I have recently purchased a Powertap rear wheel in hopes of “revolutionizing my training” (Yes I believe the hype!) Anyway, does anyone have any good advice as to the proper wattage levels to train at during the base building period. Using power as opposed to HR would allow your focus to be on the “strength” associated with biking as opposed to the cardiovascular fitness aspect, correct (I know they are inter-related). Basically, in order to properly quantify the proper wattage zones for training ,then a intensity session is needed to properly gauge your current output. We all know that intensity during the base period (for IM training) is basically not recommened. How then does one correctly set training zones during the ever important base period. Thanks in advance for any “good” advice!
“We all know that intensity during the base period (for IM training) is basically not recommened”
I don’t think we know that at all! Your base period should contain some 20 minute TH intervals anyway, so go ahead and do one and set your zones based on that test, or a pecentage (.93) of that test.
“We all know that intensity during the base period (for IM training) is basically not recommened”
I don’t think we know that at all! Your base period should contain some 20 minute TH intervals anyway, so go ahead and do one and set your zones based on that test, or a pecentage (.93) of that test.
I think the 20 minute intervals should be at 93-105% of threshold power, where that power is the level that can be sustained for an hour, not for 20 minutes.
I sort of agree–but what I was getting at was that .93% of a 20 minute test would be good for initially setting his zones, and FTP–not that he should neccessarily train at his 20min max. while doing 20 minute intervals.
With that much said, if you are doing 2-3 20 minute repeats, I think it makes sense to do them as hard as you can, as long as there’s not a huge drop off from one to the next.