How to use power meters for interval training

[Leachyy2k]

Whats the point of using power meters for interval training if youre just going to set arbitrary power targets based on some generic FTP test, rather than factoring in individual physiological responses to different types of efforts?

Is it really worth the investment in a power meter if youre not going to take into account the nuances of your own aerobic and anaerobic systems when designing interval workouts?

And dont even get me started on the whole concept of Functional Threshold Power (FTP) as a benchmark for interval training.

How does a single, 20-minute all-out effort really provide an accurate snapshot of an athletes capabilities across the full range of interval intensities and durations?

Are we really to believe that the same rider will produce the same power output for a 5-minute all-out effort, a 20-minute threshold effort, and a 1-minute sprint effort, simply because their FTP is set at, say, 250 watts?

What about the impact of fatigue, nutrition, recovery, and other environmental factors on an athletes ability to produce power during interval workouts?

Dont these factors play a much bigger role in determining the effectiveness of interval training than some arbitrary power target based on a generic FTP test?

Can anyone explain to me why the current crop of power meter software and coaching methodologies seem to be ignoring these critical variables in favor of a simplistic, one-size-fits-all approach to interval training?

 

[ebojorq]

Power to the individuals! You're spot on, FTP tests are just one piece of the puzzle. A rider's power output can vary greatly depending on fatigue, nutrition, and recovery. It's like comparing apples to oranges if we expect the same power output across different interval durations and intensities. Maybe it's time to customize our training more, factoring in personal responses and environmental factors. Food for thought: could we be overlooking the power of being in tune with our own bodies?

 

[Robbizzle]

Power to the people, not power meters! Instead of solely relying on generic FTP tests, why not consider individuality? A 20-minute all-out effort might measure your FTP, but it doesn't account for the uniqueness of your aerobic and anaerobic systems.

You're right; athletes aren't robots. Fatigue, nutrition, and recovery play significant roles in power production. So why reduce complex beings to a single number? Embracing the chaos of real-world variables can lead to more effective interval training.

It's time to challenge the status quo and consider a dynamic approach to power-based training. By incorporating personalized targets and accounting for the ever-changing factors that influence performance, we can unlock our true potential on the bike. ‍

 

[bahamas]

While I understand your skepticism, power meters can still be a valuable tool for interval training, even if you don't factor in individual physiological responses. Yes, FTP is just one metric, but it's a widely accepted and useful one for establishing power targets. Instead of dismissing it entirely, consider using it as a starting point and adjusting based on personal experience and feedback. Ultimately, power meters provide a level of objectivity and precision that can help take your training to the next level. Let's continue this discussion and hear other opinions on the matter.

 

[Leachyy2k]

Isn’t it a bit wild that we’re relying on a single FTP test to dictate our entire training regimen? What if that 20-minute effort is just a fluke day, like when you nail the perfect coffee-to-water ratio? Does that really reflect your peak performance across different efforts?

How can we trust a number that doesn’t account for the rollercoaster of fatigue and nutrition? What if we’re all just trying to fit ourselves into a power meter's neat little box, ignoring our unique physiological quirks? Could it be that we’re missing out on a more personalized approach to interval training?

 

[ChristianB]

Power to the people, not the meters

You've raised some valid points, and I'm inclined to agree. Using generic FTP tests to set power targets for interval training can be as useful as a chocolate teapot. It's like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, or in our case, a one-size-fits-all approach to an incredibly individual sport.

But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater here. Power meters do have their place, just perhaps not in the way we've been using them. Instead of fixating on arbitrary targets, we should be paying more attention to our bodies, tuning into the subtle cues our own physiology gives us during training.

And yes, the impact of fatigue, nutrition, recovery, and other environmental factors is crucial. It's like trying to bake a cake without considering the temperature of the oven or the freshness of the ingredients. The current coaching methodologies seem to be overlooking these vital components, and it's high time we addressed it.

So, power meters aren't perfect, but then again, neither are we. Perhaps it's time for a more mindful, nuanced approach to interval training, one that considers the rider as a whole, rather than just a pair of legs pushing pedals. ‍

 

[ebojorq]

Power meters, while not without merit, can be as useful as a screen door on a submarine when used for setting universal power targets in interval training. Bodily cues and individual variability should take center stage. ‍

The current coaching tactics seem to overlook the importance of fatigue, nutrition, recovery, and environmental factors. It's like trying to build a house on sand. We need a more comprehensive, holistic approach to cycling training, where riders are treated as unique entities rather than interchangeable parts.

So, let's not toss power meters aside completely—they have their uses—but let's be more mindful and nuanced in our application of their data. By fine-tuning our training to account for our unique physiology and circumstances, we might find ourselves enjoying more success and fewer setbacks. ‍

 

[Leachyy2k]

Power meters can be a double-edged sword, can’t they? If we’re just going to slap on generic FTP numbers and call it a day, what’s the point? It’s like using a GPS to find a coffee shop but ignoring the fact that you hate lattes. ️

How can we expect to optimize our training when we’re tethered to a single metric that doesn’t capture the chaos of our unique physiological responses? What if your body’s screaming for a rest day while your power meter is demanding that you push through?

And let’s talk about the psychological aspect—how much pressure does that arbitrary number put on athletes? Are we setting ourselves up for burnout by clinging to these rigid targets?

Isn’t it time we shifted the focus from these cookie-cutter approaches to something that truly reflects our individual journeys? What if we embraced the messiness of training instead of trying to fit ourselves into a neat little box?

 

[Leachyy2k]

Isn’t it amusing how we cling to these power targets, hoping they’ll magically transform our training? What if we’re just chasing numbers while our bodies are whispering for a more tailored approach? Why not consider how those fluctuating variables—like sleep or a bad burrito—might throw a wrench in our power meter plans?

 

[Robbizzle]

Clinging to power targets can feel comforting, but are we overlooking vital individual factors? What if we're so focused on the numbers that we ignore our body's unique needs? Sleep quality, stress levels, and diet can significantly impact our performance. Are we ready to ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and embrace the complexity of our own physiology?

 

[Leachyy2k]

Isn’t it unsettling how we might be shackling ourselves to these power targets, oblivious to our own unique rhythms? What if our bodies are screaming for a more nuanced approach, yet we persist with this rigid framework? How can we truly harness our potential if we ignore the intricate dance of fatigue, hydration, and mental state?

 

[bahamas]

Oh, I see what you're getting at. You're worried that by using power targets, we're turning a blind eye to our body's own symphony of signals. Well, let me put your mind at ease: we're not ignoring the intricate ballet of fatigue, hydration, and Hermione-Granger-like mental state.

Power meters can actually help us pay closer attention to our bodies. Think of them as a pair of binoculars, allowing us to zoom in on our performance with greater detail. Sure, we could try to keep track of all those light-and-sound cues our bodies send without them, but let's be honest—that's like trying to follow the Tour de France with a paper map and a hopeful smile.

But hey, if you're still feeling uneasy, why not give it a whirl? Try incorporating power targets into your training and see if it works for you. After all, cycling is as much an art as it is a science, and sometimes we have to experiment a little to find our perfect blend of data and intuition. ‍