IF we were looking at the ATA, well, it’s pretty much spot-on. You’re right on the edge of “Training” and “Training Optional”, and the Xert Progression future workout is arguing for something a little less intense. We’ll see about that. I don’t agree or disagree, but the physiological modeling is rolling parallel to what I’m providing as a coach. However, we communicate more effectively, and we also know when you’re feeling good enough for a breakthrough, when the model might say something different.

STRESS continues to trend upward. You and I know that a good hour on the bike can use as much as 800-1000kj’s, and we’re S L O W L Y going to work our way up for that. Still – I like seeing this growth. It’s going to lead to a great aerobic engine. This is one of my favorite Xert Progression charts; we know how much energy it takes to ride, and here, we see it in a rolling average.

As for Strain, well…. The QUALITY days are QUALITY! HIGH QUALITY! AWESOME QUALITY! LOOK AT THE PURPLE MATCH HEADS!!! And the QUANTITY DAYS ARE QUANTITY! Little-to-no match head! Recovery days are also just that – Recovery; there’s no match head to speak of. Also notice that your Xert Progression Focus line is out there in the “GC Specialist” area. I am JUST fine with that, as, if you think about it – 8 minutes is a PRETTY AEROBIC effort. The Focus Spike was right before your breakthrough, and it settled down again after those two silver medals. We’ll be attempting breakthroughs less frequently now, but when they come, they’ll be “Big Silvers”, as we develop the HIE capacity, and let FTP float up. IT will pull Lower Threshold.

Speaking of Signatures…..

You’re identifying your TRUE HIE, which is fundamental to interval intensity and duration. You are also showing a GREAT, YAWNING GAP of Tempo Power, from 189 watts to 242 watts, which is what I like to call my “Post-Breakaway With 45k to go” power. Remember – I WANT YOU TO BE THE ONLY ONE IN THE PICTURE WHEN THE FINISH LINE COMES AROUND! All of that will rise as FTP and HIE go up. We’ll also ‘Push’ Lower Threshold with LOOOOONG slow rides once the weather warms up where you are.

Finally – let’s take a look at the Planner, as it confirms a few things, and points out a few others…

We’ll start with Ramp Rate. Outside of the week of the 18th, which is still okay at 7.2, look at what the simple act of Progression has built for you; a nice, steady Ramp up of XSS/Day volume. We’ve also seen improved Signatures because of this, and in the last two weeks, we’ve hovered near a 90:10 ratio through Friday of each week. I’m not concerned about smacking a 90:10 or greater for a whole week – THAT would take less volume, and would be too intense for this time of year. Look back at the Strain Chart, and you’ll see that those Quality Days were so beautiful, and fun, that the Easy days ended up being easier, and longer, at higher levels of wattage and energy. Total XSS for the week ended at 669, and it’s THAT number, along with the FOUR WEEKS of GROWTH, is what MIGHT necessitate a Periodization. NOT this week, but maybe NEXT week. We’ll see how this goes as we progress.

For the upcoming week, don’t forget to try and RAISE your watts over the set time periods, and follow my “bank it, then spend it” philosophy. Think of it as half-wheeling from hell. We’ll get appropriate dips in MPA, we’ll see better colors in the “Focus” field, and we’ll continue to see breakthroughs AS YOU SEE FIT!

You’re on your way, and I can’t wait to see what the next two or three weeks bring you in terms of Signature, Volume, and Fatigue. Don’t forget to do some resistance training, and if there are ANY twitches or warning signs from your hip, calves, or heart, we back down, and recover. No injuries. Train hard, Rest Harder.

Chat soon.