The Beginning

The beginning to every training plan starts with the FTP test. It evaluates your current performance level so your next block of training can be accurately structured.

I've carried out a few over the last year (maybe not as many as I wish I had) and let me assure you... They are not easy!! They are designed to test you. To find out your limits. It's a great way to gauge your performance over time... It will also prove extremely useful when I approach race season as I can use this to estimate my required power output depending on the duration.

I completed my first FTP test today so I can begin my training next week. This is the first time I have used my new Vector 2S power meter so I was going in a little bit blind. Up until now I was using the virtual power that Trainnerroad estimate from your turbo trainer so I didn't really know what to expect... If they are not accurately comparable, all historical data up until this point is basically redundant. I'm going to see if I can find a way to overcome this issues as it would be really useful to know how much I have improved.

Any who... Here are the results from this test. 

My new FTP is 257 Watts (3.7W/kg). It doesn't really mean much at this point in time. What I was more amazed at was my maximum heart rate was 199 bpm!! The average for the last 5min of the 20min test was 191. Given that my Max up until today was 194 I find this remarkable. It now explains why I was in so much pain!! Lol

Long road ahead before I am anywhere near the national hill climb champs... I should imagine I need somewhere in the region of 6W/kg... At my current weight that would mean an FTP of 420W!!