? I do think so.


I don't think it has anything to do with the length of a day. There is more behind it than this, but the main factor about FTP is that it's just at the limit to where you can maintain the effort for a decent amount of time. Thus it's right near the end of the bell shaped curve depicting effort against time that you can maintain that effort. Go just a bit above FTP and you aren't going to be holding it very long.

Technically, it appears that maximal gains are achieved at around 88-94% of FTP (according to Coggan). I would guess that is because you can hold those efforts even longer, but your still taxing your body quite a bit.
Last edited by: packetloss: Dec 30, 10 5:58

Edit Log:

  • Post edited by mcmetal (Dawson Saddle) on Dec 30, 10 5:58