I did my first Functional Threshold Test of the macrocycle Sunday and was really pleased with the result. I put up 233 watts over the 20-minute time trial, giving me a starting FTP of 221.
A year ago, my starting FTP was 201.
Two years ago in May, it was 224, when I was killing it early in the season.
I try not to get too excited either way about this early snapshot into my fitness, but I have to say I was surprised and happy with Sunday's number. I tried a couple things different during my off-season, which began in mid-January this year, much earlier than previous years.
Instead of cross-training by running, I rode off-road more, mixing it up with my single-speed and geared race bike. I know I opened myself up for burnout staying on the bike more, but I thought I needed to regain my passion for riding.
Running 3 miles 3-4 times a week wasn't going to do that. Besides, I just don't like to run. But I know the benefits of weight-bearing activities. I figured my weight training could give me enough of that.
My 32 miles a week off-road at lactate threshold might have been a little too much intensity, but I allowed complete recovery between my twice-weekly rides. I never felt tired, and I believe I'm seeing the benefits now, coming into my season in much better shape and mind-set.
