Final FTP test before IMAZ?

2015-10-28 12:51 PM

Master

2759

Los Angeles, CA

Subject: Final FTP test before IMAZ?

Hi guys,

Just wondering if and when I should do an FTP test before Ironman Arizona. This is going to be my first full Ironman. I was considering doing one tomorrow or next week Thursday at the latest since the last test I did was on October 1.

My logs are up to date and I've been hammering the bike workouts this entire month and I started tapering this past weekend.

Thanks,
Roland

axteraa

2015-10-28 1:34 PM

in reply to: kloofyroland

Elite

7783

PEI, Canada

Subject: RE: Final FTP test before IMAZ?

I wouldn't. Hopefully you have done some long rides based on your previous tests to validate the data.

brigby1

2015-10-28 1:37 PM

in reply to: axteraa

Master

10208

Northern IL

Subject: RE: Final FTP test before IMAZ?

I wouldn't either. Your focus is likely going to be more on the bigger stuff at this point. It's not likely to move much over the next month anyway and you should be able to tweak the workouts well enough if you at least a little experience with power.

bcagle25

2015-10-28 11:13 PM

in reply to: kloofyroland

Expert

2355

Madison, Wisconsin

Subject: RE: Final FTP test before IMAZ?

What would be the point of doing the FTP test? If you did one 4 weeks ago, why do you feel you need to do another one?

Have you been training do improve your FTP the past 4 weeks, or training to ride well at IM Arizona?

If you want to do one, you can do it, I wouldn't recommend it. You should have done enough rides at your race intensity that the test really won't serve much, if any, real benefit.

2015-10-28 11:42 PM

in reply to: bcagle25

Master

2759

Los Angeles, CA

Subject: RE: Final FTP test before IMAZ?

Thanks guys! I think you're right. I should focus on tapering and recovering well the next 3 weeks.

I did put in some hard efforts a couple times on the trainer during the past 3 weeks this month and was curious to see if my FTP improved. With all the long rides in addition to that it may have.

GAUG3

2015-10-29 7:42 AM

in reply to: kloofyroland

Extreme Veteran

1018

Subject: RE: Final FTP test before IMAZ?

I'm sure it increased. However, you trained at the zones of your current FTP and did race specific training... I hope. So don't go messing with that this close to the race.

ADollar79

2015-10-29 10:46 AM

in reply to: kloofyroland

Champion

5529

Nashville, TN

Subject: RE: Final FTP test before IMAZ?

Originally posted by kloofyroland

Thanks guys! I think you're right. I should focus on tapering and recovering well the next 3 weeks.

I did put in some hard efforts a couple times on the trainer during the past 3 weeks this month and was curious to see if my FTP improved. With all the long rides in addition to that it may have.

It's natural to think that and it your FTP probably did bump up, maybe 5-8w. But keep in mind what FTP is...or how it is typically defined...one hour power. The model begins to become more and more inconsistent as we talk about predicting 5-6 hour rides. At that point, the best indicator of IM pace is your training rides. We can talk all day until we are blue in the face that IM athletes should be able to ride 70-75%. But I rarely see it. 65-68% is much more common. So look at your last few long rides and see where you rode. That will give you a better indication of success.

2015-10-29 12:57 PM

in reply to: ADollar79

Master

2759

Los Angeles, CA

Subject: RE: Final FTP test before IMAZ?

Originally posted by ADollar79

Good points, thank you! 66-68% is where I've been pacing myself in my long rides this month and I'm gonna stick with that on race day.

I will forego the FTP test and just taper down wisely. Getting super excited!!!

2015-10-29 12:58 PM

in reply to: GAUG3

Master

2759

Los Angeles, CA

Subject: RE: Final FTP test before IMAZ?

Originally posted by GAUG3

I'm sure it increased. However, you trained at the zones of your current FTP and did race specific training... I hope.

I did.