How did it feel in the 230-239 range?
It felt ok. I did push the HR to 186 (Max 192)… Controlling watts outside is harder. I felt strong at the beginning and wasn’t paying attention to the head unit, ended up doing 3 minutes at 300+ watts, so pacing wasn’t optimal. I feel 230 is apt, I could have pushed it a bit longer towards the end, but that wouldn’t have materially changed anything.
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Sounds like 230 is a good place to peg it at then. As Kolie has said, you lose very little by under-estimating a bit, vs over-estimating where you can pay a hefty price in terms of recovery etc.
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You’ll never know it to the watt, and it doesn’t even exist to the watt physiologically. Call it 235w, but when doing FTP work aim for 225 to be safe (and there are zero downsides to this).
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Interested in trying the KM inspired ramp test. I cannot find it in the workout list. Does everyone have to recreate it following the principles discussed in this thread, ,or is it some way of gaining access to it?
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You should be able to go here and join the team that has the different test progressions.
This might be a bit nit-picky but it isn’t a ramp test.
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Thank you! You’re right, I guess the caffeine hasn’t kicked in yet 
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I always get confused with RPE…so the final couple minutes of the ramp test are murder, definitely 10/10. And I should feel that same 10/10 effort (not as murderous though!) for the end of the TTE correct?
And speaking of RPE, what would some of you give your KM FTP test overall? According to KM’s first podcast, FTP should be a 6-7/10. Okay, yeah in the beginning it’s a 6-7 then it escalates as time goes on. Should my average for whatever time I held FTP be at a 6-7? What about subsequent intervals?
For me it’s similar RPE but discomfort of a different sort. The ramp is intensity based, the TTE is duration based. Something like being impaled vs being crushed, neither are fun times.
RPE for subsequent intervals should definitely be in the “doable” zone – whatever that is for you. If a TTE is an 8-9 RPE, then really, anything less than an interval of that duration is going to be a lower RPE. Also lower because you’re doing the intervals as <FTP%. And even lower some more because mentally you know you can go for 30+min @ 100% so doing 15min @ 97% is going to be a cake walk*!
*(for any computer/music nerds reading, is Calkwalk still a thing?)
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It turned into something else I think. But I have fond memories of sending my bandmates ideas exported from Cakewalk and saying “like this, but with a guitar put through an Ibanez Tube Screamer and not midi guitar sound option 3”.
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I’ve got a very early Tube Screamer - outstanding bit of kit!
And then for a brief moment I read your screen name as d_stortion.
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Ha! Same! I read the comment and then looked at the name and saw ‘d_distortion’. 
Oh, the brain. 
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Another question for my friends!
I had scheduled a KM TTE test for next Saturday, the 10th. I leave the following day for a 4-day mini vacation YOSEMITE! Now I’m reconsidering the timing; should I save the test for the week I come back and just do another nice long sweet spot/threshold ride the day before I go?
I’d say TTE before your vaycay. Most likely mentally easier than doing it after you come back. Your fitness isn’t going to plummet in 4 days. Have a great time!
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Jellies over here, we tried going in August but no luck! Hope the smoke clears out a bit for you, we are suppose to get some relief tomorrow in Sacramento and Bay Area with the return of an onshore wind. But the weather patterns are a bit different 60-100 miles south of here (we prefer driving to Merced and taking Hwy 140). Enjoy!
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I second @Captain_Doughnutman 's sentiment. I recently went on a long weekend getaway after the third week of a training block, and after missing the last few workouts due to some unexpected interruptions. My power didn’t suffer from such a short time off. Also, it’s worth considering you’ll probably be doing something active while you’re out in Yosemite (running, hiking, walking, etc.), so your fitness shouldn’t fall off a cliff. If anything, you may come back super fresh and ready to tackle some hard workouts.
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@Captain_Doughnutman and @finncox23 then gonna stick the game plan! I also don’t like the idea of coming back from a few days off to then doing a test; not that I think my performance would suffer in such a short amount of time, just the psychological aspect of it.
@bbarrera we got lucky finding lodging for sure. Just last week they re-opened the Pines campgrounds though. I wanted to go because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Yosemite without the crowds. Unfortunately, it will be a little busier with some of the campsites re-opened but still not like pre-COVID with tour buses lining the roads and you can’t take two steps without bumping into someone.
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Yeah, I moved to CA in 1986 and first trips to Yosemite shortly thereafter in October and December (snow camping!). Both in Lower Pines. Off season is the best. Our best trip was March 30 2015, we caught the first bus of the season up to Glacier Point and hiked 8+ miles down the Panorama Trail.
Absolutely spectacular!
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Ugh, I wanted to do this hike next weekend and have prepped for it too (carrying a 7 month old around in a backpack) but it won’t be happening this go around.
I have the exact opposite side view of your photo on the rock just to the right of Half Dome in your pic (your view is better!):
Cloud’s Rest: 24 mile hike in one day 3 years ago on my birthday. I’ll never do it again. But I’ll never forget it
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