Xert Build Phase – 22 Rides (Hours) on Rollers Thus Far
The Xert BUILD Phase – 3 weeks in.
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I use the Garmin 1030 with Xert Fields to follow my plan, per the Xert Adaptive Training Advisor.[/caption]
I’ve been enjoying the rides on my Rollers, but I have been neglecting the Web Log, so now it’s time to update everything. Following the SMART acronym, I’m now 3 weeks in to the Xert Build Phase.
Let’s start with setting some goals, and then discuss the Xert Build Phase.
100 Rides (Hours) on Rollers With Xert
100 Rides (Hours) on Rollers With Xert.
Yes, you read that correctly. I have set up my Xert Adaptive Training Advisor for a 5MMP, “Breakaway Specialist” Breakthrough, on January 30th of 2021. This is roughly 9 weeks away. I’ll be riding almost exclusively on my Rollers.
I’m Back
Technology, Application, Attention, Success Hey everyone— After roughly three years where I lived two person’s lifetimes, lost a business, lost a home, almost lost a second marriage, got out of debt, and moved from Dallas, TX to Reno, NV, and spent a year here just…riding and living, it was time to start sharing and discussing […]
Performing 8-Second “Zoomies” with 6-Second Recoveries to Achieve Fitness Breakthroughs

This is a short video of several clients at the studio performing Intervals called “Zoomies”. Zoomies are 8-second intervals, with just 6 second recoveries. We performed FORTY of these in 3 sets. The goal is to ride the 8 second intervals at a relatively high intensity, maybe 150-200% of Threshold. Then the cyclist spins through a short recovery. I used it on Tuesday, and multiple cyclists achieved breakthroughs on Xert. I’m using it today as well, to similar effect.
Here’s how to make them work for you.
Afraid To Suffer, Part Two: Breaking Through
Our story so far:
I met with this individual, after they signed up for Xert. I helped them program the head unit.
I explained the concept of volume, intensity, frequency, Focus, and fitness breakthroughs.
For TEN WEEKS, this individual’s numbers JUST. KEPT. DROPPING.
I couldn’t figure it out. Until Finally, it dawned on me to try ONE MORE THING.
It’s all about the difference between Suffering and Suffering. And here’s how we made it work.
Afraid to Suffer, Part One
“I’m not getting any better!” (You don’t know how to Suffer!) I HATE that statement. “Better” is a completely loaded term. It implies perception over analysis, and it’s my job as a coach to be a shrink, a cheerleader, a gentle critic, a cajoler, and an overall positive influence. But what is NOT my job, […]
MMP (Mean Maximal Power) Breakthroughs Galore in April!
Testing for Mean Max Power (MMP) I’ve been meaning to write about this for a while, so apologies that it’s a few weeks late. However, our training in March and April led to multiple Mean Maximal Power Breakthroughs, and I wanted to write about this. Mean Maximal Power is defined as the “Highest average power” […]
Updating the OLD Xert Garmin Fields With the NEW Xert Garmin Fields – A Video Tutorial.
Unfortunately, I’m posting this a few weeks late. Another update to Xert fields has already rendered this video somewhat obsolete. It’s still a great demonstration of how to get into the old Xert Garmin fields and update them. It also shows what the Garmin Xert Field displays now provide. In Summary: In early March, Xert […]
Why We Still Look at Heart Rate
One of the old standards is Heart Rate. For decades, Heart Rate was a practical way to measure intensity. It could also be used to measure recovery, hydration, and fatigue.
We cannot look at wattage alone. We have to look at wattage as an extrinsic force. When we look at heart rate, this is an intrinsic force. Both bring value.
Here’s an example:
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Looking at Wattage and MPA only, this cyclist did not work too hard.[/caption]
This cyclist was given a workout of 60 minutes. The main set of intervals were 2 minutes long, with one at the end which was very intense and would hopefully yield a breakthrough per Xert.
If we look at the wattage chart alone, it shows a successful workout. MPA dropped, then rose, and the final interval yielded a CLOSE CALL, but not quite a breakthrough. Watts followed the load very closely.
However, when heart rate is revealed, it shows something more.
More Fitness Breakthroughs with W Prime on PerfPro Studio
W Prime Provides a VISUAL approach to Intensity and Fatigue. I posted a few days ago about how my clients were successfully using the W Prime feature on PerfPro Studio, to achieve fitness breakthroughs. Well, it’s happened again. The second day of testing consisted of a 5 minute, 3 minute, and 1 minute test. I […]