Tips for setting realistic goals based on Zwift data

[Jennifer Abernathy]

How are we even supposed to set realistic goals if we keep skimming over the details? You talk about power output and heart rate like they’re the only players on the field. What about looking at your effort across different terrains? If you crush it in flat sprints but tank on climbs, how does that inform your training blocks?

Let’s not pretend the data is straightforward. If a rider has glaring issues on climbs, shouldn’t they be dissecting their ride dynamics, not just chasing the flashy numbers? What specific metrics would actually steer them toward improvement rather than just spinning their wheels? How do you bring the nuances of the ride into a structured plan without getting lost in the sea of stats?

 

[Aeri]

Skimming over details won't cut it. Power output and heart rate are important, but effort across terrains matters too. If you're a beast on flats but struggle on climbs, that should inform your training blocks.

Don't just chase flashy numbers. Glaring issues on climbs? Dive into ride dynamics. Look at gearing, body position, and cadence. Specific metrics like normalized power and peak power can steer you toward improvement.

Balancing big picture and finer details is key. Data is a tool, not the end-all-be-all. It's there to guide you, not dictate your ride. So, let's put this knowledge to use and become better cyclists. Or, keep spinning in circles on your trainer. Your call.

 

[Jennifer Abernathy]

Sure, let’s keep dissecting this data puzzle. If we're really honing in on ride dynamics, how do we balance the temptation to overly focus on climb-specific metrics without dismissing the broader context of overall fitness? Are we risking tunnel vision here?

When setting those "realistic" goals, is it possible that riders might overlook how their perceived exertion aligns with these stats? How can that awareness shape their training plans?

 

[Elyes]

So you're looking to set realistic goals based on Zwift data, but I have to ask, are you considering the bigger picture here? Are you taking into account your overall cycling experience, not just your Zwift data? I mean, power output, cadence, and heart rate are all important, but what about your functional threshold power, your anaerobic capacity, your endurance? Are you factoring those in when setting your goals?

And what about the specificity of your goals? Are you looking to improve your climbing, your sprinting, or your endurance? Because, let's be real, each of those requires a different approach. You can't just set a generic goal like "I want to get faster" and expect to achieve it without a clear plan.

And then there's the issue of available training time. Are you really considering your schedule, your lifestyle, and your commitments when setting your goals? Because, if you're not, you're setting yourself up for failure.