"Sweet Spot"

acoggan

http://www.cyclingpeakssoftware.com/threshold.html

SoFlaPedaler

Thank you Dr. Coggan!

BlueJersey

I think I am getting good result right now. Just did 3x10 L4 interval on the trainer. Averaging 245w (last year LT power at TT effort). Average HR was 167. LT HR is about 175 to 180. On Sunday I did 3 x 20 with an average power of 230w (rolling terrain). I am very surprised I could even complete these intervals at all. Current weight is about 135lb.

postal_bag

I just spent 90 min in the sweet spot on friday and again today. Friday was at 87% FT and today was at 92% FT. The interesting thing was that the last 10 minutes seemed the easiest. I guess knowing the end was near helped. I am going to block it with 2x20 at 100% FT tomorrow, and 3x10 at 105% on Wednesday.

mac_220

I'm totally sold on the virtues of FT training and the benefits over a 'traditional base' period. However I am struggling to get a grip on the principles of how to structure a training plan using this methodology. I'm really hoping that Dr Coggans book will clarify this for me, I have one on pre-order from amazon. I can't wait to receive it.

Regards,

Mac

acoggan

Unfortunately, it may nor may not - our goal was to write a "how to" book on using a powermeter, not really to describe how to structure the optimal training program. The latter is not only unique to each individual and their personal strengths and weaknesses, training background, competition goals, etc., but is also something covered by a number of other books out there, which we didn't want to try to replicate. So, while our book contains sample workouts and training programs, they aren't necessarily meant as something to be copied, and we don't make any specific recommendations, e.g., as to what sort of training you do when.

FWIW, I've already suggested to Hunter that we write another book, more along the lines of what I think you have in mind and similar to Martin and Coe's "Better Training for Distance Runners" (i.e., covering both the physiology underlying performance and laying out a systematic approach to training). At best that's a few years away, though, in part because it's going to take a while before power-based training is fully integrated into the mainstream. Once it is, writing the sort of book I have in mind will be much easier, as you wouldn't have to spend significant amounts of time covering the powermeter side of things, i.e., you could get right to the "meat".

mac_220

Hi Andy,

thanks for the info, you mention that the info i'm after relating to how to structure a training plan has already been covered in other books. Does the book you mention cover this and if not could you recommend a book which does.

Kind Regards,

Mark

PSUcycling

I used Freel's book with good success until I hired a coach. Very systematic, and you are able to write a whole years training plan day by day. Worth a try.