This was my first time trial. My plan was to pace completely on feel since I didn't have a reliable estimate of FTP. I didn't want to target some number that could be too high or too low. I just kept asking myself if I could hang on for an hour at the current intensity. I passed 3 or 4 guys on the way out and made the turn right at 33min which was a little slower then I had expected. I still had a shot at going under 1hr if there was enough tail-wind on the way back. I only broke my aero position once on the way out to grab a drink from my bottle at the 10k mark. On the way back my legs started getting a little tight and I stood to stretch for 2-3sec maybe 4 or 5 times and also took another pull from my bottle at 30k. With 10k to go it was starting to get hard but I knew the closer I got to the finish the less time I had left to suffer. With about 1/2 mile to go I was able to pass one last guy and dig deep for whatever I had left. Unfortunately, there was a bit more head wind on the return at spots and I missed going under 1hr but not by much.

I did what I showed up to do...get a good 1hr power to use as my FTP for training and race pacing. Since re-installing my power meter 2 weeks ago I've been trying to figure out what my FTP is...the re-install changed the reference readings and my Ergomo now reads about 30W lower. Based on the past few workouts I figured I was i the 250-255W range and today confirmed 250W. To top it off I ended up taking 2nd in CAT 5...not bad for my first 40k TT.

If I want to go faster I need to make the event a priority and show up with fresh legs. Today was meant to be testing primarily and a race secondary.

Coasting and soft pedaling was about all I could manage for 2-3min after crossing the line. I was gradually able to start turning the pedals and spent ~10min riding very easy. I took 20min to change my bike over to a training rig and then went back out for a steady 45min ride.


I had a hard 3hr ride on Friday and spend yesterday out in the sun playing kickball and sprinting around so I was feeling really tired and generally sore all over. My hamstrings were particularly tight. If I were fresh I might have been able to squeek out an additional 5-10W and maybe break 1hr.


Cycling events tend to be more bare-bones in terms of post race activities and overall production. Time trials specifically don't require much support. This event had the basics...registration, officials/timers, bathrooms. I don't know if there was any water or sports drink available because I brought what I needed but I didn't see any sort of snacks or fluids.