I’d say that you should get a smart trainer and go TR for a year. Try to go through SSMV 1 &2 then do a build. If you want you could go back to base and repeat or go onto a specialty plan if you have a big A race.
If you want to spend a year only boosting up the FTP, I’d consider avoiding the specialty phase.
I think you’ll get a sufficient boost in FTP that you’ll be satisfied for the year.
Next year you might decide to go find a new coach who can explain their process with you.
I’ve always had a suspicion with coaches that there is a style of coaching which is great for people who started racing at like 14 years old. Essentially they already have their FTP raised up, so they just need to work on their endurance for the year.
But, many other people are coming into the sport and need to catch up. I know from my own experience that just going out and riding a lot is not going to shoot your FTP up super fast. But from my research following a good structured plan stands a better chance at it.
I have no issue with you doing so and welcome differing points-of-view
To clarify my “one-size-fits-all” comment:
TrainerRoad offers exactly 18 different Base programs: LV, MV, and HV of 6 different plans. If for example, there are TrainerRoad 54,000 users, then by definition, on average there will be 3,000 users doing exactly the same workout. However, if you had access to each of these users’ training history and PDC charts, you would find a massive variation amongst users, from phenotypes to annual volume, etc. An experienced coach or knowledgeable user would not prescribe the same workout for all these individuals, hence the “one size fits all” comment.
Just to use my own example, in 2018 I entered TR with an annual TSS of 30,000 (near upper end recommended for Masters athlete), which is about 600 TSS/week. I used the SSB MV plan (rest days are important, particularly for Masters athletes, and hence why LV wouldn’t be a good plan). However, if I were to have followed SSB MVI as is, I would have had a decline in fitness. So with the understanding of the requisite training I needed to achieve the specific goals I was targeting and the tools to measure (TP + WKO), I used TR’s Workout Creator to make substantial changes to MV to achieve my goals . . . and had the results to demonstrate the effectiveness of doing so.
I’ve been following various base / build / speciality programmes for a while and also played around with the Plan Builder.
I think that the ideal for me would be to have a single interaction with a ‘real life’ coach, who looks at my historical data and my year targets and helps me to choose/design a series of programmes for the season.
An expert ‘human’ reviewing a programme that I’ll be putting my next 7 months or so of effort into would be money well spent alongside my TR subscription.
p.s. if you can recommend any coaches who could do such one off sessions, please let me know!
I pretty much made this same decision - invested in a smart trainer and TR in place of coached sessions. However, this was after 5+ years of structured training under my belt and having a great depth of knowledge on what work I need to do and how to achieve it. I also think I am good at being accountable to myself without a coach or group. If you feel you need the accountability of a coach to keep you on track and following a long-term plan, then this is where I think a coach adds real value. They are able to step back and look at the big picture while you focus on the day-to-day.
What do you mean by “your endurance has improved a lot”?
A drop in FTP May be intentional, expecting better gains in the future. Many experience it during the base phase and maybe after a few weeks off the bike/structured training.
Did you change to a coach/other strategy because of a specific reason, e.g., to have less intensity?
What you describe is a HUGE opportunity, but sadly Nate has rejected this business model (or more specifically does not provide a great solution - there’s a separate thread on this topic).
In essence, cyclists are left with 2 extremes: use a coach or follow TR as prescribed and hope that through the Forum you can learn enough from others to make the appropriate changes yourself. As implied above, I am able to do so. But the time invested to get to that point has been massive. The solution, I believe, is to allow coaches direct access to user accounts similar to the way TrainingPeaks works. The result is the best of both worlds: With the coach’s guidance, the TR user can select the appropriate plan. And then, along the way, may adjustments as needed based on PDC progression, cycling events, life challenges, etc.
This is a good example of the value a coach provides. A coach could temper that chasing FTP enthusiasm and keep the athlete on target. The obsession with retesting every month puts significant emphasis on FTP gains and not much else.
You have a bike, a trainer and a power meter. Check all of those boxes.
You have a coach and you are debating whether a coach is more valuable than a smart trainer, correct? To me it isn’t even a question. You can use TR with a dumb trainer and have great workouts in resistance mode. Are we debating the efficacy of resistance mode vs. ERG mode here? A smart trainer has some convenience benefits and if you use Zwift adds to the reality of the experience but I don’t know of any study that states that FTP gains are greater for smart trainers vs. dumb trainers. Nate uses resistance mode at times and has a smart trainer for what it’s worth.
I have a coach and I use TR. I even use workouts straight from the plans and my coach has zero issues with me doing so. So I don’t feel the decision is either TR OR a coach, you can do both.
TR is great and you should use it. A coach is a great resource and if you have the ability to use one you should. A smart trainer is great but a dumb trainer is really just as good if your focus is on FTP gains. You have a great set of PM pedals so no need to upgrade there.
I would chat with your coach about your concerns. Your coach may not be the best coach for you but there is one out there that will help you make the gains you are looking for.
I find the TR training plan to be on par with most coaching plans I’ve had in the past (at a fraction of the cost). Having had that coaching history has helped me recognize when adjustments need to be made. With the new plan builder though I think it will take TR training to the next level as it can give a bigger overview on your plan.
Coach advantages (particularly if local) they can give specific group ride tactics and technique advice.
My reco, start with TR and a smart trainer. If you progress and plateau, maybe look at the coach route
