ethman

I didn't want to use the dreaded "th" word that gets thrown around so much for fear some may claw their eyes out.

I'm giving the "next level" a go this season. Every time I feel like I've got a handle on it I read someone else's post about what intensity, duration, or type of workout they're doing and then I realize I really don't completely understand how this training plan is supposed to work. I decided to start this discussion to see if anyone else doing this wants to share their thoughts or experiences on the plan.

One question I've been wondering about is the timing of the FTP work during the long 5-6 hour rides. Does anyone think it matters when in the ride this FTP interval is done? Beginning, middle, or end? I've been putting the harder stuff towards the beginning of the workout, generally starting it about 45-60 minutes into the ride for about 60 minutes. I haven't worked up to 90 minutes at FTP yet...

Dolamite02

Without answering your actual post, I'll still bite: What the hell does "th" mean?

Handelfan

The "T" in FTP? If so, why is that a dreaded word around here?

mattm

Damn and I thought this was a thread about upgrading to the 1/2s..

kensuf

When I did it, I saved the hard stuff for the second half of the ride. So if I was doing 2 hours of SST in a 5 hour ride, I'd start around 2:30 into it.

plantrob

Huh?

ericm979

Presumeably its not all in one interval.

carpediemracing 

Start at the beginning. What are you now? What do you consider the next level? You can list off things like race category, avg speed solo (and terrain), if you climb/tt/sprint well, etc.

Unless you're already domestic pro level, it's pretty easy. Make sure you're light enough. If you're already skinny then skip that part. If not then lose weight. It's impossible to lose substantial weight (20-30-40 lbs) while riding, easier when you're focused on just losing weight. You ride a shytload of miles in the off season, laying the biggest, widest base possible (200-300 hours base; 800-900 hours would be considered "extra credit" level). Then you start racing, in, oh, like right now, and race 2-3-4x a week until September. You take it easy between races, heck you may not even ride if you have a good (200+ hour) base. You'll be pleasantly fatigued in September, going through life in kind of a haze, and you'll be very, very strong.

If that doesn't work because you couldn't do a huge base you need to do more focused stuff. I don't know about focused stuff.

If you haven't raced before then it's even easier. Just do a shytload of group rides that have at least 3-4-5 racers in them, absorb info, ask questions, don't argue back, and start racing after 10-20-30 group rides. You'll think it isn't that bad.

bostongarden

I think I've followed that program, but, will I be ready for March 4?

rkwaki

Nice post CDR.

It is always easier if these type of post were to follow a simple format:
Start off with:
Age:
Height:
Weight:
Years Riding:
Years Racing:
Race Category:
2012 Goal:
Ultimate Goal:

From there making recommendations is so much easier.

ethman

My bad everyone... guess I was being too cryptic with my post. For those of you not familiar I was referring to https://www.peakscoachinggroup.com/Ar...next_level.pdf as the "next level". I'm trying it and I've seen a few others post about their experience on it as well. The "th" word I was avoiding was "thread". I could only imagine the collective groans if I started "the next level thread". Seems like there's a thread for everything, maybe we need a thread thread.

I'm not looking to take my riding to some intangible "next level" I'm actually trying to work specifically on my FTP through the rough guidelines from this article. I thought this could be a place for those doing it to share their experiences.

Thanks for the response Kensuf, any reason to wait so long in the ride?

carpediemracing 

I'm only short about 150 hours myself (of the 200 hours, not the 900 hours), about 100 hours short of what I did in 2010.

Question is will I be ready for March 4th.

echappist

it's easier for us to help you if you provide the following:

I'd add hours/week you have been training and hours/week you plan to train to that list. Quite important in determining how much you can do.

correct

rkwaki

True dat...

shovelhd

Correct me if I'm wrong.

This is a "big hours" program, as in 18-20 hours/wk. If you try and squeeze it by adding intensity, you'll burn out before the season starts.

kensuf

It's big hours with intensity. L4 work, no L5 work, but yeah it's tough.

shovelhd

So would you say that if you try and squeeze the hours by adding intensity, you'll burn out?

ethman

Alright, I'll bite. I didn't want to make this all about me, I was thinking discussion. But here goes:

Age: 38
Height: 6'
Weight: 165
Years Riding: 3
Years Racing: 2
Race Category: 4
2012 Goal: Improve FTP and other areas, have some top 5 and 10 finishes, race more confidently, and (hopefully) earn enough points to Cat up
Ultimate Goal: Not sure yet... become a competent Cat 3, not sure if I'll have the time/talent to get any higher.

Hours per week are around 12-14 on the bike with 2 more in the gym. I'm averaging around 900-1,000 TSS weekly. I'm currently in my first Build phase. I was getting slightly more hours in during Base.

rkwaki

It's ok, I will allow you to have all the spotlight this one time only. At some point I will redirect it towards myself.

hammy56

put the fork down.

allawayr

Well, you just made ME feel fat...

ethman

yes, I realize I'm a fatty... but if I get any thinner I may never, ever attract a mate... unless she likes anorexic guys. In all seriousness I'm going to have my body fat tested soon, but I think it's pretty low for someone my age. I think the next step would be to allow what little upper body muscle I have to wither away. Not sure I want to do that too... Can't say that the Schleck look is a very attractive one.

Homebrew01

and me feel fatter

rkwaki

Hi my name is rkwaki and I am a fatty

hammy56

meh...Im 5-11 154lbs, (still a fatty) and I got beeitches chasin' me like Tom is chasin' Jerry...






as long as I believe it, thats all that matters.