With the weather improving (we’ve had one sunny day here in the UK and I’m getting ahead of myself) and a new bike being delivered next week, I’m looking forward to getting off of Zwift and heading out for some fresh air for a change.
This is the first time I’ve really stuck myself into a training plan, so my experience has been limited to indoor workouts so far, but I’m keen to hear advice for getting the most out of workouts when completing them outdoors.
What are you recommendations for workout choice, route planning, FTP adjustment, etc.?
One option, especially if you plan to ride outside on a consistent day of the week, is to adjust your training plan to have a solo/group ride on that day of the week, and then let TR adjust the indoor workout days accordingly. You’ll just get an ‘Endurance’ ride on the outside day/s, along with a recommended duration and TSS (which you can stick to, or not, and then TR will adjust, if needed). Just be sure to rate your ride afterward.
And if the days you are riding outside vary, you can also just delete the indoor workout on that day, and add a solo/group ride to your calendar and, again, TR will adjust other workouts as necessary.
Of course, doing the prescribed workout outdoors is always an option. Just set it as such in the calendar and then upload it to your head unit and follow the steps on your ride. I generally try to avoid this simply because finding a route the reasonably approximates what would be needed to complete the workout effectively can be tricky.
Are you a “stick to the blue line” kind of guy or someone who is a little bit more loose and rides the terrain? There are benefits to both IMO, but whatever kind of person you are go for it and go all-in.
Biggest thing… find a safe place you can ride and don’t be afraid to go up and down a hill a few times if needed. And misery loves company so take a riding buddy with you!
Route planning is really important. It was easier for me to learn to use power meter on the ascent. Used 10s avg power at first to get the feeling and then moved to 3s average. It takes time to get used to it. As you might suggest cadence plays major role…. sometimes its easier for me to adjust cadence to the desired power target than to change the gears. Do not be constantly watching your head unit, thats not safe, i know its tempting. Do few endurance rides by rpe and just monitor your power. Riding outside with power meter is really fun. Try hill repeats for some intervals if you have any around you. In group rides be very careful with watching your head unit! FTP wise mine was higher outside. Have fun and do not stick to the blue line on indoor rides. Putting power outside is easier.
Ignore what other cyclists are doing. Its the easiest thing in the world to try and catch or stay with someone who has overtaken you. Stick to the planned work.