FTP v LT v AT

Phil S said:

Hi, a message for the power geeks. I have measurements for myself for LT and AT done at Loughborough Uni. I was wondering whether FTP is a completely separate number or could I deduce it from my test results, or do I have to go and determine FTP by the method described on Training Peaks? Am a new Powertap user and have no data files.

It's related, but different. For best results you need to do an FTP test.

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Piotr said:

It's related, but different. For best results you need to do an FTP test.

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Yup, similar but slightly different reference points. Technically power at LT should be a bit lower than FTP and AT is a pretty dated term which really doesn't exist. There is no "threshold" between aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms and the term AT has fallen into disfavor as it falsely implies a precise transition. I suspect the power they told you represents AT is pretty close to your FTP. Easy enough to find out, get a good warmup on a day when you're fresh and motivated and see how long you can hold that power. If you get a solid half hour to hour it's a pretty good starting point to estimate your FTP. If you easily go beyond an hour at that power then your FTP is higher.

Regardless of the testing method you chose you'll refine your FTP estimate with more training, it's pretty normal to adjust your early FTP estimates upwards as you get used to pacing steady long efforts and start to reap the benefits of focused training.

Good luck,
-Dave