Hi There,
This is my recovery week after following a 12 wks TD training plan.
I felt great during the whole plan, I was able to ride for 3:15 hrs (never done before) and no injuries at all…
I previously tried some Zwift training plans with little luck and feeling extremely tired or unable to finish a specific workout…
Take into account that I use a spin bike with Favero single power pedals (not the best set-up) and that I started to train on a bike from July 2024 because I couldn’t run anymore…
Oh yes, I forgot to mention that I had a stroke (clogged arteries) in 2021, that I have 4 (four) cardiac by-passes and I am nearly 61…
Don’t worry, my cardiologist is a cyclist and a hyperbaric doctor and I have his green light to train on the bike and still be a scuba diving instructor…
Anyway, today i did a ramp test on Zwift and my FTP increased from 148 to 169, +21 Watts…
I don’t know if this can be seen as a huge gain but I am pretty happy…
To tell the truth I could have pushed more but maybe the next time…
I love it Erik!!! Consistency, enjoyable, and any gains I would say is absolutely perfect. Each person is individual regarding gains so impossible to say what is good or what is bad, maybe there are a few cases where it is a bit predictable but mostly not.
A bad strategy is trying to force gains that really are not there or not realistic based on where a person is at. Spin bike and favero are great. I use my spin bike more than my smart trainer(s)
I am so happy it sounds like your life is heading in the right direction. I am 58 so not that far behind you.
Nice Erik, you’re a great example of how to build cycling fitness. 21 Watts is a good progression. You will see that the better you get, the more work you need to do to progress. That is why so many cyclists are trying to kill themselves on the bike. But a big part of progression is your zone 2, low-intensity training, and a big limiter is time.
Your perspective seems to be more from a health point of view (correct me if I’m wrong). That is a good approach. Just keep going like this, you are doing great.
Hi Coach,
you are right, my perspective is more from a health point of view and keeping me in good form for the years to come… I am totally new to the cycling world but had to embrace it because I couldn’t run anymore…
I know what it takes to lower a PB, when you start running it is easy to see your performance getting better and better but after a while you have to train harder just to see your PB drop a couple of seconds…
I needed something to keep me angaged and glad I found Zwift and TD…
The new Base+ plan is keeping me very busy right now because with a higher FTP everything is harder but doable…
Yesterday I went to the doctor for a cycle ergometer test, he stopped it at 140W because according to him it was “more than enough” but I could have gone further…
He said I was in a very good form…
Well, after a stroke and 4 by-passes I couldn’t ask for more…
Today “Church Of The Long Ride”, 3:45 on my spin bike, now I know how a hamster feels like…
It took will, concentration and lots of fluids, I reached a point where I was struggling and so I decided to keep a steady lower pace to finish this workout hence the hamster…
My first +90 Km (according to Zwift), both Intervals,icu and my Garmin (!!!) are happy…
I would advise you to take a short break when you are doing this kind of effort inside. It doesn’t have to be long. 10 Minutes is fine. It will relax the strain you put on your body because of the immobility of your bike.
Garmin and ICU won’t mind.
Wow, that’s an incredible comeback story! Increasing your FTP by 21 watts after a stroke and multiple bypasses is really impressive, especially starting training only recently. It shows how dedication and the right guidance can lead to amazing progress, no matter the challenges.Using a spin bike with Favero pedals may not be perfect, but you’re making the most of what you have—and that’s what counts. Recovery weeks are important too, so keep listening to your body.
If you’re looking for supplements or health products to support your recovery and training, trusted sources like Pharmacy B2B have a wide range of options for athletes and anyone focusing on wellness.
TSS will go down for the same intensity with a higher ftp. Generally these pmc charts are a bit flawed as the drive people to more and more intensity or volume even when that is not the right approach. So you are blessed.
If it feels too easy and un-motivational, then we can fix that. If it feels fine then don’t worry about the PMC chart. CTL or whatever it is called inIntervals. This is not fitness even though it is referred to as such. Fitness is closer aligned to FTP. That is also flawed but less flawed than CTL.
