This forum is great. Almost everyone is respectful of others progress.
ZWIFT can be fun, like an indoor meetup. Racing was not a great experience. I got relegated like Alaphilipe for racing in the wrong power category. Hahaha. Plus really didn’t need a Tron Bike. But for gamers it is fun. Never really liked seeing how many failed workouts I had. Destroyed my motivation.
TrainerRoad is my idea of fun. If you continue to use the podcasts and pay close attention to nutrition this is a fantastic tool.
I am 50. My FTP went from 154 to 272 in 8 months.5’ 11” and currently 200lbs I also use outside workouts. I am in the second round and in specialty phase for gran fondo and feel a new bump coming next week. I’ll get my 3w/kg. Then searching for 4w/kg by May 2021. Or at least close.
Be consistent. Make sure you choose the right volume. I used mid all winter and then low with many butter burners with my wife on non training days. In November I return to mid volume century since I am training for the 186 mile Milano San Remo ride in June 2021 if we can get back to Italy.
I wish you the best in your training. Trainer Road has changed not just my cycling but my lifestyle.