Power output in colder weather

Powerlink

Already here in the NE USA it's gotten colder out, and aside from having to get used to putting on all the extra gear etc. I noticed on a recent interval workout that it seemed harder to maintain the same power level as a few weeks ago; and perceived exertion / HR increased for the given output. A good example would be 4 X 8 minutes (w/8 minutes rest) at < 90% of threshold power. Normally I could get through these without my HR getting close to race (TT) level. I was really huffing along during this recent session. I would have said that the warmup was decent.

There are other factors (recent business travel) which I could use to explain this away, and while it's something I've always felt in the days "before powertap" I was wondering if there is any data on decreasing power output versus temperature out there. Perhaps what I consider a decent warmup is not enough.

thanks!

frenchyge

Could be the colder temperature, or it could be detraining from travel and lower training volume corresponding to the onset of cooler weather.

With the weather change, your body could be working harder to keep warm or even working harder to keep cool if you're overdressed or have insufficient ventilation in your clothing.

joule

More clothing (more weight, higher air drag), colder, denser air (higher air drag), probable lower abilities (due to lower volume / intensity), more energy being diverted to body heat.

yzfrr11

No, colder weather gives you more power. This is especially true for VO2max intervals. More of your cardiac output is directed to working muscles and less to cooling. I have experienced this on a regular basis.

robkit

i tend to agree. perceived effort is lower for a given power output in winter, because the demands of cooling are less.

bulkier clothing will significantly increase your frontal area, slowing you down, and its generally windier, but that has nothing to do with power.

__________________
I am my favorite rider.

yzfrr11

Exactly right!