L6: Power vs. RPE or HR

Hello

I have a basic question:
I've just tried to do some L6 intervals (5x2x2), my CP5 is 435W. The intervals averaged around 400W, which would mean near the top of L5, but my heart rate and rpe would defitnely say L6.
Did I do VO2max or anaerobic intervals?

If the watts were at the top of L5, I would say L5. HR is not helpful here due to its response lag and ability to be influenced by other factors. That's why you got the PM, to give you brutally honest feedback.

HR+watts can be useful, but not really in high intensity intervals im(very)ho

If the numbers are right, then it looks like L5 with not much time in L5 for each work interval. What is your estimated FTP?
If you want to go L6, you might shorten the work interval to 1 min, hammer the power (these are not necessarily watch your power meter intervals), and perhaps even increase the rest intervals to 2.5-3 minutes. Start with 4-6 intervals on the first attempt. Add intervals as you go back to this workout. Making 4-6 can be crazy hard the first time out, but AWC can come around fast and adding intervals can be accomplished.

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Steve Palladino

http://www.kp.org/mydoctor/steve_palladino

http://eteamz.active.com/FightinBoba...=24&id=4591042

L5. While you would have had an anaerobic component, what you describe is still dominantly an aerobic effort.

30-60-secs efforts would be better (if you want to focus on enhancing your anaerobic work capacity that is).

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Thanks for your answers.
Is it also better for aerobic workouts, to keep the power in the zone than keeping the planned duration but with less power?

Better for what?

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Custom Training Plans -- cyclecoach.com -- My Blog -- Power Meter Hire in Australia

I'm no expert, but for more effective aerobic workouts, all other things being equal, you'll want to increase duration rather than intensity. Of course this depends on the event you're training for.


To address your question (I think), if you're dropping power (say ~10%) during the interval you should probably quit as you're not recovered enough to fully benefit from the desired workout. Kinda depends on how focused your training schedule is. If you're strict about it, you should stop when your power drops significantly and come back another day after some rest.

Make certain you have a good understanding of what your zones actually are; especially your FTP.