This is aimed at sprinting. Do you notice your power drop off when it get's colder outside? I seem to have a direct correlation with my sprint power and how hot it is. The hotter - the higher output. Anything below 60 degrees and I feel like a cat 5 again and my whole summer of gains vanishes. Even lately, it's been in the 60s and I just don't seem to have it. Power is 5-10% lower than it was 3 weeks ago, and I've taken many days off to make sure I'm rested. I was hitting personal bests 3 weeks ago, but I just feel "normal" again. 🙁
It's harder to warm up when it's colder, but I'm guessing you already know that much. Train through it I guess. Just think of how much faster you'll go once it gets warm again 🙂
On the indoor track in Invercargill there is a marked difference in speed between winter, summer and summer with a full house that cranks the indoor temperature to over 30degrees Celsius.
On the road in winter holding power constant I am always considerably slower because I am wearing more, use winter training tyres and it's colder.
I know colder air is slower, but I'm talking pure wattage. My peak and 5 second power have fallen 5-10%. Long sleeves and leg warmers can't take more than a couple watts? lol
Look at it this way: When it's below 65, or 50s especially, it's as if I have a 'governor' on my body. It's like I can only output 90% of my true ability. So in essence, I don't even really get any training benefit when it's cold.
It's like I can only truly train for 4 out of 12 months. No wonder I am making slow year to year progress. I am seriously thinking of moving to southern TX or AZ very soon. (Been wanting to get away from the cold since I was in HS, I just finished college.)
I noticed it also, though my power drop might have something to do with it being my second L7 session of the week. I felt like my upper body was the limiter, harder to warm up in the cold.
The body redirects blood flow to stay warm. You generally wear more clothing which is more restrictive and less aero. You are generally not as loose. Cold air is denser than warm air and harder to move through. and the #1 reason for me, my attitude sucks in cold weather.
