What about having a few physiological numbers associated to yourself? It doesn’t have to be THE ONE NUMBER TO RULE THEM ALL does it?
For instance, here’s how I parse my “numbers”;
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Best 60min watts=Verbal_FTP. In 2021 it was 246 (Thursday Night Worlds…I was dropped on the climb but tried to finish as strong as I could…). In 2018 it was 251 (Hill Climb…long hill climb because 251 is also my best 90 minutes of power). So now if anyone asks what my FTP is, I say “250”. Works well enough.
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I use 260 as my “Training FTP” to set zones for Z4 and Z3 (and SS) when I start my TR plan in December. Then through testing (this year I did an 8min FTP test) it can go up from there. I’m able to do SS intervals at 260 (now I’m up to 270 and completing SS rides).
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I kind of wing it when it comes to anything above Z4. I have a list of my “best” 1min through 20min power and I can use those (or approximations) for Supra Threshold/VO2 Max and anything beyond that is me just pushing down on the pedals as hard and as fast as I can. All out.
This has helped me as I can tell people; “My FTP is 250”. I’ve never once had anyone ask a follow up question beyond hearing my number. I never have to tell them I use 260 for setting training zones and move that up as appropriate (testing, feel, etc.) because nobody gives a rats ass about that anyway.
I don’t have the breadth of knowledge or even the time to explain to filthy casuals “Axxckshuuily…(sssniiiifffffff)wipes snot on sleeve FTP IS NOT 60 minutes of power but more closely aligned to MLSS blah blah blah and it ranges from 40-70 minutes” nerd alert
Done and dusted.
I do enjoy these deep dives though they keep me engaged during winter.