Hey gang -
So, my triathlon journey has been a rocky one. I think I've signed up for...4 or 5 races, now, and I've raced exactly none of them. We can insert reasons here - some extremely valid, some extremely less so - but the point is I haven't actually raced. I feel as though that level of honesty is required if I'm going to ask questions.
Here's my deal - I've got my sights set on yet another Sprint/Oly distance race to start off my journey (I'm 35, now - I hear this age group sucks for people that like to be competitive) later this year. I have a reliable pool for lap swims, a safe neighborhood for running, and until this past saturday, an acceptable road bike (crash at the park, ambulances were involved - really exciting day).
Fortunately for me, I have a Peloton bike. So, after a good nights' sleep and fueling up during the day, I decided to jump on and do an FTP test (20 mins) today such that I would have a benchmark for my cycling training (working on appropriate metrics for my run and swim - swimming is my strongest discipline). I figured I'd be at the top end of the 'amateur' type of ranking for my results.
Pause - here are some stats:
Age: 35
Weight: 142 lbs (64.5kg)
Height: 5'8" (68 inches)
Bodyfat: Approx. 5-6% (hydrostatic test circa Christmas, 2018)
Now, with this in mind - the purpose of my FTP test was to subsequently calculate my power-to-weight ratio - I hear it's important. Mine was...ready? 2.02. That was a real kick in the teeth. I understand what I'm about to say is unrelated, but - I can deadlift a lot of weight. I can barbell squat 2x my bodyweight. Generally, I'm a strong guy (for my size). So, hearing that I can't drag myself up a hill with any speed is rough. That's fine, I'm a rookie. I get it. Have to start somewhere. But, I'm concerned because this seems like something that needs to be specifically addressed (at my age) rather than accepted and hoped-for when it comes to improvement.
What I'm looking for - any kind of repeatable training methodology that is complimentary to multisport training that will help me out. Does anyone adhere to a program directed at this goal? Obviously, losing weight is not realistic for me.
I understand that, given my extensive (/sarcasm) race history, some folks will say, 'don't worry about this kind of data and benchmark this early, just race' - but I can't do that. It's not how I'm wired. I need to know that, mathematically, I'm making progress. I want to compete, I want to be a threat to the veterans, I want to do well. And I'm motivated by numbers.
I am absolutely open to any and all suggestions.
M.
So, my triathlon journey has been a rocky one. I think I've signed up for...4 or 5 races, now, and I've raced exactly none of them. We can insert reasons here - some extremely valid, some extremely less so - but the point is I haven't actually raced. I feel as though that level of honesty is required if I'm going to ask questions.
Here's my deal - I've got my sights set on yet another Sprint/Oly distance race to start off my journey (I'm 35, now - I hear this age group sucks for people that like to be competitive) later this year. I have a reliable pool for lap swims, a safe neighborhood for running, and until this past saturday, an acceptable road bike (crash at the park, ambulances were involved - really exciting day).
Fortunately for me, I have a Peloton bike. So, after a good nights' sleep and fueling up during the day, I decided to jump on and do an FTP test (20 mins) today such that I would have a benchmark for my cycling training (working on appropriate metrics for my run and swim - swimming is my strongest discipline). I figured I'd be at the top end of the 'amateur' type of ranking for my results.
Pause - here are some stats:
Age: 35
Weight: 142 lbs (64.5kg)
Height: 5'8" (68 inches)
Bodyfat: Approx. 5-6% (hydrostatic test circa Christmas, 2018)
Now, with this in mind - the purpose of my FTP test was to subsequently calculate my power-to-weight ratio - I hear it's important. Mine was...ready? 2.02. That was a real kick in the teeth. I understand what I'm about to say is unrelated, but - I can deadlift a lot of weight. I can barbell squat 2x my bodyweight. Generally, I'm a strong guy (for my size). So, hearing that I can't drag myself up a hill with any speed is rough. That's fine, I'm a rookie. I get it. Have to start somewhere. But, I'm concerned because this seems like something that needs to be specifically addressed (at my age) rather than accepted and hoped-for when it comes to improvement.
What I'm looking for - any kind of repeatable training methodology that is complimentary to multisport training that will help me out. Does anyone adhere to a program directed at this goal? Obviously, losing weight is not realistic for me.
I understand that, given my extensive (/sarcasm) race history, some folks will say, 'don't worry about this kind of data and benchmark this early, just race' - but I can't do that. It's not how I'm wired. I need to know that, mathematically, I'm making progress. I want to compete, I want to be a threat to the veterans, I want to do well. And I'm motivated by numbers.
I am absolutely open to any and all suggestions.
M.