# Very low ftp at 65 - 38 yr old female

**URL:** <https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/very-low-ftp-at-65-38-yr-old-female/107237>\
**Category:** Training\
**Created:** [December 26, 2025, 9:19pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/very-low-ftp-at-65-38-yr-old-female/107237 "2025-12-26T21:19:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 45

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**Author:** ![roleypup](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/roleypup/32/145848_2.png) [@roleypup](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/roleypup)\
**Post date:** [December 29, 2025, 10:57am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/very-low-ftp-at-65-38-yr-old-female/107237/45 "2025-12-29T10:57:48Z")

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Hi @Snail, congrats on starting the journey!

From what you’ve written about your test experience, I think @AldridgePrior brought up an important point:

> [@AldridgePrior](#):
>
> Another thought is that it’s possible Snail’s FTP is higher, but that she’s simply not accustomed to going that deep.

I remember Jonathan saying on the podcast years ago before AI detection of FTP was available, that when FTP test day rolled around his wife made sure there was a bucket handy because his effort was so intense he’d sometimes vomit.

After an FTP test, be it a 1-hour, 20-minute, 2×8-minute, or ramp, you should be absolutely spent, nothing more to give at the moment the test is up. That’s the point, it’s supposed to be a test of your maximum capacity for the set duration. It’s not “oh this is a bit hard now, I don’t like this, I’m going to back off or stop”. 🙋 & I’ve been there. The vast majority of bike interval training with TR will be challenging but not maximal. But testing, by definition, should be a maximal effort.

A couple more thoughts I haven’t seen mentioned here yet:

1. Since you’re new to indoor training, check the usual stuff: make sure your cooling, fuelling, & hydration are optimal. (Others will have better ideas; I’m fortunate enough that I can do all my training outside. 🥰) This thread has been an interesting read:  
[Let's see your paincave!](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/lets-see-your-paincave/375/)

2. Since you do strength training too, make sure you prioritise what your primary focus is (I’m assuming that’s cycling), because fatigue from a strength workout will affect your performance on the bike, & vice versa. And you’ll want at least a few days’ rest after any workouts before you do an FTP test.

So you could take this into account & test again, or as others have suggested just do the workouts, answer the post-workout surveys, & the system will eventually work out your optimal level over the course of a few weeks.

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