New PM owner - Timing of FTP test question

I think it would be wise to do a test asap just so you know where you're at and what you can do to improve using that data until race day.

+1 - do one now. Not only will it give you a current baseline but it has been my experience that the first time someone does a test they tend to hold back just a bit or push too hard at the beginning. The second test will be more accurate because you will know what to expect.

Go ahead and do the test now for a training baseline. For the race, I would pace off current 60 mile efforts that allow you to put together a solid run. Look at the data after a couple of training efforts. The PM will tell you what wattages you can hold based on those training runs. I wouldn't use x% of FTP unless I had thoroughly tested it in training.

A 20 minute FTP test is useful for lots of reasons, and is a great workout/training stimulus, so do it-asap!

Training with power takes some time to understand the metrics and meaning. Then you have to wrap your head about HOW to properly do workouts, all within the context of hitting the goal for the actual workout. It is also important to know where you are in proximity to a race and how much harder efforts may cost in terms of recovery, as you need to taper well to get that 'super compensation' boost from the taper. Then go out and hold a goal race pace (based on distance of the race and your actual FTP) and execute the bike and see how the run goes.

Tricky stuff...

go out and hammer a 20 minute test, estimate your FTP and decide on a desired/goal power level for the race. (For the HIM=.80-0.85 IF-that 80-85% of your FTP; aiming on the lower side until you know how well you run off certain %'s).

In the meantime, boost your endurance by running/riding and swimming volume. Get a few workouts in each weak with some 'pace'. Figure out how much rest you need and how much time you can afford to give to training without wrecking your life. Taper well and give us an update.

good luck

Ride with it for a couple of weeks - see how your power responds in different situations, where you tend to ride hard (uphill) and how you can better pace these sections. Find where you tend to back off and try to ride harder.

Collect data, read the seven deadly sins article (http://alex-cycle.blogspot.ca/2008/05/the-seven-deadly-sins.html?m=1) and estimate your FTP. Then do a test and try to nail down FTP.

Then train hard - test again 10-12 days out (also include several longer rides where you just sit on 80-85% of FTP). The long rides are target wattage will be critical to see if you can actually ride those watts and run.

Also, make sure you choose a good test - 2x20 with 2 between or critical power with a short test and long rest are best I'M.

Shane

Do one now. Some of your workouts between now and race day probably consist of a 20 - 40 min efforts, so you can measure how you do on those efforts compared to a baseline now.

Would be a good gauge to see how you are doing!

I already realize that I don't go as hard on the flats, slight downhills and descents as I should be going (power numbers go way down). That was an eye-opener.

I haven't checked the data from the crash, yet....lol (yes....I went down @ 20-23mph for the first time, Saturday.....first day riding with power). It'll be a while before I do any FTP test. REALLY sore and scraped up.

Thanks for all of your input.