Predicting the Redline: Using Garmin Sleep Scores to Master Ronnestad 30-15 Intervals
Physiology First: Using Garmin Sleep Scores to Predict Ronnestad 30-15 Success Part I: The Garmin Sleep Score Ronnestad Preflight We often treat training like a game of chance, but the reality is that your body provides a daily “weather report” if you know where to look. Before I even touched my bike this morning, I […]
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 […]
W′, Critical Power, and the Physiology Behind High‑Intensity Training
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Table of Contents Outline Introduction: performance metrics meet physiology AMP, AMPK, and the signal that tells cells to adapt Critical power and W′: two quantities, one practical model Why W′ matters beyond being “just a number” W′ as a fatigue tank: a practical mental model Practical example: why 400 […]
Altitude, Heat, and the Power Curve: Practical Physiology for Endurance Athletes
Elite performance is built on a careful balance between stress and recovery, biology and behavior. This article translates practical lessons from applied sports science into usable guidance for endurance athletes and coaches. It covers how simulated altitude works, why erythropoiesis is not as simple as “more red blood cells = better,” how heat affects different […]
Vo2Max and Heart Health – A Single Ride Following Dr. Paddy Barrett’s Formula
Vo2Max and Heart Health Correlation With DFAA-1 and other Metrics I recently stumbled across a Substack post by Dr. Paddy Barrett that explains how Vo2Max is impacted by low intensity exercise. While I had not known about Dr. Barrett previously, when I read his history and other posts, I became intrigued. I think he’s a […]
Vo2Max and Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking Requires Riding at Vo2Max! CAUTION – THIS POST IS NERD-HEAVY! IT IS DEEP IN THE WEEDS! DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK QUESTIONS!!!!! Ever since I received my Vo2Master back from my friend and code buddy in Canada, I have been collecting data on inside and outside rides. Not long ago, I rode two […]
Vo2Master Vo2Max Value Affirms Garmin Vo2Max Estimator
Vo2Master’s Vo2Max Value Was 98% Consistent with Garmin In May of this year, I wrote a post about the Garmin Vo2Max Calculator. In July, I was able to test my Vo2Max at OBC Headquarters, to compare values. I performed a Graded Exercise Test, using the Vo2Master app. This app, on a cell phone, trapped data […]
Vo2Max On Garmin Connect and the Garmin 1040
Vo2Max Calculations Show Cardio-Vascular Changes Vo2max is a fitness and health measurement that is defined as, “The Maximal Volume of Oxygen that can be consumed by a person during physical exertion.” I’ve discussed Vo2max in the past, and I even own a Vo2Master assessment device, for testing and training purposes. Garmin Connect uses information collected […]
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]