Each week I try to review and reflect on my previous week on the bike. This allows me to see how my fitness and ability is progressing on a wider timescale than day to day. For previous weekly reviews please click here.
The first proper week back on the bike since my holiday, and whilst things are trending in the right direction overall, I’m still pretty apprehensive of my forthcoming FTP test.
However, the very hot weather has now subsided. We’re now down to ‘just’ hot weather. Humid. So it’s all systems go for this week on the FTP test front. Yay. But with a slight twist.
Here were last week’s rides:
- 13th – Zwift OG Racing: Stage 2 – London Classique (B)
- 14th – Zwift Group Workout: The Volcano (Short)
- 17th – Feeling The Loss
- 18th – Pudding Status: Over Egged
It was pretty much back to the routine for riding this week.
On Tuesday I did the second round of the OG Racing series, which is taking us around the original Zwift racing routes. London Classique was definitely an easier race than Stage 1’s Watopia Hilly Route. At least, as far as I am concerned.
I did alright in that race. One of my better efforts / results.
On the Wenesday I opted for a group workout, doing the shorter version of The Volcano. A rather aptly named workout, considering how hot it was at the time. I think the mercury tipped passed 30c that day during the ride. And then it got hotter still later in the afternoon. Lovely.
It was because the weather was too hot I skipped riding Thursday and instead, went for a walk. That was a bit of a disaster as I forgot to put suncream on, and within 15 minutes I was cooked. I had plans to repeat that on Friday… but when it came to it I wimped out. Whoops.
Over the weekend I went for a couple of outdoor rides. This was partly because the weather cooled, and also partly to test out the shoulder / arm issues. In short, problems persist. Great news.
I think the biggest eye opener lately is that I feel like I’ve lost fitness.
I’ve predominantly been doing shorter rides that the Garmin tells me benefit VO2 max. Mostly things like races and sub 60 minute workouts. They fit my dinner breaks, but also condition me to 30-45 minutes. When I hit a longer ride I find I struggle past that point.
Makes sense I guess.
Not great though.
And that’s kinda passed on to my mindset for the forthcoming FTP Test. I am expecting to have lost fitness. I’ve definitely gained weight – more on that in a minute – but I suspect that’s combined with a slight decrease in power, so the double whammy.
If I can equal last quarters 249w outcome I will be pleased. If I beat that, I’ll be amazed. And if I fall short I can’t say I will be overly surprised.
The weight gain doesn’t surprise me.
I overate massively on holiday.
And then since coming back, as above, my riding activity hasn’t been sufficient to draw that number back down steadily.
Friday night I drank a couple of beers, and last night I had a big curry, along with finishing that off over lunch today. So overall it’s unsurprising that the weight remains high.
Oh, and I have realised I have no updated my weight on Zwift, so have been sandbagging. If only it meant better results 🙂
So then, to this week’s plan.
It’s slightly different to usual as I am away with work on Wednesday.
Therefore I raced today (Monday).
Tomorrow will be a low intensity workout – aiming for 40-50 minutes but definitely nothing beyond Zone 2.
Then ‘rest’ Wednesday, if you can call travelling 2 hours each way and doing a days work “rest”.
Then Thursday, it’s FTP Test baby. Oh yeah. Looking forwards to that.
Assuming I get through all that, I will, of course, go easy on myself for Saturday and Sunday. Not sure what, just yet, but lighter rides.
The key is the FTP Test. Get that done and take stock.