Asphalt Junkies Winter Edition - CLOSED (Page 7)

So I decided to do my FTP test yesterday because I was was making more excuses than anything about it now.  I would like to have done it at the end of the training cycle as I mentioned but knowing it was likely off a little bit thought I might receive a better benefit by doing it now.  For this test I decided to complete the 20 minute version as opposed to the 8 minute test I completed last time.  About 10 minutes into the test today I was really wishing I had done the 8 minute test!!!

I was trying to see if I was able to push about 300 watts for the test but this proved way to hard.  The first qtr. of the testing phase was targeted at 285 to maintain my FTP and I was at 295.  The second qtr. I leveled off my effort and began to suffer and landed at 301 watts over this 5 minute period, but I was suffering tremendously at the end of it.  

The last 10 minutes was going to be horrible!  When I had originally decided to do the test I thought I would try to go about 297 for the 20 minutes.  Then I thought "what are 3 lousy watts?"  I found out those 3 watts really, really sucked!!

At the beginning of the 3rd qtr. I dropped my effort a little bit to provide a little relief and still landed at 291 watts.  This probably was a somewhat wise decision given that I had gone out far to hard in the beginning.  The final 5 minutes of the test was a total mental effort and I was watching my HR spike into places I am not sure I have ever seen for this long on the bike.  Finally for the last qtr. I averaged 298 watts, a little lower than my 300 watt target but I am not so sure I was ready for that anyway.

My new FTP after the test and a 8.5 hour previous week of recovery riding is 280.  Now I'll see if I can legitimize that number for the next few weeks and over the racing season.

Yes!  Jump on in the group Chris.  When you post a bio try yo follow something close tho the format from the other bios.

The Marine Corps Marathon was the first full marathon I completed too.  It is probably my most favorite race because I was able to run for a purpose.

Although you haven't fully committed to becoming a Junkie, I'll welcome you any ways, CAPTAIN CHRIS!   This is a great group of folks and I'm sure you'll fit right in.  Your weight loss and completing the Marine Corps Marathon are great accomplishments.  Congratulations!   Don't get overwhelmed with all the triathlon lingo and data and general STUFF that'll be talked about here.     Just ask away on anything you want to know about.    I look forward to reading your bio and getting to know you!    Hope you enjoyed spin class! 

Welcome to the Junkies, Chris!

If it had been flu like symptoms I'd have seen the doc long before I did, but it only felt like a sore throat. I do appreciate all the "mom" attempts by everyone though

Anyway, I took Nyquil last night and slept through the night with no coughing for the first time in a month. I might go that route for a few days to see if it helps me recover.

I am planning on a short run tomorrow morning. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

Enjoyed reading your bio, CHRIS!    I know the area you live in because we lived in Maryland for 18 years and still have family in Chesapeake Beach.  That's a beautiful location and a perfect spot for captaining a charter boat.  You're a smart man to name Cindy the Admiral.        Instead of "thinking" of doing a sprint tri on the Naval base, you just need to sign up and DO IT!  .  From the look of your fitness on your Garmin site, you'll be able to complete it easily and then you'll probably LOVE it and for sure you'll sign up for the longer one in the fall.    It only takes one triathlon for the passion to set in.  It happened to all of us on here.   

Glad you were able to get some relief from Nyquil, VERO and hoping you're able to kick this sickness out quickly.

WILL -  After picking up "End of the Spear" I realized I'd watched it before years ago.  Wow - what a story!   How cool that you're going in the same area but not having to worry about hostility.   Just neat that kids in your youth group want to go.   Did you decide to pull the plug and sign up for the race after your trip?

Sorry, I'm no help to you on your bike, MATT.   I'm so looking forward to racing with you at Mohigan. 

Another day of no school here.  Our thermometer showed -15.3 when I got up this morn.   Brutal!   Although I don't have trainerroad and all the Sufferfest videos I still plan on doing 9 days straight of biking on my trainer to kind of keep up with you all.   I did Local Hero the other day, DEREK and liked/hated it.    I was a sweaty mess.  Thanks for the recommendation.

Seeing some of you do two-a-days raised the question in my mind whether it's better to do one long workout in the morn or divide it up?  Is there a benefit to that?   I can make it happen but it works better in my life to do one long workout.

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!

We mostly lived in Germantown, CHRIS, so further north of you.  Aside from the traffic around DC I came to love the state - mountains, beaches, rich culture.   It has everything and I really do miss it.    My hubby goes back at least once a year and fishes with a buddy.  Last time they fished the Chesapeake and had good success.   I'll keep you in mind if we come for a longer visit  - chartering your boat would be fun!       On the swim question.   That's my weakest area also so I won't be much help.    There's a couple places that the folks on here generally guide someone who asks that question - 1) To the Swim Smooth website here:  http://www.swimsmooth.com/  and  2)  To Swim Speed Secrets website here:  http://swimspeedsecrets.com/   I recently purchased the Swim Speed workouts and like them very much although I haven't increased my speed yet.      (I'm just in week 3, though, so I won't beat myself up too much).   DIRK is our resident swim speedster (actually everything speedster), so he'll give you some good tips.

JOANNE - you make me laugh.  Take the 20 mph and go with it!   You got this, girl!

TONY - how was your swimming after your tough mental workout weekend?  Good job on that, by the way!  And thanks for your insight into the two-a-days.  That makes sense.

Hey everyone,
I spent last week in Florida and got to run outdoors 4 times (in shorts), and swim outdoors 3 times.    It was awesome and amazing.  Then, I had to come home.  I'm trying to take this polar vortex thing in stride, but I'm ready to be able to get out on the trails!  I've been able to maintain a bit of a base in swimming, and a solid base for my run, but my biking has been pretty non-existent.  No worries.....plenty of time!  I've been doing a lot of yoga this winter and enjoying it very much.  I will probably continue with it through February and then take a break to free up more time for my other training. 

I'm signed up for a very hilly trail half marathon at the beginning of April.  4,000 feet of elevation change.  Any suggestions on how to prepare for run hills when I don't have any hills to train on?  I'm thinking I should spend some time on the stair climber.  Thoughts?

Chris,  welcome to the group.  Congrats on your weight loss and your marathon.  Love your enthusiasm.