Latest Test

I finished up this testing for Base 3 today. The graduated exercise test showed progress as did the 30 minute critical power test. I felt much stronger on the 30 minute test today but only eeked out another 4 watts. Still, that is a solid 10 watt gain since my first test in early January. With 8 weeks of build training I hope to see more dramatic gains but even if I don't, a continuance of these minor gains over the remainder of the year would be substantial. I am now 8 watts from that goal of an FTP of 300 watts.

Testing and Fund Raising

Testing with the meter has been really fun and challenging. So far two athletes have gone through the process. The first had a couple of bad readings due to the operator that made the tests less valuable than they could have been. The next one went really well with very clear data. It won't be until the next test that we fully realize the value of this kind of testing. We will be able to measure very small gains viz the old school method that had a very high error that made month to month detection of gains difficult at best.

MS 150 News
We are gearing up for the Multiple Sclerosis fund raising season. I have formed a team with SLC racing as the kernal but anyone who wants to ride with us is welcome. Click here to go to my fund raising home page or to join the team!

It's Here!

The analyzer arrived today from Canada. Abby brought the box down to me in my office and we tore into it. I played around with it some and took a measurement of myself just sitting around and one of Bikeboy in the midst of an LT interval. He rang up a 4.9 mM/l. I read a little on testing adolescents and they may have different LT thresholds above 4.0 mM/l which is the number I see most defining LT. I can see where having two of these would be helpful in testing. I am going to have to get organized so my tests don't look like an I Love Lucy scene.

Lactate Pro

My new blood lactate analyzer is making its way to my home. I know it crossed the border on its way here from B.C.. I am hoping this will really sharpen the testing process. Trying to nail down LT without it is a little like reading tea leaves. You can approximate but with the error involved, how do you evaluate month to month improvement?

MIsty Mountain Hop

Geez, I'm really sorry but they are the best darn rock and roll band of all time!

Wanton Song

A Led Zeppelin classic done by the Black Crowes with Jimmy Page.

Chronicles of Narnia Rap

check it

Testing

It has been a very busy week. Work, coaching, training and being part of a family combine to make it a wild ride. I managed to finish up my base 2 testing on Tuesday. I am trending positive. Not spectacular gains but I am glad to be going forward. My FTP is now at 290 watts. Edging closer to that 300 number. I really thought I was going to get it on this test. Started out really strong but faded in the middle.

My Pick For Best Superbowl Ad

What do you think?

Saturday Sweat Fest

I sit here pounding down a fine cup of coffee that I wish were bottomless and wait for a group of rugged SLC riders to arrive for this mornings training ride. Snow has fallen again in Michigan so we find ourselves indoors once again.

James and I tested each other last night. He had a 15% improvement on his top end power while I had a 5% improvement.

I am in the process of purchasing a blood lactate analyzer. I have become convinced that approximating LT is not the way to go. The model I have identified is the Lactate Pro made in Canada. The unit itself is not that expensive. It's the test strips that add up. I have been told it can take between 5 and 10 strips per athlete at a little over $2.00 per strip. So do the math and not including the cost of the test unit material costs per test will be $10-$20. In my book it is worth every penny.