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.
Another fairly standard week really. I didn’t do a Saturday climb as I have the FTP Test ahead this week and didn’t want to burn myself out. An easier ride then, followed by a usual ‘recovery’ walk on Sunday.
Here are this week’s rides:
- Tuesday – Another Tough Session
- Wednesday – Worked Through It
- Thursday – Zwift Get Rolling: Stage 3 – London Classique (B)
- Saturday – Aiming For Low Tempo
OK, so it’s not looking like my bike repairs / upgrades will be completed in time for the FTP Test. I got a text late last week to say there’s been a delay on receiving my replacement cassettes – I need two, one for the bike wheel and one for the turbo – but haven’t got a set date, yet, as to when the work will take place.
No major problem, really.
I am able to ride on the bike without any issue, so long as it’s on the turbo.
So whilst the numbers don’t look stellar, it’s going to have to be FTP Test time this week. I guess I won’t know whether the new components made any difference. All I will have to go on is my existing setup, and my legs.
Oh, and my declining form.
What could go wrong?
I’m planning to do the test tomorrow lunch time.
That means I need to get a decent breakfast in, possibly porridge, and then make sure to keep up the fluids during the morning. Usually I do not bother with either of these things, but this time around I am at least trying to set myself up for success.
Last time my result was so poor that I cannot help but think this time around will be an improvement regardless.
However in Quarter 1 I managed a far more respectable 262w average over the 20 minutes, leading to a final FTP figure of 249w.
Realistically I don’t think I’m going to beat that this time around. Every single metric I have right now says I was significantly fitter earlier in the year.
In my head I have a target of between 250w and 255w to aim for over the 20 minutes. That would, I feel, be a realistically goal. That would be between 237w and 242w at 95%. Which is where the Garmin seems to have me after most rides lately.
Anything beyond that is a serious bonus.
Beyond the FTP Test it will be a much easier ride on Wednesday.
And then race day Thursday.
Same old, really.
I’m wondering if later in the week I will get the call regarding the bike upgrades, and then I will be without a bike whilst the work takes place. I have that down for between two and three days, which, so long as I have done the FTP Test, I think will be a well earned break.
Probably just do walks those days instead.
So that’s the plan. Pretty much the usual routine, except throwing in the FTP Test and hopefully the bike upgrade.
Got to be honest, I’m not looking forwards to doing the FTP Test. Not that I think anyone ever is. But at least I am not nervous of it. Just something that needs to be done.
Fingers crossed for a good result.