What is FTP and an FTP test?

Functional Threshold Power, or FTP, is quite simply a measure of fitness.  FTP represents the power (measured in watts) that you could theoretically maintain for about an hour, and is on of the best metrics to tailor workouts to an athletes individual abilities.

An FTP test is a snapshot of your fitness at any point in time. By measuring your fitness and assigning it a number, we can track changes in your fitness over weeks, months, even years.

During an assessment, riders first follow a consistent, structured warm-up before riding at a challenging effort level for 20 minutes.

By assessing FTP, not only can we track changes in fitness but we can also establish training zones, i.e. power levels. And as your fitness changes, we can update these training zones accordingly.

What is TrainingPeaks?

Your time is valuable. With TrainingPeaks Athlete Edition you’ll train smarter, not just harder. Log your workouts so that I can see them to analyse your heart rate, power, and other data.   TrainingPeaks allows me to make analysis-informed training decisions and measure your progress over time using scientific tools like TSS®, the Performance Management Chart, and more. You can access TrainingPeaks on iPhone, Android, or the web, and choose between a free Basic or paid Premium option.  

Other than my bike, what equipment do I need?

In a perfect world everyone would have a power meter but that is not the world that we live in.  We require all coached athletes to have at least a Heart Rate (HR) monitor that can record minimum, maximum and average heart rate.  There are many brands and options out there including Bluetooth HR straps that will connect to phone apps such as Strava.  If you are unsure you are welcome to contact us and we will provide some advice based on our experience.

How long should a training plan last?

This is a difficult question to answer.  The length of any coaching or training plan will depend on the event that is being targeted along with the level of fitness and ability at the start of the program.  We recommend  minimum of 12 weeks although for longer events this could be as long as 20 weeks or more.

What is a limiter?

Every athlete has their own strengths and weaknesses. The reasons for this can be physiological, psychological, and/or some other issue.  It’s important to objectively assess yourself and determine which key limiters are preventing you from accomplishing your goals. There is a basic truth that results from this assessment; race your strengths and train your weaknesses. While it’s very easy to work on the things we are good at and enjoy, it takes a disciplined and determined athlete to work on the things that are weaknesses, and, by definition, less fun.