Originally Posted by
Hermes
Here is some food for thought. IMO, it is not a good idea to set new power records every time one rides. It takes much longer for connective tissue and joints to respond to training than muscles. It is much easier to get stronger such that there is a higher chance for injury. Once you find the power zones that work, then stay with them for some time and gradually increase power. Indoor riding over the winter is a great way to build muscular infrastructure (muscles, tendons and joints), endurance and technique. Power can be easily added in the spring. Think of it as building a building. One can make the building taller if the foundation is solid.
I am always amazed at the lack of fans. You guys must cook in that place and lose a lot of water and I assume it is not that warm in there to begin with. I get hot at z2 power and need a lot of air blowing on me. At z3 and higher, I like to have a couple of fans.
Hermes: It's a good point and I appreciate the thought on new power records. Since I started at a low level I do think new records are going to come easily at first but then they will surely level off. I had a couple of breakthrough sessions a week or two ago but don't expect to do it every time by any means. I was in a good groove last night with good consistent intervals, none of them new records, but all progressively better and the last not far from my best. I felt that it was good work.
As to the fans, the ambient temp in the room is about 55 degrees and it is pretty cold outside now so opening a window or two keeps things tolerable. We had a warm streak last month and when the room was in the 70s, it was definitely too hot without fans. Also note that we are usually done in less than one hour so the heat buildup in the room isn't too bad. Last night I went through about 32 ounces of water in 45 minutes.