Originally Posted by
Sierra_rider
I don't even do strength training to failure...but anyway, context matters in your failed zone 4 interval. Assuming you're fresh enough to be attempting zone 4 intervals, are you riding to a newly established FTP? Have you built your interval times up to 20 minutes?
I don't do FTP tests anymore, but rather just train off of the estimated FTP from Intervals.ICU. When it gives me an FTP increase I'll do my zone 4 intervals at that new power, but at a shorter duration. I'll start out with 3x10's, gradually increasing the interval duration until I'm doing 2x20's or 30's. Once I'm comfortable with those interval durations in shorter rides or indoor sessions, I'll train them deep into a longer 4+hour ride. All that being said, sometimes I just have bad days and struggle to do intervals at my normal power.
I don't do FTP tests. I did do a one hour all out ride for no apparent reason a few months back - full gas. I would think that is better data than a 20 min test. And my training since that point has not really changed or eased up. I don't "train" or particularly ride that hard - 70-75% Z2 or lower, some Z3, some Z4 intervals.
I rode yesterday fresh - figured I do 2x20 at 90-95% of that prior 1 hour power. First interval was easy except for the last min. I figured that was mental. 15 min break at low Z2. Second interval the power was off and I was limited to Z3 - 2+/- min and everything shut down. Complete failure.