Last post I wrote a bit about inspiration, and nothing is more inspiring than seeing results. Since I don't race I can't point to spots on a podium, or personal-best time-trial efforts, to demonstrate results. Thankfully, my cycling efforts don't require that I get a sponsor's name in front of a camera!
Instead, every few weeks I ride the ErgVideo Threshold Test to track my progress. My most recent test put me at an FTP of 207 watts, up from 198 watts a month earlier, which was up from 192 watts on my first test. So in about three months I am up 15 watts, which is tracking perfectly with my personal goal of getting my FTP to 225 watts by the Etape du Tour.
Along with increasing my wattage, I am also attempting to bring down my weight to achieve a higher power to weight ratio. I started in November of 2008 at 165 lbs. Currently, I am hovering at about 150. My target weight for July is 140-145. There was a very revealing article on the Team Astana website that talks about weight its correlation to the energy required to move it on a bike (link below).
As much as I appreciate the technology of the CompuTrainer, nothing beats just getting outside and riding. With weather hovering in the mid 60s it was a perfect weekend for riding. A small group I ride with on Sundays headed up into the local mountains along the same route taken by the Tour of California as they went from Santa Clarita into Pasadena. It's hard to believe that this view is just a 30 minute ride from Pasadena, CA.
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who has donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation in support of my ride. We have broken $1,000! Your contributions are truly appreciated. And of course if you would like to donate, just click on the link on the right column to go the my LAF fundraising page.
Ken
Watts per Kg Article
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