The thing I’m finding more and more about this stuff, and even FTP, etc., is using the data to inform “feel”. HR and power (to a lesser extent) will change with a lot of different variables, and sometimes with these tests we are splitting hairs trying to determine if LT1 is at 200 or 205W, when your power meter probably isn’t that accurate. I’m not convinced coaches should be measuring quite so much, when some blend of the empirical and the subjective is probably the right answer when it comes to both testing and day-to-day application. Educating athletes on RPE (not the numerical value, but the actual feeling of certain intensities) is a big part of coaching, IMO.
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