Training zones

Triathlon Forum
1

Guy’s

I need some help setting my zones…I did a 2x20 Threshold Funct. Power test and I averaged 236 watts between the two of them. What would my training zones be?

Thanks,

Toby71

2

http://www.trainingpeaks.com/hunter/power_training_levels.pdf
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3

I’d be a bit leery of using the results of a 2 x 20 min workout performed as a test to calculate training levels using the percentages that I’ve proposed. If you really “drilled it” during that workout, using the data from it might result in setting the cut-off values higher than intended. For the most part such an error would be self-correcting (“alls you can do is alls you can do”), but you still might end up training more intensely than believed/intended at the lower levels (i.e., level 1, “recovery” and level 2, “endurance”).

4

From Joe Friel’s program (Joe mentions a 20 or 30 minute TT is fine, just minus 5% from your FTP, then apply into below info) Hope this helps:
Your power zones are determined based on your Functional Threshold Power (FTP). This is the average power you can produce in a 1-hour time trial. If you don’t know your FTP go to www.trainingpeaks.com/hunter/whatisthreshold.asp or go to www.cyclingpeakssoftware.com/power411/threshold.asp to learn more on how to find yours. Once you know your FTP find your power zones as follows… PZ1 = <56% of FTP PZ2 = 56-75% of FTP PZ3 = 76-90% of FTP PZ4 = 91-105% of FTP PZ5 = 106-120% of FTP PZ6 = 121-150% of FTP PZ7 = >150% of FTP

5

Andrew,

Why are you a bit leery about using the 2x20 minute test to set zones…a little back ground I have been riding for 2 yrs but new to the powertap…I’m trying to set my zones for IMLP 2008- Any help would be appreciated - Also I missed the special on training peaks anyway I can still get in ? :slight_smile:

Thanks,

Toby

6

Andrew,

Why are you a bit leery about using the 2x20 minute test to set zones

Because if you go out all amped up and “drill it” for both efforts, it’s quite possible that the average power of even your 2nd effort will be higher than your functional threshold power. That’s why I emphasized “routinely” in my Seven Deadly Sins recommendations.

Also I missed the special on training peaks anyway I can still get in ? :slight_smile:

I’m not part of TrainingPeaks (now PeaksWare), so don’t really know to what special you’re referring.

7

I must be the only person here to do a 1 hour TT and use that power to set training zones.

jaretj