Physiology First: Navigating a “Red Light” Morning with AlphaHRV
Physiology First: My Red Light Recovery Ride This morning was a masterclass in why I apply a Physiology First framework to every session, looking at the internal engine before I look at the wattage. Between a late meal and the devastating news about my friend Murray being struck by a motorist—suffering a serious […]
Decoding the Hard-Start: How Ronnestad Intervals Impact Garmin Stamina & Training Effect
The “Hard-Start” Evolution: Pushing the Limits of the Rønnestad Protocol Testing the Ronnestad Hard-Start Intervals protocol this week provided a fascinating look at oxygen kinetics and internal load. Before this session, I attempted to link my VO2 Master to the phone for a full metabolic calibration. Despite several attempts, the mask simply wouldn’t handshake. Rather […]
VO₂max Intervals: The Most Misunderstood Workout in Cycling—And How to Do Them “Right”
VO2Max State vs. Zone: What’s Happening Under the Hood https://youtube.com/shorts/gjB6seZEVec?feature=share I recently started using my VO₂Master again. In this session, I wanted to explore the VO2max state vs zone debate by looking at the actual physiological cost of high-intensity efforts. Earlier this week, I performed five separate 3-minute intervals at an intensity well above […]
The Road to 300 Watts FTP
Right Now, It’s NOT about 300 Watts; It’s About Raising LOWER THRESHOLD
The goal of base is to train the body for Economy. Stamina is the fundamental Pillar for Polarized Training. When you train using DFAA-1, you can get a clearer picture of how your body is responding to the training. Wattage and traditional heart rate become
What Does All The Data Say??
We Have to Look at the Holistic Picture. I’ve been a Cycling Coach since September of 1993. I started with pace, then heart rate. In 1995 I bought my first CompuTrainer, and learned about LOAD. In 1998, I owned the world’s first TUNE powertap built for mountain bike rear wheel spacing. In 2004, I bought […]
Xert Breakthrough With Physiological Metrics
Xert Is On Board With Some Serious Physiological Observations My Client, Dusty, achieved an Xert Breakthrough while I observed his Physiological Metrics. This is Part 2 of what will now be a 3-part series of videos. In Part 1, I described the physiological phenomena behind a good warmup. Today, we’re going to show how Xert […]
Xert FTP Tested
Xert Claims my FTP (Functional Threshold Power) Sits At 265 Watts. Is It Accurate?
I’ve always wondered if calculated Functional Threshold Power Values are accurate. Since 2017, however, I have relied on the Xert FTP value.
For years, we relied on the “20-Minute” Test. Riders would perform a 20-Minute effort, all out, and then subtract 5% from that value. The new number was considered “Threshold”.
Later, physiologists looked at 90% of a 3-Minute Maximal Effort.
There’s the 5-1-5 test….
Step Tests (25w steps every 3 minutes)…
Ramp tests (15-20w every minute)…
The latest ‘Testing’ asks for a 20-minute, 5-minute, 1-minute, and 5-second effort.
[caption id="attachment_12832" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Xert Claims that my FTP (Functional Threshold Power) is at 265 watts. Let’s find out how accurate that really is.[/caption]
NO MORE TESTING???.
Moxy Monitor Warmup Protocol
The Moxy Monitor Warmup Protocol Ensures a Better Ride! The Moxy Monitor gives cyclists a better window into their body, and how the body responds to intervals and recovery. When we use the Moxy for warmup observations, we end up with a higher saturated muscle oxygen (SMo2), and a higher Total Hemoglobin Count (ThB). […]
Using the Moxy Muscle Oxygen Monitor to Affirm LT1
Moxy Muscle Oxygen Monitor Is A Passive Way to Detect Lactate Threshold Deflection Points I’ve been using the Moxy Muscle Oxygen Monitor since the product first became available in the early 2010’s. I quickly realized that it offered insights into physical fitness unlike any other product. Today’s Online Bike Coach Daily Ditty shows how my […]
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.